What do you take that is safe and works for a cough?

Question

I have been taking the Robitussin DM my doctor said I could take but it doesn't work all that great. I am now on my second course of antibiotics because twice it has gotten so bad that I was coughing up infectious looking stuff. I think it may be bronchitis because I have had it for over a month but there isnt' really much they can let you take. I am 20 weeks and am just wondering if there is anything else anyone knows of that I could ask my doctor about. Thanks

Answer 1

For an infection, the best thing to take are the antibiotics you are using. If they don't work in a couple of days, assume that it is a virus (some doctors are a little antibiotics-happy). DON'T stop taking the antibiotics, because this is how we created mutated strains of bacteria, but also don't expect to heal right away.

Cough medicines are quack. They never work.

If your cough gets so bad that it is difficult to breathe and you are gagging, Codiene is a cough suppressant, and it is safe to use in pregnancy after the first trimester.

A nebulizer, or a hot steamy shower and then cold air works too.

Answer 2

I think you need to get a second opinion! The common cold can cause these symptoms but they usually don't last over a month. That is, unless it wasn't being treated. I have asthma which was also initially diagnosed as bronchitis. They are almost basically the same disease with minor exceptions. It sounds from what you describe something more than symptoms from a cold and there are medications (inhalers) that you can take. Do yourself a favor and see another doctor. Now I'm not suggesting leaving your other doctor! But get another opinion. Another point of view never hurts, and the other doctor may pick up on something your doctor missed or wrote off as being something else. Good luck and I hope you get to the bottom of it.

Answer 3

technically, there is not an OTC that your meant to deliver infants... that being mentioned... my daughters are nine and three. whilst the nine yer historical was once three there was once "Little Coughs" to be had at Walgreen's. NOW I get it on Amazon's internet site... THE LABEL has dosing guidelines for four-6 and six-12. HOWEVER at the OLD bottle I observed in my toilet there ws dosing for two-four 12 months olds... checked the label and with a pharmacist... it is the identical medicines, identical system simply with new 2009 FDA accredited guidelines... My OLD bottle says a million mg for a two-four 12 months historical each and every four-6 hours. I purchase it and use it. I don't drug my children to get them to sleep or deliver medicines "simply in case." (some of the FDA's most important issues) I wish my daughter to sleep for greater than 10 mins without waking as much as cough so tough that her little chest hurts. We've been to the Dr. It's only a bloodless... THE SAME bloodless that her sister had and was once competent to sleep via considering that of the meds.. we use the humidifier, we get her external, however it is not ample... I'm worn out of being instructed what I CANNOT do for my children considering that of the stupidity of others....

Answer 4

I'm sorry you're sick. :( Sucks to be sick when pregnant. I can't give you any other options as your doc already let you take more than I was allowed. I had similar to what it sounds like you have, and I was allowed regular robitussin (the kind with no letters after) and tylenol. Good luck to you, hope they come up with something else that will help you more. Sorry my answer wasn't more helpful, just wanted to tell you I've been where you are and eventually you feel better.

Answer 5

Here are a few simple home remedies that will help to overcome cough. Have honey in a hot drink before bed time.To relieve fits of coughing due to dryness in the throat, suck a few pepper corns. Check out http://useinfo6.blogspot.com/ for more remedies and information.

Answer 6

A home-remedy I've heard of is taking chopped raw onion and mixing it with honey. You let it sit for an hour or so, then remove the onion and just use the "syrup." It's supposed to be good, though I never tried it myself. My cousin makes it and uses it every year.

Answer 7

you may laugh at this, but I tried it with 2 of my grandchildren who had nasty coughs and they slept all night and did not cough at all. Take a nice warm bath, then rub vic's on the bottom of your feet a good amount. Put on socks and go to bed. Not sure how it works. My son said it's an ol'wives tale but it did work.

Answer 8

Crush a clove of garlic and mix it with 2 teaspoons of honey.

Take this for 4 days and you will feel better.

Answer 9

If you're pregnant don't take ANYTHING ANYONE suggests on here...consult your doctor. It's not worth risking the health of your baby.