The flu is a respiratory disorder that everyone has suffered at some time in their life. It is an alteration that causes discomfort in the throat, cough, sneezing and nasal congestion; however, in certain cases fever may appear and, with it, general decay or pain in the body. It is so common that adults tend to suffer it between two and three times a year, while children suffer it more often [1] .
To eliminate the annoying symptoms of the flu, it is important to consult a doctor and follow his instructions. You may recommend drinking a large amount of water and resting as long as possible, however, there are certain drugs that you can also recommend depending on each case. If you want to know the medicines for flu and cough in adults, we advise you to continue reading the following FastlyHealarticle.
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Causes of flu and cough in adults
Influenza, popularly known as the flu, is a disease that is produced by the entry into the body of a virus with the same name, which finds the appropriate conditions to multiply, generating an infection that mainly affects the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and occasionally to the lungs.
That flu cases are so common is because they are easily transmitted from one person to another, since viruses can travel through the air through droplets of saliva that are expelled when coughing, sneezing or talking near a person infected. Despite this, a person can not only acquire the viruses by directly inhaling the drops, but also by touching objects that were exposed to these microorganisms and then putting their hands to their nose, mouth, or eyes.
In most cases of flu and cough in adults it is not necessary to consult a doctor, since the recovery usually takes about a week and the symptoms can be treated at home without complications, however, when the symptoms are very bothersome, intensify or intervene in daily performance, it is advisable to receive medical treatment .
The best flu
Medications that are in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory group can be a great option for treating coughs and flu in adults . This is because the most characteristic symptoms of this respiratory disorder can cause inflammation, mainly in the throat due to the irritation generated by coughing and sneezing.
Among the most characteristic drugs are ibuprofen, diclofenac or tolfenamic acid . The dose must be respected according to the indications of the professional, since although they do not usually have side effects, it is essential not to exceed the daily doses of each drug. Likewise, each drug has its own contraindications, for example diclofenac is related to a higher cardiovascular risk compared to other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, so its use in people with heart problems should be with caution. For all these reasons, it is essential to avoid self-medication , even if they are over-the-counter, and always put yourself in the hands of a specialist before taking any type of drug.
Flu medications
When having the flu, adults suffer various symptoms and one of the most characteristic is a sore throat . Despite this, it can happen that the patient is very congested and feels pain not only in the throat but also in the ears, head or various parts of the body.
To eliminate these symptoms, the doctor may recommend the consumption of certain painkillers such as:
- Paracetamol.
- Mepiramina.
- Acetylsalicylic acid.
The dose of these drugs should be indicated by a doctor depending on each case, and it is important to never self-medicate, even if they are over-the-counter drugs, they may no longer be recommended in certain people depending on their general health status.
Next we will talk about home remedies for a sore throat that can be very useful in these cases.
Medicines for the common cold with fever
If an adult with the flu has a fever, the professional is likely to recommend the consumption of antipyretic medications, which help regulate body temperature, however, it may only be necessary when the patient has a high fever. The most prominent drugs for these cases are metamizole or nimesulide .
Names of flu cough medicines
Dry cough lozenges
A dry cough can become one of the most annoying symptoms of the flu, causing a sore throat or even difficulties speaking normally. For these cases, doctors can prescribe:
- Levodropropizine.
- Dextromethorphan.
- Cetirizine.
However, the way of consumption and the amounts must be prescribed by the professional. These drugs suppress the cough reflex , so they are recommended when the cough is triggered by irritation and inflammation of the respiratory tract, but their consumption is not recommended if there is production of phlegm, since it is a necessary reflex to expel them.
Productive cough medications
Having mucus or phlegm with the flu can lead to a variety of disorders. In addition to being too annoying symptoms, if there is a significant increase in the production of these secretions and they are not expelled correctly from the body, they can cause other serious alterations such as the accumulation of this mucus in the lungs or in different parts of the respiratory system and cause sinusitis or similar pathologies that worsen the patient’s health.
To avoid these complications and help the body expel mucus, professionals often prescribe expectorant medications such as:
- Bromhexina.
- Vick 44 E.
- Ambroxol.
The doses of each one and the way of use will depend on each particular case, so it is essential to follow the professional’s instructions.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.