A short story on the importance of reading the entire label,on everything.
While dealing with my cold symptoms, I used the kids' cold/allergy meds
because I like the flavor better. When it was the middle of the night
and I was still awake from a hacking cough,I resorted to taking
Robitussin cough relief. After about an hour I was still coughing,and
felt worse. I went to lie down on the couch and tried
resting,but my insides felt swollen and had a burning sensation. It was
difficult to get a good breath and felt as though something was
blocking my trachea. After debating in my mind what could be causing the
symptoms, it occurred to me to look more closely at the ingredients of
the cough syrup.I mustered up the energy and read the front label.It had
Dextro...plus some alcohol,not a problem,then I looked at the Inactive
ingredients and found the culprit. Menthol! I am allergic to menthol,and here I
just consumed it.No wonder I felt awful,it was a reaction.I took some
liquid motrin because a pill wouldn't have made it down.Then went to bed
and waited.I slowly felt my breath return and my heart rate went back
to normal. My insides still ache,but at least I can breath and swallow
again.I had no idea I was so allergic to menthol,and will be sure to
check all meds in the future.
