How to Stop Coughing

Coughing is what you do when something bugs your throat, whether that is dust or postnasal drip. A chronic cough can be more than just a mere annoyance. It can disrupt your sleep, make you feel uncomfortable, interfere with work and social interactions, and even signal an underlying health condition. Coughing also helps clear your lungs and windpipe.

However, this can also lead to inflammation of the cells lining the upper airways. Many coughs, like those from cold and flu, will go away on their own. If your coughing comes from a more serious medical condition, you need to treat the cause. Whatever the reason, there are ways to feel better. Drink plenty of fluids or use a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer to soothe an irritated throat and loosen mucus.

Keeping your body well-hydrated is the first line of defense against a cough. When you are dehydrated, your body produces less saliva and mucus, making your throat dry and more prone to irritation. This can lead to an unrelenting cough. Drinking plenty of water helps to thin mucus in your throat, making it easier to cough up and clearing your airways.

Have a little honey before bed.

Honey is a time-honored remedy for soothing a cough. Its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties can help clear infection, while its viscosity can coat and soothe an irritated throat. Consider having a spoonful of honey before bed to reduce night-time coughing. Studies show the sweet stuff can help ease coughing. Do not give honey to children under 12 months due to the risk of botulism.

Certain herbal teas, such as thyme, chamomile, peppermint, and licorice root, can be beneficial for a cough. These teas are known for their soothing properties and can help to reduce the cough reflex. The warmth of the tea can also stimulate saliva production, further alleviating throat dryness and irritation. Thyme, for example, has been used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory illnesses.

Its compounds can relax the throat muscles involved in coughing and lessen inflammation. Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore or scratchy throat, which often accompanies a cough. Salt water helps to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, providing temporary relief. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water, gargle the solution for a few seconds, and spit it out.

Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, may help suppress coughing and loosen mucus.

It is best to eat a slice of pineapple or drink natural pineapple juice, but bromelain supplements are also available if you prefer a more concentrated form. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can help ease a cough. It can reduce inflammation in your respiratory tract and may even help to suppress the cough reflex. Try drinking fresh ginger tea several times a day for cough relief.

Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. A warm turmeric drink may help to soothe your throat, reduce inflammation, and relieve your cough. Environmental irritants such as smoke, dust, or strong odors can exacerbate coughing. Keeping your environment clean and avoiding exposure to irritants can go a long way in managing your cough.

While they do not directly soothe a cough, probiotics can balance your gastrointestinal flora, which can help to boost your immune system and prevent coughs caused by colds or flu. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi, or taken as a supplement. You may want to try over-the-counter remedies that also contain soothing ingredients such as aloe or menthol.

You may want to try natural over-the-counter products that contain very low doses of aspirin.

When it is applied to inflamed tissues caused by an upper respiratory infection it helps reduce the symptoms of sore throat. If it is hard to get the mucus out, or if it is thick, look for medicine that says “expectorant”. That loosens the gunk to help you get rid of it. If you are having post-nasal drip with lots of juicy mucous, you may do better with a medicine that dries you up like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine).

If you have coughing with fever or shortness of breath, call your doctor. Also check with your doctor before you use cough medicine for serious conditions like emphysema, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, or asthma. And do not give cough and cold medicine to children under 4. You may get a cough with a cold or the flu, or if you breathe in something irritating like dust or smoke.

Medicine that says “suppressant” helps stop your urge to cough. Plus, it can help you sleep better. Cough drops or hard candy can stop that tickle in the back of your throat. Do not give cough drops to children younger than 4. Never give this type of medicine to children under 4 years old, because it can have serious side effects. Ask your doctor before you give any of these products to children ages 4 to 6.

Medicines are safe after age 6.

For children 1 and up, try 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of honey to help them suppress coughing. Usually, antibiotics will not stop a cough. That is because most coughs are caused by viral infections like colds or the flu, and will get better in a week. Antibiotics only work on infections caused by bacteria. Last but not least, give your body plenty of time to recover.

Sleep and rest are essential when you are dealing with a cough, as they give your body the time it needs to heal. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule and create a comfortable, quiet sleeping environment. Always remember that while natural remedies can provide relief, they may not treat the underlying cause of your cough. If your cough persists for more than a week, is severe, or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms like fever, weight loss, or difficulty breathing, it is essential to seek medical attention.

If your cough is not better after a week, see your doctor to make sure the cause is not a bacterial illness, like a sinus infection or pneumonia. If it is, you may need an antibiotic. Allergies can make you sneeze, cough, or both. An antihistamine medicine may help. Some newer antihistamine medicines at the drugstore will not make you sleepy. If you are also wheezing, you may have asthma.

Go see your doctor.

If you smoke, chances are you cough, especially in the morning. But it may be a sign of something more serious. Sometimes smoke irritates your airways and causes inflammation that turns into bronchitis. It can also be a warning sign of cancer. See your doctor if you are coughing up any blood or if a new cough does not go away after 1 month. If yours lasts longer than 8 weeks, a number of things could be to blame.

Ongoing coughing can be caused by acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Coughs can be a side effect of angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, a kind of blood pressure medicine. They can be a symptom of whooping cough and even heart failure. You need medical care for all of these conditions.