According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines can actually worsen coughs in up to 20% of people.
If you’re one of the unlucky ones who experiences this side effect, don’t despair. There are several reasons why cough medicine might be making you cough more, and there are ways to stop it.
1. It May Contain Expectorants
Expectorants are ingredients that help thin mucus so that it can be coughed up more easily. While this may sound like a good thing, it can actually make coughs worse in some people. This is because expectorants can irritate the throat and lungs, leading to more coughing.
2. It May Contain Codeine
Codeine is an opioid that is often used to suppress coughs. However, it can also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation. It can also lead to dependency and addiction.
3. It May Not Be Effective
If your cough is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as a chest infection or asthma, OTC cough medicines may not be effective. In these cases, it’s important to see a doctor to get the appropriate treatment.
4. It May Interact with Other Medications
Cough medicines can interact with other medications you’re taking, such as blood thinners, antidepressants, and birth control pills. These interactions can worsen coughs or cause other side effects.
5. It May Be Overused
Taking cough medicine more often than directed can increase the risk of side effects, including worsened coughs. It’s important to follow the directions on the package carefully.
10 Ways to Stop Cough Medicine from Making You Cough More
If you’re experiencing worsened coughs after taking cough medicine, there are several things you can do to stop it:
1. Stop Taking the Medicine
The first step is to stop taking the cough medicine. If your cough improves within a few days, then you know that the medicine was the cause.
2. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Staying hydrated helps to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up. Drink plenty of water, juice, or tea.
3. Use a Humidifier
A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help to soothe sore throats and coughs.
4. Gargle with Salt Water
Gargling with salt water can help to kill bacteria and soothe sore throats. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds.
5. Take a Hot Shower
The steam from a hot shower can help to clear nasal congestion and soothe sore throats.
6. Elevate Your Head
Elevating your head while you sleep can help to reduce coughing. Use pillows to prop up your head and shoulders.
7. Avoid Triggers
If you know what triggers your cough, such as smoke, dust, or pollen, avoid these triggers as much as possible.
8. Get Enough Sleep
When you’re tired, your immune system is weaker and you’re more likely to get sick. Make sure to get plenty of sleep so that your body can fight off infection.
9. See a Doctor
If your cough persists or worsens, see a doctor. There may be an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated.
10. Use an Alternative Cough Remedy
There are several natural cough remedies that can be used to soothe coughs, such as honey, lemon juice, and ginger tea.
Coughing is a natural reflex that helps to clear your throat and lungs of mucus and other irritants. However, a persistent cough can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia. It’s important to see a doctor if your cough persists or worsens.
Stopping coughing can improve your overall health and well-being in several ways, including:
Improved sleep
Reduced fatigue
Less pain and discomfort
Improved breathing
Reduced risk of complications
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you stop coughing:
Identify your triggers. If you know what triggers your cough, such as smoke, dust, or pollen, avoid these triggers as much as possible.
Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up.
Use a humidifier. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help to soothe sore throats and coughs.
Gargle with salt water. Gargling with salt water can help to kill bacteria and soothe sore throats.
Take a hot shower. The steam from a hot shower can help to clear nasal congestion and soothe sore throats.
Elevate your head. Elevating your head while you sleep can help to reduce coughing.
Get enough sleep. When you’re tired, your immune system is weaker and you’re more likely to get sick. Make sure to get plenty of sleep so that your body can fight off infection.
See a doctor. If your cough persists or worsens, see a doctor. There may be an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated.
