Natural and Medical Phlegm Cough Medicine

There are various kinds of phlegm cough medicine that you can get, both from natural ingredients and those that come from a doctor's prescription. What are the medicines to relieve cough with phlegm? Check out the following explanation. Coughing is the body's natural mechanism to cleanse the respiratory tract. Phlegm coughing occurs when the cough is accompanied by mucus or mucus. There are many factors that can cause coughing up phlegm, ranging from viral or bacterial infections in the upper respiratory tract, exposure to pollution, cigarette smoke, to more serious medical disorders, such as asthma, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Therefore, you must immediately overcome the cough with phlegm so that the condition does not get worse.

Natural Phlegm Cough Remedy

Here are some natural phlegm cough medicines that can be used to relieve your condition, namely:

• Water

One of the natural phlegm cough medicines that is most easily obtained and effective is water. When drinking water, phlegm in the respiratory tract will become thinner so it is easier to remove. In addition, water also plays a role in maintaining fluid needs to prevent dehydration and prevent irritation in the respiratory tract by maintaining humidity. It is recommended to drink water at least 8 glasses per day.

• Pineapple

The content of bromelain in the pineapple is effective to deal with coughing, including coughing up phlegm. A study even showed the bromelain contained in pineapple can suppress coughing and reduce phlegm deposits in the throat. In addition, the substance is thought to relieve inflammation and treat sinusitis caused by allergies. However, there is still not enough clinical evidence to justify the allegation. If you want to take pineapple supplements that contain bromelain, it is advisable to consult a doctor first because this substance can affect the work of other drugs, such as antibiotics.

• Honey

Honey is one of the natural phlegm cough medicines that is quite effective. Honey works by thinning phlegm. In addition, honey has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can reduce irritation of the respiratory tract, so as to relieve the symptoms of cough. Several studies have shown that consuming honey mixed with warm water can relieve dry cough and cough with phlegm effectively in children. However, honey cannot be given to children under the age of 1 year because it can pose a risk of poisoning.

• Mint leaves

Another natural ingredient that might help as a natural phlegm cough medicine is mint leaves. The content of menthol found in mint leaves can help break down mucus in the throat. In addition, menthol also acts as a reliever for sore throats. To get the benefits of mint leaves, you can use these leaves as a tea-making material or a steam bath. For the purposes of steam baths, mint leaf oil can be used. Put 3-4 mint oil in 150 ml of hot water. The vapors that appear are then inhaled to relieve phlegm blocked throat.

• Salt water

Another natural phlegm cough remedy that you can use is salt water. Gargling with salt water is believed to eliminate phlegm in the throat and reduce irritation. The way to make it is quite simple, you only need to mix ¼ or ½ teaspoon of salt into 1 cup of warm water. However, this method is not recommended given to children under the age of 6 years, because it might not be able to rinse properly.

Medication for phlegm from the medical side

If natural medicine is not able to relieve cough with phlegm, you can switch to using medical drugs that have been prescribed by a doctor. The following are medical drugs that can be used to relieve cough with phlegm:

• Mukolitik and expectorant

Mucolytic and expectorant drugs are phlegm cough medicines that work by thinning thick phlegm that is in the respiratory tract. This class of drugs makes phlegm more easily removed, making the respiratory tract feel more relieved.

• Antihistamines

Antihistamine group cough phlegm works by inhibiting the action of histamine in the body. Histamine usually occurs when an allergic reaction causes the tissue in the nose to swell and release excess mucus. However, this drug can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth and headaches. Antihistamines will be given if the cough is caused by an allergic reaction.

• Antibiotics

This medicine is only effective if the cough with phlegm is caused by a bacterial infection. The sign is if the coughing up phlegm secretes green or yellowish phlegm. Coughing up phlegm with clear mucus caused by a viral infection or allergy, it is not effective if treated with antibiotics. To determine the right type of antibiotic, must be with the consideration and recommendation of a doctor.

Natural phlegm cough remedies and also over-the-counter medical drugs can help relieve your cough. However, you must be vigilant if the cough does not disappear for more than three weeks, feels pain in the chest, or has difficulty breathing. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience these symptoms. The doctor will give the right treatment according to the cough condition that is experienced.