I suffer from a bad cough whenever I get a cold. What remedies are there?
Conventional remedy
Upper respiratory tract infections, which are often caused by the common cold and other viruses, are a frequent cause of cough. Coughing is a defence mechanism that the body uses to clear the airway of secretions or foreign material. As a defensive, involuntary reflex it relies on cough receptors in the upper airway to trigger an attack. In the case of infection it is the associated inflammation that triggers the receptors.
While there are many causes of cough, this query asks for remedies that might be effective in the case of a simple viral respiratory-tract infection. A dry, non-productive cough is best treated with a simple cough-suppressant medicine. The active ingredients in these linctuses, or syrupy mixtures, include dextromethorphan, codeine and pholcodine.
A chesty, productive cough, on the other hand, should not be suppressed, as the retention of sputum will interfere with the ability of the lungs to resist infection. Examples of expectorants - which promote the expulsion of phlegm - include guaiphenesin, ipecacuanha and ammonium chloride. Phlegm is easier to cough up if it has been thinned, using a mucolytic agent such as carbocysteine.
Remedies such as inhaled friar's balsam or Olbas Oil - used in combination with hot steaming water - help to bring about short-term relief.
Finally, a word of warning. Some cough medicines are addictive. And if a cough persists for longer than a week or you notice blood in your phlegm, you should see your family doctor without delay.
Dr Muiris Houston
Alternative remedy
A cough is a normal reflex. It is an attempt by the body to eliminate foreign objects, including mucus, from the respiratory tract. If you have pain in the chest area, shortness of breath, any signs of fever or if the cough is prolonged, however, you should seek professional advice, to rule out the possibility of anything other than a minor self-limiting condition.
Pregnant or breastfeeding mums and anyone on conventional medication should also seek the advice of a professional practitioner before self-treating.
It is always a good idea to eliminate dairy products, such as cheese, butter, milk and cream, from the diet when suffering from a cough, as these contribute to congestion and slow down recovery.
If the cough is in the throat and is worse first thing in the morning, the chances are that it is caused by a post-nasal drip. Kyolic garlic can be of great help in such cases. A peppermint inhalation can further help to relieve congestion: place four drops of the pure essential oil in a small bowl of boiling water and inhale as often as desired.
A mustard compress can help to resolve congestion and can even be used for babies. Mix dry mustard powder with enough water to make a wettish paste, spread the mixture between sheets of greaseproof paper, put the compress on your chest and cover it with a towel, then leave it for five-15 minutes, until the skin is a nice pink. You can apply the compress two or three times a day.
Many herbs have been used traditionally for resolving coughs. A number of preparations available in health stores contain combinations of them. Two of the oldest and best are Potters Vegetable Cough Remover and BioForce's Ivy-Thyme Complex.
Supplementing with Vitamin A (7,500 i.u. daily), which is involved in the health of the respiratory-tract lining, and Vitamin C (1,000 milligrams once or twice a day), which has a role to play in supporting the immune system, are useful adjuncts to treatment. Echinacea is a good herb for strengthening the immune system and is now available for children, too.
Above all, recovery from a lingering cough, as from any ailment, is aided by ensuring adequate sleep, minimum stress and a sensible wholesome diet, combined with a good intake of unsweetened fluids.
Erica Murray
Erica Murray is an owner of Hopsack Health Store, inDublin, and a member of the Irish Association of Health Stores
The advice in this column is not intended as a substitute for advice received directly from a medical doctor or alternative practitioner. Individuals should receive a thorough diagnosis of complaints before embarking on a course of treatment