How to Get Help Stopping a Cough Caused by a Cold or Flu
We know how annoying a cough can be — it can keep you up at night, make you feel dizzy, and even cause loss of bladder control. So, how can you stop constant coughing? The key is to suppress the cough. Read on to learn how to calm a persistent cough so you can get back to your normal routine.
What Is a Cough, Exactly?
Coughing is actually very functional — it's a natural reflex that helps protect your lungs by expelling irritants like smoke or mucus. However, it can also be a symptom of a cold or the flu virus. Coughs can be either dry or bronchial, and they may be productive (bringing up mucus) or non-productive (not producing mucus). Bronchial coughs are usually productive, while dry coughs typically are not.
Dry Cough:
Dry coughs aren't associated with excess mucus and are likely caused by irritation. These are best treated with cough suppressants like dextromethorphan.
Bronchial Cough:
Bronchial coughs can be either productive or non-productive. They’re usually caused by an excess buildup of mucus in the lungs and airways, and it might be hard to expel that mucus. These coughs are often treated with an expectorant like guaifenesin, which helps loosen and thin mucus, making your cough more productive. Dextromethorphan is often used in combination with guaifenesin to help calm the cough.
Cough Medicines and Remedies:
While AXIV’s products don’t cure a cough, they can help you manage and stop that constant urge to cough. AXIV DM Max Cough Relief provides powerful relief so you can sleep, while AXIV DM Max Cough Relief delivers up to 8 hours of non-drowsy relief so you can get through your day.