Does Cough Syrup Really Work? Pros & Cons

Introduction

Struggling with a cough? Cough syrups might not be your answer! Many of these syrups don’t provide any real relief, and health experts advise against taking these medicines without a doctor’s prescription. So before you purchase any over-the-counter products, make sure to consult with your doctor first. Every year, millions of people suffer from colds and flu. Many of them turn to over-the-counter medicines, such as cough syrup, to ease their symptoms. But does cough syrup really work? First we have to understand that cough syrups only cater to symptoms of a cough and not the infection as a whole.

Does Cough Syrup Really Work? Pros & Cons
Credit: Pexels

Dear Friends please read this article without skipping to understand the reality of cough syrup. Is really cough syrup work? In this article you can understand about different types of cough syrup and their uses. Pros and Cons of Cough syrup. So it’s my request please read this article without skipping.

When it comes to treating a cough, it’s important to know the difference between dry and productive coughs. Dry cough syrups can help to ease allergies, while productive coughs require a special syrup to help expel phlegm. Understanding the cause of your cough will help you choose the right remedy.

Dry Cough

Do you have a persistent dry cough that is affecting your daily life? If so, you are not alone. Millions of people suffer from this condition every year. While most cases of dry cough are due to common cold or smoking, in some instances there is no obvious reason for the cough. This can be extremely frustrating for those who suffer from it. Symptoms of dry cough include hoarse voice and sore throat. If left untreated, a dry cough can lead to serious complications such as breathing problems, incapacitation, and fainting spells. Don’t let this condition control your life – get treatment today!

Productive Cough

Factors like flu, pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, chills can be the reason behind productive phlegm. This mucus and phlegm that comes out during cough usually contains bacteria, dead tissue and cell fragments. Some other symptoms can also be seen from cough with sputum, which mainly include the following –
Congestion in the chest (feeling of heaviness in the chest)
Shortness of breath (mildly or severely)
Having a fever
Running nose
Nasal congestion

Cough Syrup really work

It’s the middle of cold and flu season, and you’re feeling under the weather. You drag yourself to the drug store searching for relief, and end up standing in front of the cough syrup aisle. But before you reach for a bottle, you stop to wonder: does cough syrup really work?

The answer is… maybe. Cough syrup is designed to treat the symptoms of a cough, but it doesn’t actually cure the underlying cause. So if your cough is due to a viral infection (like a cold), the syrup will only help to make you feel better temporarily. It won’t speed up your recovery time.

But if your cough is caused by something else – like allergies or smoke inhalation – cough syrup can be effective in treating it. The active ingredients in most syrups are antihistamines or decongestants, which can help to relieve congestion and irritation.

So if you’re feeling miserable and need some relief, cough syrup may be worth a try. Just remember that it’s not a miracle cure, and don’t expect it to work miracles.

In a video released by the American Video Society, it is stated that cough syrups block the body’s cough reflex. Some common cough syrups contain ingredients called expectorants that thin the mucus so that it can be coughed out more easily. They also contain decongestants, which dilate the blood vessels and eliminate breathing problems, and antihistamines that reduce swelling of the nose and throat. However, many researches have not revealed anything that can confirm that cough syrups eliminate the problem of cough. Excessive intake of cough syrups has a variety of side effects, such as paranoia, confusion, sweating, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, dry or itchy skin, and facial redness.

Cough syrup typically contains either an expectorant or a suppressant. Expectorants help to thin out mucus so that it can be more easily coughed up. Suppressants work by numbing the nerves that trigger the coughing reflex.

So, if you have a dry cough, a cough suppressant may be more effective. If you have a productive cough, an expectorant may be more effective. However, it’s always best to speak to a doctor before taking any medication, as they can advise you on which type of cough syrup is best for your particular situation.

So, basically research is going on, but there is no solid proof, that cough syrups can treat a cough. In truth, there is limited evidence to support that claim.

cough syrup
Credit: Pexels

Pros and Cons

When it comes to cough syrup, there are pros and cons that should be taken into consideration. On the one hand, some people swear by cough syrup as an effective way to relieve symptoms like a sore throat, runny nose, or congestion. In particular, many people find that the combination of an antihistamine (to reduce inflammation) and a decongestant (to reduce mucus production) in many over-the-counter cough syrups offers relief from their cold symptoms.

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to using cough syrup. For instance, it is not recommended for children under two years of age due to potential side effects. Additionally, some ingredients in cough syrups can interact with certain medications, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medication. Finally, while cough syrup may offer temporary relief from symptoms, it does not treat the underlying cause of your cold or flu.

