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Coughing is common when there is a common problem like cold and cough. Common causes of cough get cured automatically within a few days. Cough syrup is a very common remedy during cold and cough. Often people also use over-the-counter cough medicines. Correct consumption of cough syrup does not cause any problem, but wrong consumption is serious. Let us understand in detail in this article whether one should drink water after drinking cough syrup or not and what are the precautions related to it.
Should one drink water after taking cough syrup?
In case of cold and cough, doctors advise patients to drink cough syrup two to three times a day. Consuming cough syrup helps reduce mucus formation in your lungs and prevent coughing. Dr. Sameer, senior physician at Babu Ishwar Sharan Hospital, says, “Not all cough syrups are the same and the method of consumption is also not the same. In most cases, there is no harm in drinking a sip of water after taking the syrup.”
Drinking water after taking cough syrup depends on the type of syrup-
Expectorants: These contain ingredients like guaifenesin, which help loosen and expel phlegm. Drinking water increases the amount of fluid in the body, which helps further dilute the phlegm and makes it easier to expel it.
Cough suppressants: These syrups affect the part of the brain that controls coughing. They may contain ingredients such as codeine or dextromethorphan. Drinking water has no significant effect on the effectiveness of these medicines.
- Drinking water after taking cough syrup provides relief
- Thinning phlegm: As mentioned above, drinking water is beneficial for cough syrup.
- Keeping the throat moist: Some cough syrups can be thick, which can cause a sore throat. Drinking water helps keep the throat moist and reduce pain.
- Reduces stomach irritation: Some cough syrups can cause stomach irritation. Drinking water reduces stomach inflammation.
- Precautions related to the use of cough syrup
- Cough syrup should be consumed as per the instructions given by the doctor. Increasing or decreasing its dosage can cause many side effects.
- Keep these precautions in mind while taking cough syrup-
- Follow your doctor's instructions: It is most important that you always follow your doctor's instructions. The doctor will tell you what kind of cough syrup you should take and whether or not you should drink water with it.
Pay attention to the quantity of the medicine: Take only the quantity of the medicine written on the package. Consuming it in excess can cause many harms.
Do not consume expired medicine: Always check the expiry date and do not consume expired medicine.
Do not consume alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol after or during taking cough syrup. Consuming alcohol with cough syrup can increase your problem
Also keep in mind that if your cough does not improve even after drinking any type of cough syrup, cough is accompanied by high fever, difficulty in breathing or chest pain, vomiting or diarrhea and an allergic reaction to the medicine. Rash. If there is a feeling of body ache or difficulty in breathing, consult a doctor immediately.
