Best Ways To Stop a Cough
Coughing can be really annoying and tiring. It’s your body’s way of clearing your airways, but when it doesn’t stop, it can make life difficult. Luckily, there are many ways to help ease and stop a cough. This article will cover simple tips, medicines, and home remedies that can help you feel better faster.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Drinking water and other fluids can help flush out mucus and soothe your throat. This is important because a dry throat can make you cough more. Warm drinks like tea, broth, or water with honey work best. The Mayo Clinic says honey can also help you cough less and sleep better if you have a cold. Staying hydrated also keeps your body functioning well, which supports your immune system in fighting off illness.
If plain water doesn’t appeal to you, try adding a slice of lemon or a splash of fruit juice to enhance the flavor. Drinks with electrolytes, like sports drinks, can also be helpful if you’re dehydrated.
Raise Your Head While Sleeping
If you’re coughing a lot at night, try using an extra pillow to keep your head higher. Lying flat can make problems like postnasal drip or acid reflux worse, which can lead to more coughing. Raising your head helps keep mucus from pooling in your throat and makes it easier to breathe.
For more support, consider using a wedge pillow or adjusting the head of your bed. This technique is especially helpful for people who cough due to acid reflux.
Use a Humidifier or Try Steam
Dry air can make your throat scratchy and your cough worse. Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air and can help. You can also breathe in steam by putting your face over a bowl of hot water or taking a warm shower. The steam helps loosen mucus and makes it easier to breathe.
Important Tip:
Clean your humidifier often so it doesn’t grow mold or bacteria. Dirty humidifiers can discharge harmful particles into the air, which might worsen your symptoms.
To make steam therapy even more effective, you can add essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint to the water. These oils can provide a soothing effect and help open up your airways.
Use Over-the-Counter Medicines
Medicines from the drugstore can help you feel better. There are two main types:
- Cough suppressants (like dextromethorphan) stop you from coughing.
- Expectorants (like guaifenesin) make mucus thinner so you can cough it out more easily.
Always read the label and follow the dosage instructions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or using other medicines. These medicines are generally safe for short-term use but may not address the underlying cause of your cough.
Stay Away From Things That Make You Cough
Some things, like smoke, strong smells, or polluted air, can make your cough worse. Try to avoid them as much as possible. If the air in your home isn’t clean, using an air purifier might help. Dust and pet dander are common indoor irritants, so keeping your home clean can also reduce coughing.
When outside, wearing a mask in areas with high pollution can protect your lungs. If you’re a smoker, quitting smoking can significantly improve your cough and overall health.
Try Honey and Herbal Teas
Honey is a natural way to calm a cough and make your throat feel better. It creates a protective coating that soothes irritation. In several studies, herbal teas, like ginger, licorice root, or peppermint, may also help reduce irritation and inflammation. These teas can relax your throat muscles and provide a comforting warmth.
Note:
Herbal remedies don’t always work for everyone, and talk to your doctor if your cough doesn’t go away. Children under the age of one should not be given honey, as it can cause botulism.
Treat Health Problems That Cause Coughing
Sometimes, a cough is a sign of a bigger health issue, like asthma, acid reflux (GERD), or allergies. Fixing these problems can make your cough go away. For example:
- Asthma: Inhalers can open up your airways and reduce inflammation.
- GERD: Eating differently, avoiding spicy foods, and taking antacids might help.
- Allergies: Medicines like antihistamines or allergy shots can reduce symptoms.
If you think you have one of these problems, talk to your doctor to figure out what’s causing your cough. They can help you create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Protect Yourself From Cold Air
Cold air can make your lungs feel tight and lead to more coughing. If you’re going outside when it’s cold, cover your mouth and nose with a scarf to warm the air before you breathe it in. Breathing cold air too quickly can irritate your airways, especially if you already have a respiratory condition like asthma.
You might also consider using a humidifier indoors during winter months when the air tends to be drier.
When to See a Doctor
Most coughs get better on their own, but sometimes you need a doctor’s help. Call your doctor if:
- Your cough lasts more than three weeks.
- You have trouble breathing, chest pain, or a high fever.
- You cough up blood or thick, yellow-green mucus.
- You have a health condition like asthma or COPD, and your cough gets worse.
Doctors can perform tests to figure out the cause of your cough, such as chest X-rays or lung function tests. Getting the right diagnosis is important for proper treatment.
Final Thoughts
Stopping a cough takes a mix of simple care, healthy habits, and sometimes medical help. Drink lots of fluids, avoid irritants, and get medical advice if needed. Adding steps like using a humidifier, raising your head while sleeping, and taking over-the-counter medicine can be extraordinarily helpful. By addressing the cause of your cough and following these tips, you can recover more quickly and get back to feeling like yourself.