How to Treat a Cough

The treatment goals of a cough are to reduce the number and severity of cough episodes. Cough treatment is symptomatic and the underlying disorder must be treated to stop the cause of the cough.

There are productive coughs and nonproductive coughs. Productive coughs produce phlegm or mucus and it is generally not recommended to suppress this type of cough unless it is interfering with sleep. You do not want to mask an underlying infection that may be occurring and leaving sputum in the lungs can lead to a more serious infection. In that case this video will focus on how to treat nonproductive coughs.

Irritant Triggers:
- Smoke, dust, fumes, foreign bodies.
- Upper airway secretions, gastric contents
- Inflammation of airways from prolonged exposure can precipitate cough and sensitize airway to other irritants.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Over the Counter Treatments:
Over the counter medications come in many forms such as Liquids, syrups, tablets, lozenges, capsules, oral sprays, and creams.
- Cough Syrups
o Codeine (10-20mg every 4 hours as needed not to exceed 120mg/day)
o Dextromethorphan (10-20mg every 4 hours or 30mg every 6-8 hours as needed; maximum 120mg/day)
o Guaifenesin (This is used as an expectorant; thins out mucous) 200-400mg every 4 hours as needed not to exceed 2400mg/day.
- Topical Cough Drops
o Camphor
o Menthol
Ask the pharmacist if you are not sure which one to pick. Just make sure the products you pick have these specific drugs in the active ingredients that I just talked about.

Non-pharmacological Treatments:
- Eliminating irritants.
- Hard Candies such as Jolly Ranchers
- Drink lots of water
- Hot, humid shower
- Quit Smoking
- Humidifiers and Vaporizers

Home Remedies:
- Mix 2 Tablespoons of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of honey and add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Tea
- Tea and Honey
- Teaspoon of Honey

Do not self-treat if:
- You are coughing up a lot thick yellowish or greenish sputum. This is indicative of a bacterial infection. Or blood in sputum.
- You have a Fever greater than 101.5F
- History of underlying disease associated with cough such as COPD, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or Congestive Heart Failure.
- If it is associated with a drug you might be taking such as an ACE inhibitor.
- Cough last more than 7 days.
- You have unintended weight loss
- Drenching night time sweats
- Cough worsens during self-treatment
- Develop new symptoms during self-treatment

Disclaimer:
Please do not self treat without consulting a medical professional. This video provides basic information about medications and should be used for education purposes only. It should not be used as a tool to self diagnose and treat.

References:
1. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs 15th Edition. American Pharmacists Association. Copyright 2006.
2. Lexi-Complete. Copyright 2010.
3. Harrisons Practice. Copyright 2010.