In this edition of the blog we are going to look at coughs and colds, what they are, how to deal with them and why you should see your Pharmacist. Coughs and Colds As winter draws near the incidence of coughs and colds will unfortunately rise. Coughing is the body's natural reaction to get rid of mucus, smoke, dust or anything that irritates the upper respiratory system. Coughs can be dry, chesty, acute and chronic. Dry coughs are irritating and non productive. Dry coughs are relieved by cough mixtures containing antitussive and cough suppressant ingredients. On the other hand, chesty coughs are wet, productive or phlegmy. These are relieved by expectorants. The active ingredients in cough mixtures tend to increase bronchial secrestions and reduce the tenacity of mucus to make coughing up of phlegm easier. Acute coughs: usually last less than 3 weeks and can be caused by infection, bronchitis, pneumonia, common cold, flu, asthma or allergies. Chronic coughs: last longer, typically over 8 weeks and can be caused by lung disease such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Coughs and Colds in Children: in children are normally self limiting and clear on their own. Antibiotics have no use as the cause is usually viral. Management of coughs and colds There are a wide range of products available for couughs and colds. These can be purchased from supermarkets, garages, shops and pharmacies depending on legal classification. The Medicines Act classifies medicines as General Sales (GSL), Pharmacy Only (P) and Prescription Only (POM) medicines. P medicines can only be purchased from a pharmacy with a pharmacist present, POMs require a Doctor's prescription and GSL medicines in most cases have no particular restrictions. Why should you purchase your cough and cold remedies from the Riverside Pharmacy? Several GSL medicines contain active ingredients which can also be found in P and POM medicines. Potentially, a problem of overdosing may arise if products containing the same ingredients are taken at the same time. Some cough and cold remedies may also have ingredients that are contraindicated with medicines that you are already taking. This may be particularly the case if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or taking beta-blockers. Your cough and cold symptoms may also require you to be referred to your GP. This is the reason for the questions that you may often be asked before we sell you medicines. All our staff are either suitably qualified or working towards a nationally recognised qualification and can advise on apprpriateness of medicines you may choose to purchase and how best to use use your medicines. At the Riverside Pharmacy you will have direct access to our pharmacist seven days a week. Our pharmacy team is here to meet your needs. If you have questions about coughs and colds or indeed any other questions, do not hesitate to contact the team. N.B. Our seasonal flu vaccination programme is now available.