Tag: Respiratory health

While up to 43% of adults in the US use a supplement containing calcium, a cough is not a listed direct side effect. However, the answer to 'Can calcium tablets cause a cough?' is complex, involving indirect mechanisms like acid reflux and aspiration.

Chronic cough is a common ailment, with a global prevalence estimated at 9.6% [1.9.3]. When faced with the dozens of options in the pharmacy aisle, the most critical question is: **should I take antitussive or expectorant?** Understanding the difference is key to effective relief.

According to a meta-analysis of clinical studies, levodropropizine is a highly effective antitussive drug for treating dry cough in both children and adults, with a superior safety profile compared to central cough suppressants. This medication, typically in syrup form, offers a safe and targeted approach to cough relief by acting on the peripheral nervous system.

While there is currently no cure for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), standard inhalers like bronchodilators do not treat the underlying scarring that characterizes the disease. The question, 'are inhalers good for pulmonary fibrosis?' has a nuanced answer, as their benefit depends on the specific circumstances and goals of treatment.

Millions of Americans with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD struggle with excessive mucus production. This often leads to the question, **will an inhaler help with mucus?** The answer is not straightforward and depends entirely on the type of medication being inhaled and its specific mechanism of action.

Metformin is one of the most widely prescribed oral medications globally for managing type 2 diabetes. While many patients wonder about the potential respiratory side effects of their medications, available evidence indicates that metformin does not cause pleural fibrosis; in fact, some studies suggest it may have protective, anti-fibrotic properties.

The average adult gets two to four colds each year, with children experiencing as many as six to eight, often accompanied by a persistent cough [1.2.1, 1.10.1]. When searching for relief, many wonder: **Does ibuprofen help to stop coughing?** While it's a go-to for many cold symptoms, its role in coughs is more complex.

Approximately 90% of acute bronchitis cases, a common type of chest infection, are caused by viruses, meaning antibiotics are ineffective for most people. However, for bacterial infections like pneumonia, selecting **what is the best antibiotic for a chest infection** depends on specific factors like the type of bacteria, patient health, and local resistance patterns. This makes a proper medical diagnosis essential before starting treatment.

Recent data shows 14.5% of U.S. adult cannabis users prefer dabbing, despite growing health concerns. When considering if dabs are healthier than vaping, it's crucial to analyze the distinct risks each method presents, from temperature byproducts to product contaminants.

While a cough is a natural protective respiratory reflex, some severe cases can lead to secondary issues like muscle strain. For typical coughs, do muscle relaxers help with coughing? The consensus among healthcare professionals is no, and attempting to use them for this purpose without proper medical guidance is not recommended due to a mismatch in how they work.