Menthol cough drops often soothe and cool sore throats by relieving inflammation. They can also help clear stuffy sinus passages and break up chest congestion. This usually helps a person to cough less and breathe easier. The drops are often an easy treatment that can be given to a person of almost any age. They are generally an inexpensive cough medicine that can be used at home, school, work, or while traveling.
Coughs are sometimes caused by an irritation in the throat. Menthol from these cough drops is typically released when people suck on them, and this ingredient can naturally alleviate swelling and soothe the affected tissue. Many times, the menthol also relieves some of the pain associated with a sore throat, as it can have a somewhat numbing effect. This usually means people using the cough drops have less throat pain than those who do not use them.
As people suck on menthol cough drops, a natural antihistamine may be released. Inhaling this vapor normally allows a congested person to help clear clogged sinus passages, thereby making breathing easier through the nose. Relieving this pressure can sometimes help make the pain of a sinus-related headache more bearable.
In some cases, this medicine may assist in breaking up congestion, which is a build-up of excess fluid, in the lungs. This fluid frequently causes wheezing and shortness of breath, which sometimes leads to excessive coughing. As the fluid is broken up, breathing normally becomes easier. This generally results in people coughing less.
This remedy can usually be used by children as young as four or five years old without causing side effects, although parents who give them to kids should watch the child carefully so that he or she doesn't choke on the cough drop. They are also generally safe for teenagers and adults to use. They are not known to interact dangerously with any other type of medications, so people who are taking prescription drugs do not normally need to be concerned.
This cough medicine is usually very convenient to administer. People often carry a few drops in their pocket to use throughout the day as needed. They can generally be taken while completing everyday tasks and are not likely to disturb other people nearby.
Menthol cough drops are commonly used in many countries to help suppress coughs. Although they are not a cure for colds, they usually help relieve the suffering associated with one. This generally means that sick people can go about their day-to-day activities more comfortably than if they had not used them.