We have all suffered from flu at some point in our lives. The fever, chills and headache can make life difficult.
Flu, otherwise known as influenza, is caused by the influenza virus. It is a highly contagious disease. Although all age groups can catch this disease, it has serious effects on babies and the elderly particularly. Flu spreads through the body fluids such as saliva, mucous etc., of the infected person. It is generally transferred when the infected person coughs or sneezes. The flu is a disease of the respiratory system, but it can affect the whole body.1,2
However, there are some simple remedies to manage your symptoms and be more comfortable. Continue reading to find out!
Flu is an infection caused by a virus called influenza. It occurs mostly in the winter season and is highly contagious. Flu can infect people of all ages. However, the following people are more prone to getting hospitalized with flu.
Also Read: Natural Home Remedies for Sinus Problems
Star anise which is traditionally used as a spice in food, and also acts as a medicine in flu because it’s seeds contain chemicals that might have antibacterial effects. It also contains a chemical called shikimic acid, which is used to make oseltamivir (Tamiflu), a flu treatment.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
If you have flu, you may experience the following symptoms.
Also Read: Effective Home Remedies For Dry Throat
Pain in the chest or abdomen, confusion, vomiting or difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, if you experience any of these symptoms along with flu, it is recommended to visit a physician as soon as possible.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
Also Read: How to Reduce Fever in Adults: Research-Based Remedies
These herbs and remedies have properties to ease flu symptoms, but more research is still required to consolidate their use. Nevertheless, here are some remedies to help with flu symptoms at home.
Using honey may help strengthen your immune system and fight viral infections. Honey may help kill the flu virus and protect the person against flu symptoms.4 There are several recipes to try with honey. You can mix honey in a warm cup of green tea. Another remedy is drinking honey and lemon tea. Drinking warm water mixed with honey may help with a sore throat. However, avoid giving honey to children below one year.
Also Read: Honey: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
Ginger is a widely used medicinal plant across the world. It is included in the Ayurvedic, Chinese and Unani systems of traditional medicine. Using fresh ginger may help eliminate flu symptoms like a sore throat, fever and body ache.5 One of the ways to use ginger for flu is to boil freshly sliced ginger in water. Let it simmer for some time. Drinking warm ginger water may help flu symptoms.
Garlic is known to help the body fight off infections and help destroy viruses by boosting immunity. This property may indicate that garlic might have a soothing effect on flu. Garlic may also help build lost strength. This acquired strength may help to fight off flu symptoms and counter fatigue associated with flu.6, You can take garlic as a dietary supplement and add it to your food.
Echinacea is a medicinal plant commonly known as coneflower or American coneflower. It is often used as a nutritional supplement to help boost the immune system.7 You can use fresh echinacea root or other parts to make tea. Drinking this tea may help you get some relief from flu symptoms. To prepare echinacea tea, you can place the leaves, flowers, and roots of an echinacea plant in a teacup and add boiling water to it. Let this mixture steep the tea as desired, then strain to remove the roots, flowers, and leaves.
Guduchi juice may help with enhancing the immune system and defence mechanism. Together these properties may help fight off the flu symptoms. You can drink fresh guduchi juice to help get rid of flu symptoms.8 You can make guduchi juice at home. Peel some fresh guduchi, and chop it into pieces. Blend the chopped guduchi with a glass of water. Strain this mixture and your guduchi juice is ready.
Also Read: Guduchi : Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!
You need to get plenty of rest during flu recovery. Make sure to stay at home and get enough sleep and keep warm. It may help you recover sooner from the flu.2,9 Resting may also help you regain your strength.
Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. It will help you recover quickly and avoid dehydration.2,9 You can also drink warm chicken soup to help your sore throat and runny nose. You can also try to include foods that contain water in your diet.
A deficiency of vitamin C may make you prone to infections due to impaired immunity. Likewise, vitamin C supplements may help fight infection by boosting the immune system.10 You can involve foods in your diet that are rich in vitamin C, such as lemons, oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, kiwis, and grapefruit.11
Though studies show the benefits of the given herbs and home remedies for flu, these are insufficient. Therefore, there is a need for large-scale human studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of these home remedies on human health. Thus, these should only be taken cautiously and never as a substitute for medical treatment.
Also Read: Home Remedies For Strep Throat By Dr. Rajeev Singh
You must contact your healthcare provider as soon as you experience flu symptoms. It is important that you take flu medicines within 48 hours of experiencing symptoms.2
Consult a professional if the symptoms fail to improve with home remedies.
