Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Best Cough Drops For Sinus Infection

Q: Is It Best To Buy Cough Syrup Cough Drops Or Menthol Rub

Chest/ Nasal Infection In Child Cough, Cold Treatment | Bachay Ka Nazla Zukam Aur Khansi Ka Ilaj

A: A visit to the pharmacy reveals row after row of lozenges, syrups and other products for cough associated with wintertime virus. Most are helpful and reasonably safe.

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When choosing cough drops or rubs, keep in mind that medicated products arent truly medicated. They usually contain menthol, an aromatic substance that opens the airways to help reduce cough and congestion.

Cough syrups can contain any combination of these over-the-counter medicines:

  • Dextromethorphan, a very weak opiate, dulls the cough reflex.
  • Pseudoephedrine and related chemicals are decongestants. They decrease mucus production but can raise blood pressure and cause irritation from over-drying.
  • Guaifenesin, an expectorant, can loosen secretions. Its generally the safest option.

A couple of prescription medications can suppress cough: benzonatate and promethazine cough syrup. Both are effective and non-narcotic.

But by far the simplest, safest treatment for cough and congestion is good hydration: drinking lots of fluids or rinsing the nasal passages with a saline solution.

Family medicine physician Donald Ford, MD

Experiment With Demulcent Herbs

Demulcent herbs have been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy to treat irritated body tissue, and they can also help soothe the throat when there is a dry cough or a cough that is irritated by post-nasal drip. This is because they contain mucilage, which coats the throats mucous membranes, soothing the scratchy, raw, irritating sensation.

How To Stop Postnasal Drip

A combination of preventative measures and medications can help put a stop to postnasal drip. Healthcare providers may recommend:

  • Staying hydrated, which can also help to thin mucus

  • Use a humidifier or vaporizer to keep the air moist

  • Propping yourself up with extra pillows when you sleep, so the mucus doesnt collect in the back of your throat

  • An oral medication such as guaifenesin , which can thin mucus

Its important to keep in mind that treatment for postnasal drip usually depends on what might be causing it. For instance, if your symptoms are caused by allergies, the first step might be trying to pinpoint what you are allergic to and avoiding those foods or triggers to the extent possible.

As a next step, there are several over-the-counter and prescription medications that can provide additional relief. They can help treat postnasal drip by calming down inflammation and thinning or drying up the mucus. Lets take a look at the different types of medications that you and a healthcare provider can consider to help stop postnasal drip.

Recommended Reading: Nasal Spray To Prevent Sinus Infections

Medicines That Are Safe For Pregnant Women To Take When Sick

  • Obstetrics
  • Medicines That Are Safe for Pregnant Women to Take When Sick

When you are pregnant, your immune system doesnt operate at maximum capacity, which is actually a good thing because it keeps your growing baby protected, and stops your body from thinking the fetus is an intruder. However, this comes with the downside that your body cant ward off the viruses that cause the common cold quite as effectively. This can leave you vulnerable to the symptoms that come along, including a congested nose, cough, and sore throat.

As we move into cold and flu season, you may find yourself coming down with a cold, and while you can rest assured that your baby isnt experiencing any of them, you want to get rid of the symptoms quickly and safely. While colds are mostly an uncomfortable annoyance best managed by a little extra rest, fluids, and patience, you may find yourself seeking out cold medications to alleviate your symptoms. We recommend making a so they can steer you in the right direction in terms of cold medications that are considered safe during pregnancy. Here are our own recommendations on what to do if you get sick while pregnant.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Best Cough Drops For Post Nasal Drip

Medicine For Sinusitis

There are many benefits to purchasing a Best Cough Drops For Post Nasal Drip. Buying the right product is not an easy task you have to check many things to select the best one in the market. After all, here we are including an in-depth buying guide that will refine your purchasing decision.

Suppose youre new to ratings and reviews or have plenty of experience selecting a product, searching for a new product that can seem like an overwhelming experience. This is true when you dont know what factor to consider before buying a product.

Recommended Reading: How To Fix Sinus Drainage

Medications For Postnasal Drip

A cough related to postnasal drip is treated with an antihistamine like Dayhist or Chlor-Trimeton .

While more sedating than newer drugs, these particular antihistamines are more effective at minimizing a post-viral cough.

If you are unable to tolerate the sedating effects of these medications, your healthcare provider may suggest a nasal spray like Astelin , Flonase Allergy Relief , or Atrovent nasal spray .

The following antihistamines may also be tried:

If your testing does not show that you have sensitive airways, your healthcare provider may prescribe Atrovent HFA .

Is It A Cold Or The Flu

The best way to tell the difference between a cold and the flu is to take account of the typical symptoms.

