Water, as always, is best. Stay away from coffee and carbonated drinks–they may irritate your throat even more.
Try lozenges or cough drops. They soothe or numb the back of the throat, decreasing the cough reflex. [2] X Research source Drinking warm tea with honey helps soothe the throat in a similar manner. Make sure it’s not too hot though! 1/2 tsp (2. 5 ml) of ground ginger or apple cider vinegar with 1/2 tsp (2. 5 ml) of honey is not an common tactic, but it is medically supported.
Taking steamy showers. They can loosen the secretions in your nose, making it easier to breathe. Investing in a humidifier. Putting moisture back in the air if it’s dry can help ease the pain.
Of course, smoke is the ultimate culprit. If you are around someone who smokes, remove yourself. If you smoke, your cough is probably chronic and above being deemed just a nuisance.
As with any medication, look at the potential side effects before taking a decongestant. Some, like pseudoephedrine, can raise your blood pressure, so don’t take it if you struggle with hypertension unless your doctor recommends it. [4] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Do not give decongestants or other over-the-counter cough medications to children under the age of 4 without consulting a pediatrician.
Regardless of the duration of your cough, if you are coughing up blood or experiencing chills or fatigue, see your doctor immediately. They will be able to determine the cause of your cough–asthma, allergies, the flu, etc.
You may have a sinus infection, asthma, or gastroesophageal reflex disease (GERD). Knowing the cause of your cough is the first step to treating it. Your doctor may put you on an antibiotic if you have a sinus infection. They may also suggest a nasal spray. If you have allergies, you’ll obviously be told to avoid those allergens as much as possible. Your cough could diminish easily if this is the case. If you have asthma, avoid conditions that make it flare up. Take your asthma medications regularly and avoid all irritants and allergens. When acid from your stomach gets into your throat, that’s GERD. There are medications your doctor can prescribe for you to relieve your pain. Apart from that, wait 3 or 4 hours after you eat before you go to bed and sleep with your head adequately elevated to lessen your symptoms.
Antitussives are prescription cough suppressants. These are generally the last thing to be recommended and only are so when nothing else works. OTC cough suppressants aren’t backed up by science, for the record. Expectorants loosen up mucus, and as a result, you cough it up. Bronchodilators are medicines that relax your airways.
Drink mainly water. Carbonated or overly sugary drinks can irritate your throat. Warm soups or broth can help ease the pain of an aching throat, too.
Cough drops should not be used for children under the age of 2. They are dangerous and considered a choking hazard at this age.
Offer plenty of fluids. Water, teas, and juices are fine (breast milk for babies as well). Stay away from sodas and citrus drinks that may irritate the throat. [9] X Research source Have them sit in a steamy bathroom for around 20 minutes and put a humidifier in their bedrooms. These methods may clear the nasal passageways, reduce coughing, and make for easier sleep. Have them gargle with a little warm salt water to reduce throat irritation. Use some child-safe nasal saline drops to reduce post-nasal drip, which can trigger coughing.
If the child is under 3 months old or the cough is accompanied by fever or other symptoms, this is especially important. Take note if the cough happens at roughly the same time every year or is caused by something specific–it may be allergies.
For this recipe, you’ll need 1 cup (200 ml) of full cream milk, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of honey, and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of butter or margarine. Never give honey to a baby under the age of 1 year, since this can cause a serious bacterial infection. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Boil ingredients slowly until the butter melts. This forms a yellow layer on the top. The yellow layer is fine–don’t feel the need to stir it up again.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly before giving it to children. Sip slowly! Make sure you drink the yellow part, too. Make sure you keep yourself warm. A cold body is more prone to illness. And if you have dry coughs, drink lots of water!
