A chronic cough may stem from a long-term condition; some coughs cannot be cured, merely controlled. Depending on the reason for the cough, certain treatments may be more helpful than others. Because herbs and many conventional drugs may produce side effects, individuals should consult a health practitioner before using new treatments.
N-acetylecysteine
N-acetylecysteine, or NAC, is an antioxidant amino acid, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, that may be helpful in controlling symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, by relieving stress on the lungs and airways; however, more research is needed. NAC is available in health food stores, and those wishing to use it should first consult their health practitioners to check if it is the correct treatment for their condition.
Homeopathic Antimonium Tartaricum
According to the "Synoptic Materia Medica" by homeopath Frans Vermeulen, the remedy Antimonium tartaricum may be beneficial for those suffering from a chronic productive, or wet, cough with rattling in the chest from mucus that is difficult to cough up. Antimonium tartaricum may be especially helpful in the elderly, and is indicated for those that are weak and fatigued due to coughing. The individual may have difficulty breathing made worse when lying down on the back. This remedy is also well suited for children in the later stages of acute bronchitis where there is deep congestion in the chest with difficulty bringing up phlegm, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Antimonium tartaricum is available over-the counter and from online homeopathic pharmacies. A health practitioner familiar with using this remedy should be consulted.
Essential Oil of Monoterpenes
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that there's a mixed remedy used for both acute and chronic coughing due to bronchitis that is made from pine oil extract, eucalyptus oil and citrus oil. The essential oil of these substances appears to be as effective as antibiotics; however, additional research in necessary. Asthma patients should not use this remedy due to the possibility of side effects. A health practitioner should be consulted before starting this type of treatment.
Antibiotics
In certain cases where there are bacteria present, it may be necessary to treat a chronic cough with antibiotics, says the University of Michigan Health System. Antibiotics may be useful where other types of treatments have failed, as long as there is a bacterial infection present; however, in the absence of bacteria, antibiotics are of no value. Since a prescription is necessary for any antibiotic, sufferers should consult a doctor if their coughing is severe or does not go away after other treatments.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Bronchitis
- "Synoptic Materia Medica"; Frans Vermeulen; 1992
- University of Michigan Health System: Acute Bronchitis