Ultimately, while cough syrup may provide relief from cold symptoms in some cases, it is important to consider all the pros and cons before deciding if it’s right for you. Talk to your doctor about possible side effects and interactions with other medications before taking any over-the-counter cold remedy.

In medicine market there are lots of different cough syrup brands available, but it really works no body know. Few of them are:

Codeine Cough Syrup

Codeine Cough Syrup
Codeine Cough Syrup, Credit: CBS

Codeine based cough syrup is very dangerous. In a recent news in the US, three children have died from this drug and one has had serious side effects. Basically what is codeine? Codeine is an ingredient found in many popular over-the-counter pain and cough medications. It is also known as a mild narcotic, and can be given either alone or in combination with other medicines. Once it enters the body, the liver converts codeine into morphine with the help of an enzyme. In many people, this conversion process happens very quickly, resulting in a rapid increase of morphine levels in their blood. This can often lead to death, as was the case for three children who lost their lives after taking codeine medication. The FDA has issued an advisory for people and doctors about this medicine. They found that all four children who were given codeine for pain relief after operations to remove tonsils and adenoids had difficulty breathing while sleeping. Three of them died and one started having difficulty in breathing. Doctors saved the life of that child with great difficulty. You should be extremely cautious when using codeine after surgery, especially in children. The FDA is currently investigating whether there are any problems associated with codeine use after other types of operations, so it is important to be aware of the potential dangers. If you notice any abnormal sleepiness, difficulty waking up, confusion, difficulty breathing or restlessness in a child after giving them codeine, please seek medical attention immediately.

Promethazine Cough Syrup

Promethazine Cough Syrup
Promethazine Cough Syrup, Credit: Pexels

Promethazine is an antihistamine that is used to treat allergy symptoms such as itching, runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, hives, and itchy skin rashes. Promethazine should not be used to treat asthma, pneumonia, or other lower respiratory tract infections.

Warning: Stop using promethazine and call your doctor immediately if you experience twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs. These could be early signs of dangerous side effects. Promethazine should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old. Promethazine can cause severe breathing problems or death in very young children. Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions when giving this medicine to a child of any age.

Promethazine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of promethazine. There are many other medicines that can interact with promethazine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

If you have a child under the age of 2, it is vital that you do not give them promethazine. Promethazine can cause severe breathing problems or death in young children. Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when giving this medicine to any child.

Dextromethorphan (Delsym) Cough Syrup

delsym
Delsym, Credit: Pharmacy Times

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that is used for the treatment of cough that is caused by asthma, smoking and emphysema. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger the cough reflex.

Dextromethorphan is an effective medicine for treating coughs, and the dosage varies depending on the intensity of the cough. However, it is important not to take Dextromethorphan in a lower or higher dose than prescribed by your doctor, as this may increase the risk of side effects. Some rare side effects of Dextromethorphan include severe dizziness, anxiety, upset stomach, feeling restless or nervousness, confusion and hallucinations. If you experience any slow or shallow breathing while taking this medicine, stop taking it immediately and consult your doctor. Delsym/Dextromethorphan generally used in dry cough.

After Delsym Buckley’s Mixture or Buckley’s cough syrup is very famous brand in dextromethorphan cough syrup segment. Buckley’s Mixture is the perfect cough suppressant for treating a cough caused by the common cold or flu. It will not cause any negative side effects like some other treatments, and it is very effective at suppressing coughing fits.

Buckley’s Mixture
Credit: Google

Buckley’s Mixture is extremely dangerous if used in conjunction with an MAO inhibitor. Do not use it if you have taken one of these drugs in the past 14 days, as a potentially fatal drug interaction could occur. This medicine should also not be given to children under the age of 12, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before using it.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether cough syrup works for you depends on a variety of factors. While there are studies that suggest it can be effective in treating certain types of coughs, it is important to understand that it is not a miracle cure and may not work for everyone. It is always best to consult your physician before taking any type of medication, including over-the-counter cough medicine. Taking the time to research the products available and considering potential side effects can help ensure that you find the best treatment for your specific situation.

So friends first of thanks a lot for reading this article, if you really like this please share with your friends and relatives and if you have any question please write in comment box I will definitely reply. And remember one thing that please consult your physician before taking any cough syrup. Once again thanks a lot.

Disclaimer: The information produced here is best of my knowledge and I have tried my best to make it accurate and up-to-date as possible, but I would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment

Dear Friends if you want to eat some delicious Irish dish and where it will be available in The States . Please read my another article “7 Irish Dish You Need to Try in the United States Before You Die” for more details please click here. THANK YOU

Leave a Comment