Do I need a cough suppressant or expectorant?
There are two kinds of cough medicines: expectorants and suppressants . Expectorants may make it easier to cough up mucus when you have a productive cough. Use an expectorant if you have a cough that produces thick mucus and you are having difficulty coughing up the mucus. Look for expectorants containing guaifenesin.
What is better expectorant or suppressant?
An expectorant to loosen and thin mucus so it can be more readily discharged. A cough suppressant to control your cough reflex.
Does a cough expectorant make you cough more?
An expectorant is something that helps loosen mucus so you can cough it up. It does this by increasing the water content of the mucus, thinning it out, and making your cough more productive.
Is it better to cough or suppress a cough?
Use cough suppressants wisely. Don’t suppress a productive cough too much, unless it is keeping you from getting enough rest. Coughing is useful, because it brings up mucus from the lungs and helps to prevent bacterial infections.
What cough medicine loosens phlegm?
You can try products like guaifenesin (Mucinex) that thin mucus so it won’t sit in the back of your throat or your chest. This type of medication is called an expectorant, which means it helps you to expel mucus by thinning and loosening it.
Can cough suppressants make cough worse?
This effect can make mucus thicker and harder to clear from the airways, which can make a cough worse.
Is Mucinex better than Robitussin?
If you’re only looking to treat a cough, you may prefer Robitussin 12 Hour Cough Relief, which just contains dextromethorphan. On the other hand, you can use Mucinex or Maximum Strength Mucinex, which only contain guaifenesin, to reduce congestion.
When to take an expectorant?
If you have a productive cough, meaning that some mucus comes up during the cough, or if you have congestion in your chest, then an expectorant will help. If you have a stuffy nose, then consider a decongestant .
Should I take an expectorant?
Expectorants help thin mucus so you can cough it out of your lungs more easily. These medications are useful when you have thick congestion and are having a hard time expelling it on your own. When mucus sits in your lungs, it can contribute to bacterial infections, including pneumonia.
What is expectorant vs decongestant?
There are several differences between a decongestant and expectorant, including what part of the respiratory system is treated. Decongestants reduce swelling in the nasal passages, helping to relieve a stuffy nose, sinus headache, and decreased hearing due to excess phlegm in the area.
How do expectorants work?
Expectorants work by thinning the mucus and coating the throat so it’s easier to eliminate mucus caused by a cold, breathing sickness like bronchitis or sinusitis or flu. Medications containing an expectorant generally are taken by mouth every 4 to 6 hours and should be taken with an 8-ounce glass of water.