My last article was about the cold and flu season, preventing ourselves from getting the virus and medication used to fight the common cold symptoms. The focus was on decongestants.

On the day the article was published I caught a cold! My family members had it an I followed the main rule to prevent transmission of a cold by direct contact (that is, washing hands regularly with soap and water) I still caught the cold virus. Apparently, I inhaled droplets in the air after my loved ones had sneezed or coughed. The cold eventually left me with a nagging dry cough.

And, if that was not enough, a radio announcer, who read my article in The Gleaner, invited me on his show to speak about 'The cold war'. All went well until after an hour I started coughing without ceasing. I tried to joke about it by saying that I am a living example of the effects of the common cold. But how embarrassing it was, when the coughing continued and we had to end the interview due to my cough!

Treating the coughs

Coughing is actually a natural, healthy response of the body to substances which irritate the lungs and air passages, but repeated bouts of coughing due to the common cold or flu can be distressing and may irritate the air passages even more than before. The best way to control the annoying cough is to treat its cause.

The cough which has a rattling, gurgling, bubbling sound is a productive cough caused by excessive mucous production. Antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and dyphenhydramine (warning, these may cause drowsiness) and decongestants such as pseudoephedrine can remove the cause of this cough.

Sometimes the mucous (cold) becomes so thick and dry that it cannot be brought up by coughing. Bacterial infections then develop when the mucous is allowed to just sit there. Expectorant cough syrups containing ingredients such as guaifenesin or ammonium chloride (expectorants) thin and loosen the mucous, allowing it to be brought up by coughing.

Honey and lime

The dry (non-productive) cough is one in which the airways are irritated, but there is no mucous to be expelled. Antihistamines are usually given for mild coughs, especially in children. Sugar-based cough drops or syrups, honey, licorice or glycerine are demulcents which soothe a dry, irritating cough. A hot drink of lime and honey also works well.

Cough suppressants, also known as anti-tussives, inhibit the cough centre of the brain, decreasing our urge to cough. Dextromethorphan (usually called DM as a suffix of cough syrup names) is a popular cough suppressant.

Anaesthetic cough sprays and lozenges contain local anaesthetic benzocaine which numbs the cough nerves in the throat.

Asthma-like condition

Sometimes, a cough lingers for three or more weeks after the cold or flu infection. This may indicate the development of an asthma-like condition, where the infection has temporarily damaged the airways, making them inflamed and sensitive. Cold air, perfume or even cigarette smoke triggers contraction of the airways causing the cough. The doctor should be consulted. The best treatment for this cough is the same type of puffer or inhaler which is used for true asthma.

See the doctor if you have a fever with the persistent cough, a history of asthma or bronchitis, or a productive cough with coloured mucous. If you have high blood pressure, be careful when choosing cough syrups. They sometimes contain decongestants which raise the blood pressure. Avoid all sugar-based cough remedies if you have diabetes.

Read the labels carefully to avoid ingredients you shouldn't have, and ask your pharmacist.