Patient's question:
Recently, the symptoms of my cold include: runny nose, dry and itchy throat, inflammation, persistent cough with phlegm, and difficulty sleeping even during naps. I want to go to the hospital to get a shot because I really need something effective. So, I was wondering what kind of shot is most effective for a cold and cough?Doctor's answer:
Cough is a symptom, not a disease. We should identify the root cause and treat the underlying issue, rather than just addressing the symptom. A mild cough is usually caused by some form of irritation to the trachea. We should find the root cause rather than just clearing it, as this might lead to misdiagnosis if the cause is not properly understood. If the cause is already known, in general cases of a cold-induced cough, one can take over-the-counter cold and antiviral medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, and expectorants under the guidance of a doctor. The principle is to use oral medication if possible, intramuscular or subcutaneous injections if oral medication is not suitable, and intravenous administration if neither of the former is feasible.