Cough – The 5 best treatments to relieve it, according to experts

With all the grandmother’s remedies, more or less effective, and the wide choice of cough medicines at the pharmacy, it’s sometimes difficult to find your way around. We therefore have, based on the synthesis work of Study findsgathered advice from various American media to establish a top 5 of the best cough remedies, according to health professionals.

1. Dextromethorphan

First of all, remember that the choice of the best drugs depends on your type of cough. This medication targets dry coughs. U.S. News Explain : “Cough suppressants block or suppress the cough reflex. Generally, coughing is a healthy way to clear the airways of mucus, so cough suppressants should only be used for dry, jerky coughs. As for pharmacists, 47% recommend the Delsym brand, which contains dextromethorphan.”

Just be sure to avoid dextromethorphan if you have a wet, productive cough. “You don’t want to suppress a productive coughsays Jenny Hetzel, clinical pharmacist to the media Zocdoc. When your body is getting rid of bad stuff, it’s better not to stop this cleansing.”

2. Guaifenesin

This time, this drug targets fatty coughs, also referred to as “productive coughs”. PharmacyTimes recommends it, writing: “Guaifenesin had apparently favorable results, decreasing cough frequency and intensity by 75% after 3 days. Overall, over-the-counter products cannot cure this bothersome cough, but when used appropriately, they can help manage symptoms well. Expectorants, such as guaifenesin, should be recommended when patients complain of a wet cough, often accompanied by mucus.”

The online media NetDoctor corroborates by adding that a “Chest cough occurs as a result of excessive mucus production, which can be thick and difficult to cough up. Using medications containing guaifenesin can help clear up any excess mucus that may have accumulated.”

3. Honey

If you prefer grandma’s recipes to drugs, Healthline and the Mayo Clinic recommends honey, which is the best natural cough remedy: “According to a 2018 study on the effects of honey on acute cough, researchers found that honey can relieve coughs more effectively than some over-the-counter medications. You can create your own home remedy by mixing up 2 teaspoons of honey with herbal tea or warm water and lemon”.

4. Ginger

The magazine Forbes suggests another home remedy: “Ginger may work as a natural cough suppressant, and according to research, it has been shown to help relax the muscle of the airways (trachea). Try throwing in some ginger root (which has been peeled and chopped ) in boiling water to make a tea. Adding grated ginger to hot water can also be effective.”

5. Drink plenty of water

Water not only helps with hydration, but it can help thin mucus. The media Good Housekeeping has consulted doctors who explain that “Not only does this keep you from becoming dehydrated, but drinking more fluids can also help your immune system fight off viral infections. The increased fluids help fight infection by increasing blood flow to the affected area of ​​the body. Plus, drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus and soothes the discomfort associated with a sore throat.”

Gargling with salt water is also recommended, according to Insider.com : “Gargling with salt water can help kill bacteria and loosen mucus in your throat. Loosening the mucus will help clear your sinuses and get rid of your cough faster. A salt water gargle can also help reduce swelling and irritation caused by a persistent cough. Although most people prefer to gargle with warm salt water, cold water can have the same soothing effect on your cough.”