You must not rely on home remedies alone for flu treatment. Instead, you should consult a qualified doctor for advice on the condition if the symptoms do not improve with home remedies.
Also Read: Simple Home Remedies For Skin Allergies and Rashes
| Eat > Include fresh fruits, salads and protein, such as paneer, soya, sprouts and eggs to fight weakness. > Soup, milk and herbal tea also help. Avoid oily, spicy food and excess sugar. > Take small and frequent meal portions. | Drink > Drink at least 3 litres of water and fluids like coconut water and freshly made fruit and vegetable juices/smoothies. > Avoid liquids such as sugary packed juices and hard drinks. > Gargles and steam inhalation help too. |
| Rest > Don’t exert yourself. Take an ample amount of rest. > Recommended exercises: Alternate Nostril Breathing, Pursed lip breathing, Bhramari pranayama Om breathing (udgeeth pranayam) | Repeat > Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and wear a mask when you go outside.> Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. > Avoid crowded places > Stay home and isolate yourself if you feel sick or have a fever. |
Also Read: Caution Aftercare: What to Avoid After Receiving Your Flu Shot
You may suffer from flu symptoms from time to time. Flu symptoms can hinder your work and daily activities and make life difficult. However, these herbs and home remedies like ginger, honey, garlic, guduchi and echinacea can help you manage your symptoms at home. If the home remedies don’t work out and you continue experiencing the symptoms, you need to reach out to your healthcare provider. Avoid relying solely on home remedies for flu treatment at home, and don’t hesitate to seek medical help.
You can use many herbs to get rid of flu symptoms at home. Natural remedies like ginger, honey, garlic, echinacea and guduchi may be used at home to help manage flu.4–8 However, if the symptoms don’t improve with home remedies and you continue to experience symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare provider.
You can manage your flu symptoms and speed up your recovery by getting plenty of rest and sleep. Hydrating yourself well may play a key role in helping you recover.2,9 However, you can also reach out to your healthcare provider for help if the symptoms don’t improve.
You may use ginger to help with your flu symptoms. Ginger is a commonly found herb used as a remedy for several conditions. For example, ginger may help you with a sore throat, body ache, fever and pain.5 However, more studies are needed to evaluate the usefulness of ginger in humans. You should consult your healthcare provider if your symptoms don’t improve after using ginger.
Herbs like ginger, garlic, and echinacea may help fight off cold and cough symptoms such as a sore throat. In addition, these herbs may boost the immunity that helps fight the infection causing cold and flu symptoms. Honey is also one of the natural ingredients that may help boost immunity and help overcome the flu-related symptoms.4-7 However, before using natural herbs for coughs and colds, you must consult your healthcare provider.
1. Flu (influenza) | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 8]. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/diseases/influenza-flu
2. Influenza (Flu): Treatment, Prevention, Symptoms vs Cold [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 8]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4335-influenza-flu
3. Influenza | Johns Hopkins Medicine [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 8]. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/influenza
4. P. Saranraj, S. Sivasakthi, Glaucio Dire Feliciano. Pharmacology of Honey: A Review. Advances in Biological Research [Internet]. 2016;10(4):271–89. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308694961
5. Ali BH, Blunden G, Tanira MO, Nemmar A. Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): a review of recent research. Food Chem Toxicol [Internet]. 2008 [cited 2022 Jul 10];46(2):409–20. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17950516/
6. Garlic – Health Encyclopedia – University of Rochester Medical Center [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 11]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19&contentid=Garlic
7. Echinacea | NCCIH [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 11]. Available from: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/echinacea
