From the Guidelines
Lozenges can help alleviate dry cough symptoms by soothing throat irritation and increasing saliva production, as recommended in the management of cough in adults 1. When it comes to managing dry cough, lozenges are a commonly used remedy.
- They work by either numbing the throat, coating it with a protective film, or stimulating saliva production to moisten the throat.
- Effective options include menthol lozenges, honey-based lozenges, and benzocaine-containing products.
- For best results, it's recommended to allow the lozenge to dissolve slowly in the mouth rather than chewing it, and use one every 2-4 hours as needed.
- While lozenges provide temporary symptom relief, they don't treat the underlying cause of a persistent dry cough.
- If the cough lasts longer than 1-2 weeks, is severe, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like fever or difficulty breathing, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider.
- Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and using a humidifier can complement the effects of lozenges for dry cough relief, as suggested by recommendations for the management of cough in adults 1.
- The use of menthol, a common ingredient in lozenges, has been shown to suppress the cough reflex, making it a potentially effective option for dry cough relief 1.
From the Research
Lozenges and Dry Cough
- Lozenges are often used to help soothe a dry cough, but the provided evidence does not directly address their effectiveness for this specific purpose.
- The study 2 discusses the use of menthol, a common ingredient in lozenges, as a treatment for rhinitis and nasal congestion associated with upper respiratory tract infections and allergies.
- According to the study 2, menthol has been used for hundreds of years in traditional medicine to treat respiratory diseases, and its effects on nasal sensation and the drive to breathe have been researched.
- However, the study 2 does not specifically mention the use of lozenges or menthol for the treatment of dry cough, so its relevance to this topic is limited.