Dive into the fascinating history of coughing and its remedies, from ancient Egypt to modern medicine! Learn how this vital human reflex protects your airway from inhaled foreign matter, chemical irritants, and excess secretions, a response that can be both voluntary and involuntary.
Discover the surprising origins of cough drops, dating back to 1000 BCE in Egypt, where early remedies involved crafting the first hard candies from honey, herbs, spices, and citrus fruits for cough relief. See how these ancient lozenges laid the groundwork for today's remarkably similar cough drops.
Explore the evolution of antitussives, medicines designed to reduce cough frequency and intensity. Understand the historical shift from soothing throat muscles with ingredients like slippery elm bark, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, and marshmallow root, to modern cough suppressants like codeine, which act directly on the brain's cough center to calm cough spasms. We delve into the development of these brain-acting compounds in the 19th century.
Finally, explore today's complex over-the-counter (OTC) cough preparations, often combining cough suppressants, expectorants, decongestants, and antihistamines to address various symptoms. Uncover centuries of innovation in cough treatment!
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