  • A cold is milder than the flu. Its symptoms come on gradually and typically you only run a low-grade to no fever. It generally starts off with a sore throat that goes away after a day or two, a cold ends with the main symptoms of a runny nose and cough.
  • Influenza, commonly called the flu, is more severe and the onset is more sudden than a cold. Symptoms include a high fever , headache, chills, a sore throat that typically worsens by the second or third day, intense muscle soreness, and a general feeling of weakness and fatigue. These symptoms, along with sneezing and a cough, can last a couple of weeks or longer.

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Cold Vs Sinus Infection

A cold is an infection caused by a virus that finds a home in your upper respiratory system, including your nose and throat. Over 200 different viruses are capable of causing a cold, though most of the time a type of rhinovirus, one that primarily affects the nose, is the culprit.

Colds can be so mild you may only have symptoms for a few days, or a cold can hang on for weeks.

Because a common cold is caused by a virus, it cant be effectively treated with antibiotics. Some medications can help reduce symptoms, but rest is usually the main way to beat a cold virus.

A sinus infection causing inflammation of the sinuses, also known as sinusitis, is commonly caused by a bacterial infection, though it can be caused by a virus or fungus .

In some cases, you can develop a sinus infection following a common cold.

A cold can cause the lining of your sinuses to become inflamed, which makes it difficult for them to properly drain. That can lead to mucus becoming trapped in the sinus cavity, which, in turn, can create an inviting environment for bacteria to grow and spread.

You can have an acute sinus infection or chronic sinusitis. An acute sinus infection tends to last for less than a month. Chronic sinusitis lasts for more than three months, and symptoms may regularly come and go.

Among the symptoms shared by a cold and sinus infection are:

  • congestion
  • fever, though with a cold, it tends to be a low-grade fever
  • fatigue, or lack of energy

Symptomatic Sore Throat Treatments

Cough update sinus infection

Ideally, your pediatrician will be able to treat the underlying cause of your child’s sore throat, whether it is strep throat, sinusitis, or allergies. Unfortunately, especially when your child has a viral infection, such as mono, the sore throat will have to get better on its own.

There are often some things that you can do until then to help your child feel better, though, including:

  • Giving your child a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen .
  • Encouraging your child to drink cool drinks, eat popsicles, and avoid acidic drinks , which can irritate a sore throat.
  • Offering hard candy, throat lozenges, or lollipops for older kids .
  • Encouraging your child to gargle with warm salt water .
  • Using a sore throat spray, such as Chloraseptic Sore Throat Spray for Kids, which can be given to kids as young as age two years .
  • Asking your pediatrician about a prescription of Benadryl, Maalox, and viscous lidocaine, a mixture that can be used as a “swish and spit” in your child’s mouth to help ease more severe throat pain.

Recommended Reading: The Best Antibiotic For Sinus Infection

Using The Right Water During Saline Rinses

When using saline nasal rinses, tap water should always be boiled and then allowed to cool to ensure cleanliness distilled water or premixed solutions could also be used instead of regular tap water.

Other home remedies for sinus infections include:

  • Drinking fluids: Drinking lots of fluids helps loosen and thin mucus. Avoid beverages that are caffeinated and alcoholic beverages that can dehydrate the body, which could thicken mucus.
  • Breathing steam: Warm water is best . You can breathe in steam from either a bowl or shower.
  • Humidifying the air: Use a cool air vaporizer or humidifier,particularly at night while sleeping.
  • Avoiding environmental substances: Avoid tobacco smoke and chlorinated water that can dry up the mucus membranes and exacerbate symptoms.
  • Implementing treatment measures: At the first sign of infection, use antihistamines and employ regular nasal rinses.

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Here Are Seven Effective Home Remedies For Sinus That Can Help You Tackle The Problem Naturally

1.Stay Hydrated

Drinking water, tea or juices without sugar are good ways to keep your system hydrated

2. Pungent SpicesSpices such as cayenne pepper with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, help in breaking up and draining out congested mucus. Similarly, horseradish can be mixed with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice to create a mucus dissolving elixir. As an alternative, 1/4 teaspoon of the freshly grated horseradish root can be held in the mouth for a few minutes, once the taste has evaporated, it can be swallowed.

Spices such as cayenne pepper with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties

3.SteamThis one works like magic and doctors prescribe it too. Add 3 drops of pine or rosemary oil with 3 drops of peppermint, and 2 drops of eucalyptus oil to a steaming hot bowl of water or add 3 drops of rosemary with 1 drop of thyme and peppermint oil. With your face down over the water, drape a towel over the back of your head and inhale the steam, this will help in clearing a blocked nasal passage.

Turmeric root is a wonderful, fragrant spice commonly found in IndiaApple cider vinegar is a wonderful natural ingredient with many health benefits

6. SoupA number of studies support the benefits of having soup in helping ease congestion. From chicken soup to vegetable soup with fresh herbs, you can choose from a range of recipes and pick your favourite. It is the steam combined with a bunch of healthy ingredients which help clear the sinuses.

