Which Cough Syrup is Right For Me?
If you've been bogged down with that common cold and a nagging cough, I'm sure your natural instinct has been to grab some of that much sought after cough syrup.
Many people, however, may not know that there are different types of cough syrups to treat different types of coughs and colds.
If you aren't taking a cough syrup that is directly targeting your symptoms, you may actually be prolonging your cold.
Because of this, it is important to learn the facts about cough syrups.
First of all, what exactly is a cough syrup? A cough syrup is defined as "any various sweet usually medicated liquid used to relieve coughing.
" The important part of that definition that is various medicated liquids; thus, it is crucial to know the functions of the variations in liquids.
Cough suppressants, for example, are used to treat a dry, hacking cough.
Generally codeine is the main ingredient in a cough suppressant.
You must be very cautious when taking codeine or any medication that contains codeine because codeine makes you drowsy and is highly addictive if taken for an extended period of time.
Cough expectorants, on the other hand, are needed to loosen mucus in a "tight cough.
" Cough expectorants contain guaifenesin, which helps bring up the phlegm from the lungs.
There are also different types of cough syrups depending on what time of day you are taking them.
Daytime medicines typically do not contain codeine, and they will not make you drowsy.
Nighttime cough medicines often contain codeine or some other form of a sleeping aid.
Nighttime cold medicines also tend to last longer than daytime cold medicines, allowing you to get a better night's sleep.
Most cough syrups will last between 6 and 8 hours; however, some nighttime medicines are designed to last up to 12 hours.
As you consider the different characteristics of cough syrups, also be aware that a cough syrup is intended to treat a persistent cough.
If your symptoms do not improve within 3 to 5 days, it would be a good idea to make a visit to your physician to get further treatment.
If you have more symptoms than just a cough, obviously you would need to take medication that would also address them.
Many people, however, may not know that there are different types of cough syrups to treat different types of coughs and colds.
If you aren't taking a cough syrup that is directly targeting your symptoms, you may actually be prolonging your cold.
Because of this, it is important to learn the facts about cough syrups.
First of all, what exactly is a cough syrup? A cough syrup is defined as "any various sweet usually medicated liquid used to relieve coughing.
" The important part of that definition that is various medicated liquids; thus, it is crucial to know the functions of the variations in liquids.
Cough suppressants, for example, are used to treat a dry, hacking cough.
Generally codeine is the main ingredient in a cough suppressant.
You must be very cautious when taking codeine or any medication that contains codeine because codeine makes you drowsy and is highly addictive if taken for an extended period of time.
Cough expectorants, on the other hand, are needed to loosen mucus in a "tight cough.
" Cough expectorants contain guaifenesin, which helps bring up the phlegm from the lungs.
There are also different types of cough syrups depending on what time of day you are taking them.
Daytime medicines typically do not contain codeine, and they will not make you drowsy.
Nighttime cough medicines often contain codeine or some other form of a sleeping aid.
Nighttime cold medicines also tend to last longer than daytime cold medicines, allowing you to get a better night's sleep.
Most cough syrups will last between 6 and 8 hours; however, some nighttime medicines are designed to last up to 12 hours.
As you consider the different characteristics of cough syrups, also be aware that a cough syrup is intended to treat a persistent cough.
If your symptoms do not improve within 3 to 5 days, it would be a good idea to make a visit to your physician to get further treatment.
If you have more symptoms than just a cough, obviously you would need to take medication that would also address them.
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