What cough medicine should I take for cough caused by influenza A?
I was diagnosed with influenza a few days ago, and now I'm coughing severely. I can't sleep well at night due to coughing, and I keep coughing during the day as well, affecting both my work and daily life. I would like to know what kind of cough medicine I can take to relieve the symptoms.
Doctor's answer (1)
For cough caused by influenza A, medications can be selected according to the type of cough. If the cough is accompanied by excessive phlegm, expectorants such as ambroxol can be considered to help dilute the phlegm and promote its expulsion. For dry cough, antitussive medications such as dextromethorphan may be used, although caution is needed due to potential side effects like drowsiness. In addition to using cough medications, adequate rest, maintaining indoor air circulation, drinking plenty of water, and ensuring sufficient hydration are recommended, as these practices help thin the phlegm and relieve coughing.
Cough-relieving traditional Chinese patent medicines with functions of clearing heat, resolving phlegm, and relieving cough may also be considered. Pneumonic Cough Mixture contains ingredients such as root of oriental plane and gentian scabra, which have effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, relieving cough, and expelling phlegm; it can effectively alleviate cough symptoms caused by influenza A. Chuanbei Pipa Syrup, made from traditional Chinese herbs such as bulbus fritillariae cirrhosae and loquat leaf, has functions of moistening the lungs, relieving cough, resolving phlegm, and alleviating wheezing; it can help influenza A patients relieve cough and phlegm symptoms.
During the use of cough medications, the patient should closely monitor changes in their condition. If cough symptoms persist or worsen, or if severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing occur, prompt medical attention should be sought.