Kali Bichrome: For Sinusitis With Discharge Dropping Back Into Throat

4 Pack Mucinex Sinus Max Maximum Strength For Pressure ...

Kali Bichrome is the top natural medicine for Sinusitis where the discharge drops back into the throat despite coming out of the nose. The discharge is very thick and mostly yellow. It can be ropy too and the patient experiences pain and heaviness in the nose. The nose can smell and is blocked with an inability to breathe through it. Kali Bichrome is also the best remedy for headache above the eyes due to a sinus infection. The eyes may also get swollen up.

Read Also: Ways To Ease Sinus Pain

Saline Nasal Sprays And Irrigations

Other safe ways to help relieve sinus and nasal congestion and postnasal drip include nasal sprays and irrigations that contain saline solution. Saline solution is water that contains sodium chloride . There are many OTC saline nasal sprays that can be used to keep the nose moist and curb symptoms.

Nasal irrigation on the other hand, involves flushing your sinuses with a larger volume of saline solution. You can make your own irrigation solution with sodium chloride packets mixed with boiled or distilled water, or buy a pre-prepared saline wash kit at the pharmacy.

It is very important not to use tap or shower water to make your saline wash, unless the water has been boiled. Although rare, flushing your sinuses with unboiled tap water can lead to a serious infection that can potentially affect the brain.

Instead, you can use a bulb syringe, bottle sprayer, or neti pot for nasal irrigation. For best results, its recommended that you wash out each side of your nose with at least 200 mL of warmed saline solution. Check with your healthcare provider to see how often you should irrigate your sinuses.

Can You Take Sinus Decongestants With High Blood Pressure

Phenylephrine is not considered to be safe if you have high blood pressure. Sinus decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine may actually raise your blood pressure and counteract blood pressure medication that youre on. If you have high blood pressure, you should speak with your doctor about which decongestant they recommend for you.

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When To Seek Medical Care

See a doctor if you have:

  • Difficulty breathing or fast breathing
  • Dehydration
  • Fever that lasts longer than 4 days
  • Symptoms that last more than 10 days without improvement
  • Symptoms, such as fever or cough, that improve but then return or worsen
  • Worsening of chronic medical conditions

This list is not all-inclusive. Please see a doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning.

Because colds can have similar symptoms to flu, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two illnesses based on symptoms alone. Flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses.

In general, flu is worse than a cold, and symptoms are more intense. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations. Flu can have very serious associated complications.

When you have a cold, mucus fills your nose and could cause post-nasal drip, headache, and a sore throat.

Q: Does The Color Of My Phlegm Matter

Sore Throat, Ear, Or Sinus Infection? Doctors Prescribe Wrong Antibiotics Half The Time | TODAY

A: Yes. Your phlegms color can provide insight into your current state of your health. Clear mucus can be an indication of allergies, but gray, white or green/yellow phlegm is an indicator that youre probably suffering from a bacterial or viral infection in your respiratory system.

Phlegm that is gray or white is a sign of an upper respiratory infection. You are probably coughing up this kind of phlegm because mucus drained to the back of your throat from your sinuses. Gray phlegm could also be an indicator that your body is trying to release toxins inhaled from large amounts of air pollutant, including cigarette smoke.

Dark yellow or green phlegm could be a sign of a viral or bacterial, sinus, or lower respiratory infection. The hue occurs as your body sends neutrophils to the area of infection. These cells contain a protein causing the mucus to appear green when present in excess amounts.

Overall, pay attention to your cold or flu symptoms and the excess mucus they can cause. Knowing what your body is suffering from can help you fight it and find relief. Robitussin Maximum Strength 12 Hour Cough & Mucus Extended-Release Tablets is a great place to start because it contains the powerful cough suppressant dextromethorphan, which works for up to 12 hours to help control your cough. Plus, it thins and loosens mucus by increasing the amount of water in secretions, helping to clear congestion of phlegm and making it easier for you to breathe.

Read Also: Why Am I Always Getting Sinus Infections

Sneezing Runny Nose And Watery Eyes

These symptoms are the result of histamine release, which isan immune response to an invading virus. Chlorpheniramine, such as TriaminicAllergy, and diphenhydramine, such as Benadryl, are safe to take duringpregnancy. However, both can cause drowsiness, so these are best taken atbedtime. The maximum dosage for chlorpheniramine is 32 mg in 24 hours.

When compared to placebos, antihistamines have the most successful resultswithin the first couple days of treatment. Patients didnt report any relief ofsymptoms between days three and 10. Newer antihistamines, such as loratadine, are approved for allergies, not colds, so there isnt informationabout how well they work for cold symptoms.

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