I have this dry hacking / tickly throat thing going on right now as a result of a cold. Its more annoying than anything else. Should I get a suppressant to just make it stop, or should I get an expectorant to loosen it up?
I have no idea when to use one vs. the other.
Thanks.
2007-10-12 07:22:54 · 6 answers · asked by 2007_Shelby_GT500 7 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
I'm not congested (my nose isn't stuffy or runny), if that helps any.
2007-10-12 07:34:59 · update #1
Don't suppress the cough unless it's causing you more problems, like vomiting.
Find a syrup containing guaifenesin and/or iodinated glycerol and follow the label's instructions.
Try to sleep with a humidifier close to your bed, it helps loosening that phlegm that is causing that tickle.
Believe it or not, this concoction will help you get rid of that cough fast, if you want the natural approach. It loosens phlegm and helps expectoration.
Boil 1 1/2 cups water. Then add
2 tablespoons crushed thyme
1 sprig chamomile (or a chamomile tea bag)
Seep, let it cool and add honey to taste. It works!
2007-10-12 07:37:03 · answer #1 · answered by AMBER D 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
More than likely its caused by post-nasal drip , tiny amounts of nasal secretions are going down back of your throat and giving you the tickle sensation and cough. As Amber suggested guaiafenisin is recommended as an expectorate,. It is very mild, but i think it works. If the cough gets worse when you lay down or keeps you awake, a multi-symptom cough med with suppressant, antihistamine and expectorate is a good idea because the expectorate will only help you cough up what is already there, then the antihistamine will keep you from producing more mucous, or decrease the production, and the cough suppressant will desensitize the cough center in the brain so that tiny amounts won't keep you coughing. Make sure the antihistamine is one that has a sleepy effect on you, not a wakeful side effect. Also if you have high blood pressure, or on any routine medications ask pharmacist or your dr. about drug interactions.
2007-10-12 08:02:49 · answer #2 · answered by Lillian T 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it depends.... when you cough is it productive, are you coughing up mucous (if so take an expectorant) this will help get the crap up and out of your lungs.... or is your cough unproductive and more of a dry cough (in this case you would want a suppressant because the cough is not doing anything but irritating your throat and lungs). Good luck!
2016-05-22 02:32:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the tickly throat feeling usually goes with
post nasal drip.
a mild antihistamine will probably help more than either a cough suppressant or expectorant, which will help more when you have lung-deep coughing.
when you take the first one or 2, stay at home. different people react differently to antihistamines - they might make you woozy or even make you fall asleep.
2007-10-12 08:13:45 · answer #4 · answered by nickipettis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Probably a supressant but cough drops should help the dry, tickly throat. Don't overmedicate if you don't need it. Drink lots of fluid to help hydrate and keep mucous membranes moist.
2007-10-12 07:56:59 · answer #5 · answered by db2byl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
for a tickling I'd say a cough suppressant. Blow your nose often but not hard and drink water often. it could help
2007-10-12 07:27:52 · answer #6 · answered by costdew 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