A dry and itchy cough can be very uncomfortable. To relieve it, there are several choices of dry cough medicine that you can consume, both medical and natural remedies. Check out the following reviews about dry and itchy cough medicines for adults.
A dry cough is defined as a cough that is not accompanied by phlegm or mucus. This condition can be caused by many factors, ranging from exposure to smoke and dust, viral infections, asthma, to acid reflux (GERD).
Symptoms that accompany a dry cough vary, depending on the cause. In the case of asthma, for example, a dry cough may be accompanied by wheezing and shortness of breath. While in GERD, a dry cough is usually accompanied by a burning feeling in the throat and in the pit of the heart.
Natural Dry and Itchy Cough Remedy for Adults
Basically, a dry cough is caused by irritation of the throat. This irritation causes inflammation which will stimulate the cough reflex. If the inflammation is severe enough, the cough reflex will be very difficult to hold.
The use of natural remedies for dry cough is intended to relieve inflammation so that the cough reflex can subside.
The following are some natural ingredients that you can use as a dry and itchy cough remedy for adults:
Honey
Due to its high anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, honey has been shown to reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat that causes a dry cough. You can take 1-2 tablespoons of honey directly or mix it with a cup of warm water, warm tea, or lemon water.
Salt water
Sore throat and coughing that won't stop can lead to swelling that makes the throat even more uncomfortable. Gargling with salt water can reduce this swelling. In addition, salt water can also kill bacteria in the mouth and throat.
To make a salt solution for gargling, you simply add 1 teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and stir until dissolved. Use this saline solution to gargle any time your throat feels itchy or uncomfortable. However, be careful not to swallow the saline solution.
Turmeric and ginger
Turmeric and ginger have long been used as natural remedies to treat dry coughs, relieve bronchitis, asthma, and acute respiratory infections (ARI). This is thanks to the abundant anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties of turmeric and ginger.
To make a dry and itchy cough medicine for adults using these two ingredients, you can boil ginger and turmeric with ordinary drinking water. In addition, you can also boil it in milk to make golden milk.
Medical Dry Cough and Itching Medicine for Adults
In addition to natural ingredients, there are also medicines that can be used to relieve dry and itchy coughs in adults. The following is a group of drugs that can be used to relieve dry cough:
Antitussive
In relieving a dry cough, antitussives work by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain, so that the urge to cough is reduced. One type of antitussive drug that is most often used to relieve dry cough is dextromethorphan HBr.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines work by blocking compounds that cause inflammation in the throat. One type of antihistamine that is often used to treat dry cough is chlorpheniramine maleate.
If you have a dry and itchy cough, a combination cough medicine containing dextromethorphan HBr and chlorpheniramine could be the right choice to overcome it. This combination of dry cough medicine and itching can also be purchased over-the-counter at pharmacies or drug stores without a doctor's prescription.
However, if you want to take any type of over-the-counter medicine, you must read and follow the directions for use, including the dosage of the medicine and how often the medicine should be taken.
Also pay attention to the side effects. Both classes of these drugs usually cause drowsiness. So, do not do activities that require alertness after taking this drug, such as driving a vehicle.
Dry and itchy cough medicine for adults can be taken if your throat feels so uncomfortable that it interferes with your activities and rest. However, if the cough does not subside, gets worse, or is accompanied by chest pain, fever, or shortness of breath, consult a doctor immediately for further treatment.