How to Stop Coughing

Coughing is what you do when something bugs your throat, whether that is dust or postnasal drip. It 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. Have a little honey before bed. Studies show the sweet stuff can help ease coughing. Do not give honey to children under 12 months though. 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. 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 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.