What medicine helps a barking cough?

A barking sound may follow a common cold or acute bronchitis, but reflux, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and other airway problems can need different treatment. A persistent mucus-producing cough may require assessment for chronic cough or bronchiectasis. Antibiotics do not treat every cough, and a medicine that quiets coughing may be unsuitable when mucus needs clearing or breathing is restricted. Infants, children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with liver, kidney, or heart conditions need extra caution with non-prescription products.

Ask a pharmacist or clinician to check any product against the person's age, allergies, medical conditions, and current medicines. Follow package directions and use one product at a time when possible; many cold remedies share ingredients. Fluids, rest, avoiding smoke, and a humidified environment may soothe irritation. Never give an infant honey or an adult medicine, and do not use someone else's inhaler, antibiotics, or steroid medicine.

Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, inability to speak, or rapidly worsening noisy breathing. Prompt assessment is needed after choking, with coughing blood or chest pain, or when a child cannot feed. Arrange a review if the cough repeatedly returns, prevents sleep, or is not improving rather than adding more products.

What cause are we treating, and is medicine needed? Which ingredient should I avoid with current medicines? Is an inhaler appropriate, or could it be harmful? How will I know the cough needs urgent assessment?