8. Ayush Division. Ayurveda offering Herbal healing.
9. Flu – NHS [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 8]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/
10. Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients [Internet]. 2017 Nov 1 [cited 2022 Jul 11];9(11). Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC5707683/
11. Vitamin C | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 11]. Available from: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
All of you must have been afflicted with coughs several times. An illness affecting your respiratory system may present with symptoms like a cough and sore throat. Cough can be dry or productive. When you cough out phlegm (mucus), your lungs and airways get cleared. With the build-up of phlegm in the lungs, you are likely to land up with respiratory problems like congestion, apart from being short of breath. cough may make you exhausted, leaving behind a sore throat due to frequent coughing. A prolonged period of coughing often leads to strain on lung and chest muscles. In a worse scenario, you may develop chest pain, too and sometimes heaviness in the chest. Chronic cough can be associated with infections of the lungs and throat, heart problems, allergies, and even kidney malfunction when body water starts accumulating in the lungs. Constant coughing may be a sign of underlying health issues that need to be addressed by your physician Never ignore or self-treat symptoms like coughing on your own. Consult a doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment of the underlying condition that is causing you to cough. The prescription of cough syrup also varies for different types of cough and is best to take after evaluation by a doctor or chest physician. There are several cough syrups available in India that help you get symptomatic relief. Choose one that best suits your condition and is advised by your doctor. Here is the list of some of the best cough syrups available in the market-
| PRODUCT NAME | CHECK PRICE |
| Cofsils Naturals Cough Syrup Bottle 100ML | BUY NOW |
| Zecuf Cough Syrup 100ML | BUY NOW |
| Smw’S Cough Syrup Dry/Wet/Allergic Coughrelieve (Alcohol-Free) 300 ML | BUY NOW |
| Koflet Ex Sugar-Free Bottle Of 100ml Linctus | BUY NOW |
Made of natural, herbal constituents, this cough syrup soothes the soreness in the throat. It is beneficial for people suffering from chest congestion. It is made with herbal ingredients like tulsi, banapsha, haldi and others to provide quick relief without causing any side effects.
Zecuf cough syrup does not contain added sugar, it is an ayurvedic medicine, which is useful for all types of cough. It is also free from alcohol, sedatives and addictive drugs, and made with a pure herbal formulation to soothe your throat. Not only for seasonal cough and cold, but it is also beneficial for whooping cough, and smoker’s cough and is an effective remedy for tonsillitis, allergic bronchitis, pharyngitis, and laryngitis.
This medication works best for chest congestion, it keeps your air passages clean to let the mucous pass. This is an ayurvedic formula and eases throat irritation quickly. It may cause some drowsiness but the goodness of natural ingredients gives quick action.
Koflet cough syrup is an expectorant formulated with natural herbal actives and is ideal for relieving wet cough. The ingredients of the syrup help alleviate other symptoms like runny nose and provide you effective relief.
All cough syrups covered here are made with natural ingredients. Ancient Indian Ayurveda forms the basis of almost all the formulations, with Tulsi, Ginger powder (Sonth), Honey, Munkka, Yastimadhu, Banapsha, and Vasa, Talishpatra, Shati, Haldi, Pippali etc. being the ingredients in the formulations. The use of natural ingredients means minimal side effects.
The use of natural ingredients also translates to the absence of drowsiness. You are free to function normally while using these cough syrups without any fear of dozing off or being in two minds for driving.
Each of the natural ingredients in these ayurvedic formulations of India have multifarious functionality. An ingredient soothing the throat is also helping in digestion. Another, while diluting the phlegm, may also be acting to improve liver function.
By virtue of the natural ingredients known to Ayurveda for ages, many of these syrups have the inherent immunity-boosting capability. With every teaspoon of these cough syrups, you are not only fighting out your cough but also building immunity to fight against attacks from allergens, infections etc.
Drink plenty of fluids like water, herbal teas, and warm broths. Staying hydrated helps keep the throat moist and soothes irritation. It also helps thin mucus, reducing coughing.
Mix one to two teaspoons of honey with freshly squeezed lemon juice in warm water. Sip this mixture to soothe the throat and reduce coughing. Note: Do not give honey to children under one year old.
Boil water in a pot, and carefully inhale the steam with a towel over your head. This provides immediate relief from coughing and congestion. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil can enhance the soothing effect.
Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargle. Saltwater gargles soothe the throat, reduce inflammation, and alleviate coughing. Repeat several times a day for best results.
Use a humidifier or place a bowl of water near a heat source to add moisture to the air. This helps soothe the irritated throat and relieve coughing, especially in dry environments.
Enjoy herbal teas like ginger or chamomile tea, as they have soothing properties. Other natural remedies such as turmeric milk or licorice root can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from coughing.
Take sufficient rest to support your body’s healing process. Elevate your head with an extra pillow while sleeping to ease coughing, especially at night.
Identify and avoid irritants that trigger or worsen your cough, such as smoke, strong fragrances, chemical fumes, or allergens. Minimizing exposure to these irritants can help alleviate cough symptoms.
Gargle with a mixture of half a teaspoon of salt in warm water. This simple remedy soothes the throat, reduces inflammation, and alleviates coughing. Repeat several times a day for best results.
