These contain lipids that absorb toxins and pull them out of saliva. They also stop cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to the walls of your teeth. This is a natural moisturizer that also helps prevent dehydration in the throat and mouth, which can ease the symptoms of a cough.
It’s better to take elderberry every 2 to 3 days, since prolonged use isn’t recommended. Elderberry is a blood thinner and may not be recommended for people with low blood pressure. Do not use unripe or uncooked elderberries since they may be poisonous. Speak to your doctor before taking elderberry, since it may have some side effects for pregnant women, people with autoimmune disease, and people taking diabetic medication, laxatives, chemotherapy drugs, or immunosuppressants.
Peppermint contains menthol, which can help soothe sore throats and dry coughs. It’s also a decongestant that can thin mucus and help break up phlegm. Don’t use peppermint or menthol with infants. Also, don’t take peppermint oil orally. Instead, it’s usually used in aromatherapy or as a rub.
Eucalyptus’ active ingredient is a compound called cineole, which works as an expectorant to fight respiratory infections and alleviate coughs. Eucalyptus also has antioxidant properties that protect against free radicals, molecules that can damage and infect cells. You can also gargle eucalyptus water after meals to reduce bad breath and soothe your throat. Do this up to 3 or 4 times a day by steeping 2–4 grams (0. 14 oz) of dried leaves in one cup warm water (40°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Never give honey to a child under 12 months old. It can cause botulism, a type of food poisoning that is potentially life-threatening in small children. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Ginger can also calm an upset stomach or nausea you may also have. Repeat any of these treatments several times throughout the day to prevent coughing fits and ease symptoms.
Never eat or drink thyme oil, which is toxic when taken orally. If you are currently taking blood-thinners, talk to your doctor before taking thyme, since it could increase the risk of bleeding.
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Mullein (Verbascum densiflorum) Sundew (Drosera spp. ) Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)
Water helps ease congestion caused by colds, preventing postnasal drip that can irritate the throat, and keeps your throat from drying which can cause coughs. Not getting enough water can also lead to dehydration which can cause headaches, irritability, dizziness, irregular heartbeat and shortness of breath.
Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pastries and donuts. Fried foods Sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda or energy drinks. Red meat such as veal, ham or steak and processed meats such as hot dogs. Margarine, shortening and lard.
Fruits (such as strawberries, cherries and oranges. ) Nuts (like almonds and walnuts. ) Green leafy vegetables (such as spinach or kale which are high in antioxidants. ) Fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines. ) Whole grains (such as brown rice, quinoa, millet, oatmeal and flax seed. ) Olive or canola oil
Sweet red or green peppers Citrus fruit such as oranges, pomelo, grapefruit, limes or non-concentrated citrus juices. Spinach, broccoli and Brussel sprouts Strawberries and raspberries Tomatoes
Talk with your doctor before taking probiotics if you have a weakened immune system or are currently taking immunosuppressant drugs. Probiotics also help boost the production of cells that fight infections and suppress stomach acid reflux.
Oysters, shellfish, shrimp, crab Red meats Poultry Cheese Beans, sunflower seeds Pumpkin Tofu and miso Mushrooms Cooked greens
Avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary foods 4-6 hours before heading to bed. These can act as stimulants to keep you awake. Create a regular sleep schedule by going to bed early and waking up early to set your body’s internal clock. This will make sure you get better quality and consistent sleep. If you can’t fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed, go to another room and do something relaxing until you are tired enough to sleep. Melatonin (1 to 3 mg) and/or 1 to 2 Valerian capsules may also be helpful to fall asleep. If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea—frequently interrupted breathing during sleep— ask your doctor for treatment options. Your doctor may recommend surgery or CPAP. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is a common therapy for sleep apnea which uses a small machine to supply constant and steady air pressure, a hose, and a mask or nose piece. Some CPAP devices come with a heated humidifier to help with a dry, stuffy nose.
Avoid sleeping on your stomach, since this can block breathing, promote acid reflux and cause stress. Avoid working or exercise 3–4 hours before going to bed. Physically and psychologically stressful activities can make the body to secrete the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol may increase your alertness. In this context, it is interesting to note that melatonin counters the effects of cortisol. Try listening to relaxing music or doing some light reading a few hours before sleeping. Regular, moderate exercise, especially in the afternoon, can help deepen sleep.
This helps to ease a sore throat and moisturizes your sinuses. This lets mucus drain and prevents postnasal drip that can trigger coughs.
It’s important to blow your nose while you have a cold. This can prevent postnasal drip, keep your sinuses clear, and prevent mucus from irritating your throat, which can easily trigger a cough.
Avoid smoking especially when you have a headache or fever since smoking can weaken your immune system and prolong the condition. Ask your doctor about ways to reduce and quit smoking.
If intensive exercise is triggering your cough, along with symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, and shortness of breath, you may have exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). [18] X Research source This happens when the tubes that bring air into and out of your lungs narrow with exercise, causing symptoms of asthma. Some people with EIB do not otherwise have asthma, and people with allergies may also have trouble breathing during exercise. Talk to your physician or an immunologist to help develop a personalized fitness plan for your condition. Avoid cold, dry temperatures and changes in atmospheric pressure as these can trigger EIB.
If the humidity is too high, mold and dust mites may thrive, both of which are common causes of allergies. Mold also causes an unpleasant smell and can discolor surfaces. If the humidity falls too low, it may cause dry eyes, throat and sinus irritations. [20] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source Both portable and central humidifiers must be cleaned thoroughly. Otherwise, they tend to become contaminated with mold and bacterial growth that may be blown through the house. Stop the humidifier and call your healthcare provider if you develop any respiratory symptoms that you feel are related to the use of a humidifier. [21] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source
Good indoor plants include aloe vera, bamboo palm, weeping fig, Chinese evergreen, and various species of philodendron and dracaena.
Sore throat High fever Whooping cough Postnasal drip, which feels like mucus running down your throat Coughing up blood - get emergency medical care immediately Coughing that interferes with your work and daily activities - get emergency medical care immediately You should especially go see your doctor if you have previously been diagnosed with allergies, asthma, bronchitis, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease or are taking prescription medication, such as ACE inhibitors, for a heart condition. Coughing can aggravate these conditions.
You should tell your doctor about any other respiratory conditions you may have.
Let your doctor know if you’re pregnant or may be pregnant. In general, women should avoid all x-ray tests during pregnancy.
Many babies with whooping cough don’t cough at all. Instead, it can cause them to stop breathing. Infants and children under 6 years get emergency medical care immediately.
Fever and headache. If you have a high fever or a severe headache, you should seek medical care immediately. Pressure in the forehead, temples, cheeks, nose, jaw, teeth, behind the eyes or at the top of the head. Facial tenderness or swelling, usually around the eyes or cheeks. Shortness of breath or wheezing breath Squeezing or tightness in the chest that causes pain Nasal stuffiness, loss of smell, nasal discharge (usually yellowish green), or post-nasal drip, the sensation of fluid dripping down the back of the throat, particularly at night or when lying down. Rare complications associated with chronic sinusitis can include blood clots, abscesses, meningitis, orbital cellulitis which causes inflammation around the eyes, and osteomyelitis, an infection that spreads to the bones in the face.
Cough with green or yellowish phlegm A fever of 104ºF or more. Ear or nasal infection Nasal discharge Skin rashes Breathlessness due to asthma or another respiratory problem.
