When something irritates your throat, like dirt or saliva, you might cough to clear it out. This action also helps clear your lungs and windpipe. However, coughing can sometimes inflame the cells lining your airways. Most coughs, such as those from colds or the flu, resolve on their own. If a more serious illness is the cause, it’s crucial to treat the underlying issue. Regardless of the cause, there are ways to feel better. Here are 10 tips to help stop coughing and improve your health.
Drink plenty of fluids or use a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer to soothe a sore throat and loosen mucus. Having a spoonful of honey before bed can also help, as studies suggest it can ease coughs. However, don’t give honey to children under 12 months old. Consider over-the-counter remedies with soothing ingredients like aloe and menthol.
Some natural over-the-counter products contain small amounts of aspirin, which can reduce sore throat symptoms when applied to inflamed tissues from an upper respiratory illness. If mucus is hard to expel or thick, look for medicines labeled “expectorant” to help clear it out. For post-nasal drip with a lot of mucus, a drying medication like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) might be helpful. If you have a cough with shortness of breath or fever, consult your doctor. Always check with them before taking cough medicine for serious conditions like pneumonia, emphysema, chronic asthma, or bronchitis. Avoid giving cough and cold medicines to children under 4 years old.
If you catch a cold or flu, or are exposed to irritants like smoke or dust, medicines labeled “suppressant” can help curb the urge to cough and improve sleep. Cough drops or hard candy can also soothe your throat. Don’t give these to children under 4 years old. For children aged 1 and up, try giving 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of honey to ease their cough.
Most coughs are due to viral infections like colds and flu and usually resolve within a week. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. If your cough persists beyond a week, see your doctor to rule out a bacterial infection like sinusitis or pneumonia, which might require antibiotics.
Allergies can trigger coughing and sneezing. An antihistamine might help, and newer versions available at pharmacies won’t make you drowsy. If your breathing sounds wheezy, you might have asthma, so consult your doctor.
Coughing frequently in the morning could indicate a more serious issue. Smoking can irritate your airways, leading to bronchitis, and it might also signal cancer. Contact your doctor if you have a bloody cough or if it lasts more than a month.
A cough lasting over eight weeks could have various causes. Persistent coughs might be due to acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). They could also result from ACE inhibitors, a type of blood pressure medication, or indicate whooping cough or heart failure. It’s important to seek medical advice for these conditions.
If you have a chronic cough, consult your doctor for guidance.