Also Read: What Does It Mean When You Cough Up Blood: Decoding the Alarming Signs
Cough syrups contain ingredients that may help clear out phlegm from the throat to clear out the airway. They may also help decongest phlegm from the lungs. In case of an underlying infection or other condition, you may require additional treatment. Do not rely on self-medication with these formulations, and consult a doctor first.
Yes, honey is great for coughs as it soothes the soreness of the throat caused by it. Honey is a key ingredient in many cough syrups for cough.
Expectorants are components in cough syrup that specifically help in the removal of phlegm. They help thin the mucous secretions and clear your airways.
Yes, generally, cough syrups are suitable for children. Cough syrups made from natural ingredients are the best for children as they do not have side effects. Before giving any cough syrup to children, it is important to consult a physician first.
Recovery varies from person to person, you must consult a doctor who will be able to detect and treat the exact cause of your cough, and it may take longer in some cases to get rid of the cough.
The dosage of cough syrup depends on the age of the patient. This may also vary based on the type and cause of the cough.
Haldi or turmeric has immense medicinal value and is loaded with antioxidants and antiseptic properties. Haldi is added to cough syrups as it can reduce mucous production and soothe a sore throat.
Read More – 14 Best Vitamin D Supplements In India
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Cough syrups belong to a group of medications taken either individually or as a part of a treatment prescribed to cure common symptoms like cough or other troubles related to the upper respiratory tract. Cough medication like syrups or cough tablets can be of two types – suppressants, or expectorants and there can be other types of medicines prescribed to you depending on other underlying causes of cough. Suppressants and expectorants are the most common type of cough medications. The job of a cough suppressant is to block the user’s cough reflexes and soothe a dry cough. Suppressants are not used to treat a productive cough (with mucous/sputum). On the other hand, expectorants are cough medications that help to expel the phlegm that comes with coughing. Expectorants may help to remove excessive secretions and all gunk to clear off the congestion in your airways.
It is important to get the condition diagnosed by a doctor and then take medications as prescribed.
| PRODUCT NAME | CHECK PRICE |
| Cofsils Orange Lozenges Strip Of 10 | BUY NOW |
| Dabur Sitopaladi Churna Cold & Cough Paste Bottle Of 500 G | BUY NOW |
| Vicks Vaporub 50ml, Relief From Cold, Cough, Headache And Body Pain | BUY NOW |
| Dabur Honitus Cough Syrup Bottle Of 100 Ml | BUY NOW |
| Himalaya Koflet Syrup – 100ml | BUY NOW |
| Kofol Chewable Tablets Sugar-free Jar Of 60 | BUY NOW |
| Vicks Cough Drops 120 + 5 Lozenges-ginger-honey-menthol Flavors | BUY NOW |
| Sri Sri Tattva Anu Taila, 10ml | BUY NOW |
| Cofsils Naturals Cough Syrup Bottle 100 Ml | BUY NOW |
| Vicks Baby Rub Soothing Balm For Babies Bottle Of 50 Ml | BUY NOW |
| Vicks Cough Drops Jar Of 280+ 10 | BUY NOW |
| Kofol Sf Cough Syrup Bottle Of 100 Ml | BUY NOW |
| Vicks Vaporub 25 Ml, Relief From Cold, Cough, Headache And Body Pain | BUY NOW |
| Himalaya Koflet H Lozenges Ginger Flavour – 6’s | BUY NOW |
| Vicks Baby Rub 10ml, Specifically For Babies-moisturize | BUY NOW |
Congestion and irritation at the back of the throat are typical symptoms of cough and cold. Cofsils Orange Lozenges are similar to cough drops and can be helpful as a tablet for cough and cold symptoms. Cofsils lozenges come in 6 flavours, but the orange lozenges are the most popular. The components used in making Cofsils lozenges are known for reducing discomfort due to stressed and muffled throat and might be helpful as a medicine for sore throat.
This Ayurvedic medicine contains ingredients that have known benefits in cough and cold. Dabur Sitopaladi Churna contains ingredients like Pippali, Mishri, Ela and Tak which are 100% naturally occurring substances. Its ingredients are imbued with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which may be additionally helpful for people with anaemia, migraine and diabetes.
Chest congestion and blockages in the nasal passages can prove to be extremely troublesome for days. Vicks Vaporub is an effective medicine that comes in a balm that is easy to apply and use. Vicks Vaporub is made with ingredients that may help in relieving the upper and middle respiratory tract from any cold or cough symptoms. Vicks Vaporub contains both herbal and medicinal ingredients to provide fast relief from congestion, nose and throat issues. It contains ingredients like Bishop’s weed, Turpentine oil, Eucalyptus oil, Camphor and Menthol.
