A persistent cough is very painful and frustrating. This can be caused by a variety of things, from a dry throat, draining sinus fluid, to asthma. The key to getting over a cough quickly is choosing the right solution according to the type of cough.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Getting Fluids Intake
Step 1. Drink fluids
As with any disease, staying hydrated is the first line of defense against coughing. If your cough is the result of a dry throat, fluids may be just what you need. However, even if the cough is caused by something else, drinking plenty of fluids isn't a bad idea.
- If your throat is sore or irritated from coughing, be sure to avoid drinks that can make the irritation worse, such as acidic drinks.
- Also be careful with dairy products. While the notion that milk produces more mucus is a myth, milk-especially whole milk-can cover the throat and taste like there is more phlegm. On the other hand, if the cough is caused by irritation or a dry throat, cold dairy products can relieve it.
- When in doubt, always choose water.
Step 2. Make a warm liquid
For certain coughs, such as those caused by blocked or drained sinus fluids, warm fluids can be more effective than cold or room temperature fluids.
According to a senior staff member of the United States Lung Association, "any warm liquid can help stop mucus in the airways," whether it's your all-time favorite herbal tea with honey or just hot water with lemon
Step 3. Try salt water
Salt water is your best friend, especially in the case of a cold or flu-related cough.
Gargling with salt water or using a saline nasal spray can help kill the virus or bacteria that causes the nasal drops that make you cough while providing temporary relief by clearing the mucus in your throat
Step 4. Consider the use of steam-for some cases of cough
The ancient view often assumed that the steam from a shower or a humidifier could help with coughs. However, this is the only condition if the cough is caused by dry air.
If the cough is caused by a blockage, asthma, dust mites, or mold, among other causes, humid air can make the cough worse
Method 2 of 3: Changing the Surroundings
Step 1. Stay in an upright position
Being in a horizontal position can cause mucus to run down the throat.
For example, when you sleep when you cough, you should support your head with a pillow to prevent draining sinus fluid from collecting in your throat, causing a cough
Step 2. Keep the air clean
Avoid dirty air, including cigarette smoke. Airborne particles can be a source of coughing or make coughing caused by other causes worse.
Strong odors, such as perfume, can cause some people to cough, even if they don't bother others
Step 3. Keep the air moving
Avoid drafts, ceiling fans, heaters, and air conditioners, as moving air can make coughing worse.
Many cough sufferers believe that moving air can make a cough worse, either by drying the airways or producing a tickling sensation that may trigger a cough
Step 4. Try breathing exercises
While most breathing exercises are aimed at coughs with chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, they can be used by anyone who is dealing with a cough.
You can try the “cough control exercise” or the “pinch-lip breathing exercise” among a variety of other exercise techniques. For example, in the pursed-lip breathing exercise, you start by taking a deep breath through your mouth and counting to two. Then, when you purse your lips as if you are going to whistle, exhale slowly to a count of four
Method 3 of 3: Taking the Next Step
Step 1. Take the medicine
If the cough persists, consider trying an anti-cough medicine.
Cough medicines usually have two ingredients: an expectorant, which loosens phlegm, and a suppressant, which blocks the cough reflex. Check the package label to choose the best one for your cough
Step 2. Clear your throat
Consider sucking on lozenges, eating frozen foods (such as ice cubes), or gargling with salt water to clear your throat if your cough is causing inflammation.
Many cough medicines contain mild anesthetics to decrease the cough reflex. Likewise with cold foods such as ice sticks, which are believed to temporarily numb the throat
Step 3. Try products containing menthol
Menthol has been shown to relieve coughs, either in the form of lozenges, ointments, or steam.
Menthol can relieve “the onset of a cough,” which can exacerbate the sensation that triggers a cough
Step 4. Know when to see a doctor
If the cough is accompanied by shortness of breath, bloody mucus, severe pain, or a fever above 38 degrees Celsius among other severe symptoms, consider seeing a doctor.
