Hello again,
Thank you for your answers
To relieve a dry cough, you could use a dextromethorphan (DM) syrup, such as BENYLIN DRY COUG. A codeine-based syrup, such as CALMYLIN, may be considered if the DM syrup is not enough, but codeine can cause drowsiness and should be requested from the pharmacist behind the counter
For a scratchy throat, you can take ADVIL (regular, not cold and sinus) 1 tablet every 6-8 hours with food; it is an anti-inflammatory and can sometimes help relieve a sore throat
The symptoms you are experiencing may be related to the presence of a cold or to your dust allergies. If it's a cold, your symptoms should improve soon and disappear after a maximum of 7 to 10 days. If it's related to your allergies, you may want to take an anti-allergy medication such as CLARITIN, REACTIN or AERIUS to attack the cause.
Finally, be sure to consider the following non-medicinal measures as well:
- Drink plenty of water to keep your throat well hydrated
- Gargle your throat with water and salt for 30-60 seconds, 4 times a day (mix 1 tsp. of salt in a glass of warm water)
- Drink warm liquid food or drinks that may soothe the cough (e.g. hot chocolate or a good soup)
- Use a humidifier to keep the air in your home from being too dry, especially in your bedroom.
I hope this information is helpful to you. If there is anything else, please do not hesitate to write me.
Sincerely,
David Tan, pharmacist