Dabur Honitus cough syrup is a potent Ayurvedic and herbal cough syrup imbued with the benefits of honey. Its ingredients help in providing relief from throat irritation and nonproductive cough. It contains classic Ayurvedic herbal ingredients like Tulsi, Mulethi, Pudina Satva, Pippali, Sunthi, Baasha and Madhu. Dabur Honitus is preferred by many users as it does not cause drowsiness which is one of the common side effects of many other cough syrups.
Himalaya Koflet is an Ayurveda-based medicine made with ingredients like liquorice root and holy basil. With the goodness of other naturally-occurring ingredients like Madhu and Yashtimadu, Himalaya Koflet calms sore throat, providing relief to the discomfort in the respiratory passage. It contains 25% honey which helps in reducing dry and chronic cough. The presence of honey elevates the taste of the medicine, making it easier for children to consume.
Sore throat and inflammation can pose a hindrance in your daily activities if you are suffering from cough and cold. Kofol chewable tablets are made with ingredients that aid in eradicating soreness in the throat, itchiness, inflammation, pain and irritation that comes with cough. A bottle of Kofol has 60 tablets. Made with medically beneficial plants filled with anti-inflammatory properties, ingredients like Lavanga Oil, Shunthi, Black Pepper, Yastimadhu, Bibhitaki, Camphor, Kankola and Pudina Sattva give a cooling effect to your throat and thus provide relief from irritation.
Constant cough can affect your daily activities. Vicks cough drops contain mint and menthol, ingredients that are known to provide relief from cough and the soreness that comes with it. The cough drops come in different flavours, with ginger, honey and menthol being the most popular ones. Vicks cough drops also contain camphor that helps in suppressing the cough and provide fast relief from irritation. They are also priced at a nominal rate.
Enriched with the goodness of herbal ingredients, Sri Sri Tattva Anu Taila nasal drops are useful in clearing blocked noses. With the rightful blend of herbal ingredients, Sri Sri Tattva Anu Taila can be used by everyone without having any harmful side effects. Vata, Pitta and Kapha imbalances can cause blocked nose or running nose very often.
Cofsils Natural cough syrup is an over-the-counter medication made with a bunch of herbal ingredients like Tulsi, Honey, Haldi, Vasa, Shunthi, Yastimadhu, Banapsha, Talishpatra, Pippali, Munkka And Shati. These ingredients may aid in suppressing cough, cold and other symptoms like chest congestion and provide relief.
Vicks Baby Rub Balm is a soothing rub especially made for the soft skin of babies. Made with the aromatic formulation from the natural extracts of rosemary, coconut oil, aloe vera, eucalyptus and lavender. Vicks Baby Rub is suitable for babies above the age of 3 months. Its ingredients have calming, moisturizing and relaxing properties that may provide comfort to the baby.
Also Read: Cough Syrups In India
Vicks cough drops are affordable bite-sized cough-relieving medications that can be taken to ease the problems like tickling and irritation in the throat. Easy to carry around, Vicks cough drops come in different flavours like ginger, honey and menthol. It also includes flavoured sugar.
Kofol cough syrup is an all-herbal cough syrup concoction made with ingredients that may help to address problems causing irritation in the throat. Kofol contains no natural sugar and can easily be consumed by diabetic patients. The ingredients used in making Kofol cough syrup are Haridra, Tulsi, Bibhitaki, Yashtimadhu, Shunthi and Vasa.
Vicks Vaporub balm has been used in many Indian households for decades now. Made with a special formulation of eucalyptus oil, menthol and other natural ingredients, Vicks Vaporub is known to have lasting effects of up to 6 hours from the time of application, so that you can sleep without being bothered by your blocked nose or cough.
Himalaya Koflet may ease a sore throat and provide soothing relief because of its ingredients like honey, clove and ginger. These ingredients help in calming the tingling sensation in the throat, thus providing relief. Himalaya Koflet tablets are as easy to carry around and come at an affordable price.
Vicks Baby Rub is a specially made ointment in the form of a baby rub formulated with ingredients like aloe vera extracts, coconut oil, soft white paraffin, which helps the baby during cough and cold. Vicks Baby Rub is suitable for babies above the age of 3 months. It contains lavender, eucalyptus and rosemary extracts that give the added advantage of soothing fragrance.
