Coughing, a reflex often triggered by irritants in the throat, respiratory infections, allergies, or dry air, is your body's way of clearing the airways. However, a persistent cough can be pretty disruptive. The good news is, there are several immediate remedies you can try to alleviate your coughing.
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Do Not Forget To Drink Water
Drinking enough water is one of the most straightforward and efficient remedies to alleviate a cough as it reduces cough. Waterworks by providing lubrication to the throat and thinning out mucus so that you can cough out irritants. Hot drinks like warm water, herbal teas, or broth are beneficial as they provide warmth and feel good.
Take Some Honey
The medicinal qualities of honey have been recognized and appreciated since ancient times. Honey can help immediately ease irritation because it sticks to the throat with a spoonful. This is especially helpful when coughing at night and helps to get better sleep. For additional health benefits, include honey in warm water or herbal tea. Caution is advised because honey should not be administered to babies under the age of one because of the risk of botulism.
Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalation may be used as a proper cough control method, especially for coughs associated with congestion. Boil some water and pour it into a clean bowl. With a towel on your head to retain the steam, lower your head to the bowl and inhale for 10-15 minutes. This can help moisturize the lungs, reduce mucus, and thus reduce coughing.
Gargle with salt water.
A warm saline rinse can alleviate soreness in the throat and help minimize coughing. It consists of stirring a teaspoon of salt nicely in warm water, taking a few gulps of the brine, swishing, and spitting it all out. This home remedy is useful in reducing redness, irritation, and burning sensation caused by possible irritants.
Utilize Cough Drops or Lozenges
Cough drops or throat lozenges can coat the throat and reduce the cough impulse, providing instant comfort. When choosing lozenges, look for those that contain menthol or eucalyptus, as these ingredients may help expand the constitution and relieve congestion.
Use Extra Pillows to Raise Your Head
If your cough worsens at night, try raising your head with an extra pillow. This can help mucus accumulate in the throat, reducing the chances of a cough attack during sleep. Furthermore, adding a humidifier makes the air moist, reducing throat irritation.
Refrain from Irritating Factors
Overcoming triggers can almost eradicate coughing altogether. Irritated cough can also result from exposure to smoke, strong smells, dust, and cold air. If you are in an irritating environment, try to remove yourself from it or wear a mask to prevent aggravated factors.
Use Some OTC Medications
Coughs do irritate and can last for some time. They may warrant using OTC (over-the-counter) cough suppressants or expectorants if not controlled. Dextromethorphan is the common cough suppressant, which acts on the brain's center to elicit the cough reflex. Guaifenesin is an expectorant, which will also make mucus less dense so that cough can be expelled with little effort. Follow instructions about the dosage carefully and involve a healthcare professional if unsure.