Also Read: Identifying and Treating White Spots on the Throat: A Comprehensive Guide
Cough syrups are formulated to provide relief from cough, cold and other symptoms of the common cold which also poses a problem in respiration and causes ragged breathing.
Certain cough syrup brands contain immunity-boosting and herbal ingredients that provide fast-action relief without the feeling of drowsiness or sleepiness, thus enabling you to go on with your daily activities smoothly.
Some Cough syrups are sold all over the world as over-the-counter drugs, thus it is accessible to everyone for an instant and effective cure to symptoms of cough.
Also Read: Essential Oils for Congestion: A Research-Based Guide for Relief
At the backside of the cough syrup bottle, general instructions are always mentioned. It is advisable to follow the same instructions, or as the doctor has prescribed.
Cough syrups either try to suppress it or help you to cough out phlegm. These syrups should not be taken for long. It is advised to consult a doctor for the diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of the cough.
The duration of action depends on the type of cough syrup and the cause of the cough. It may vary from person to person and also depends on the severity of the condition.
Like most other medications, cough syrup has its own side effects, especially if not taken in proper doses. Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, or headache may occur with some types of cough syrups.
Although the correct dosage is often prescribed by the doctor, it is advisable not to consume cough syrup more than 3 times a day. Drinking plenty of fluids, warm gargles and steam inhalation while taking this medication can add to the benefits.
Ideally, doctors prescribe to have a dose of cough syrup three times a day – if not less – after meals. You can also follow the instructions mentioned on the medicine bottle.
Whether your cough syrup is an over-the-counter medication or not, you should not ideally consume cough syrups more than seven days in a row. If your problem hasn’t been resolved after seven days, you should consult a doctor.
Those who suffer from high blood pressure or heart disorders should consult a doctor before taking any cough syrup on their own.
Cough syrups can be taken with or without food as prescribed by the doctor. If your problem is severe, you should take your cough syrup every 4-5 hours. While you are on cough syrups, you must drink plenty of fluids.
Frequent causes of headache, often overlooked and worsened by self medications – sinusitis is something we all must be aware of. The differences between a common cold and sinusitis are often blurry because both of these illnesses often have similar signs and symptoms initially. Both of these seasonal ailments can be equally difficult to deal with. But since they require a different course of action, you need to know how to tell sinusitis apart from the common cold. The common cold has no specific cure, needs symptomatic management and usually has to run its course for 7 to 10 days. But sinusitis, if left untreated can progress and create further health complications.
Sinusitis occurs when there is an inflammation of the tissue in your sinuses. Paranasal Sinuses are hollow air-filled spaces in the skull around your forehead, nose and eyes. These spaces have membranes that produce mucus. Usually, there are hair-like structures known as cilia in these membranes that push the mucus towards your nose for outflow. But in the case of sinusitis, this drainage of mucus is prohibited due to the swelling of the sinus membranes, leading to obstruction in the drainage of mucus. This may lead to infection of sinuses and symptoms like headaches, stuffy nose, cough and congestion.
Sinusitis is caused by different types of viral or bacterial infections. In fact, the common cold and allergic rhinitis can also be one of the major causes that lead to inflammation of the sinuses.
Besides, nasal polyps, which are small growths in the lining of the nose, can also cause sinusitis. But there can be other more serious underlying causes like a deviated septum (a disfigured nasal cavity), which may lead to chronic sinusitis as well.
Here is a list of the different types of sinusitis so that you can get to listen from your doctor:
For sinusitis, a decongestant coupled with regular saline nasal washes and steam inhalation may be a quick remedy. However, it is recommended not to use over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant sprays for more than 2 days in a row.
It is important to consult a doctor at the earliest for the treatment of sinusitis to avoid worsening of symptoms. In case of infection, you may be prescribed some antibiotics for the treatment along with other medicines based on your complaints.
Since prevention is always better than cure, you would be better off trying to prevent the onset of acute or chronic sinusitis in the first place. You can do this by:
Sinusitis is a common seasonal (or even chronic) ailment that many people suffer from and it is also one of the most overlooked illnesses. The most common symptoms of sinusitis that people have reported are nasal blockage and headaches. Therefore, this ailment is usually not reported unless it becomes a serious impediment to the quality of life. But when left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications. To prevent such complications, it is best to consult a doctor when you find that you might have the symptoms of sinusitis.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
