There are few things more annoying in life than a persistent cough. Coughing can be as simple as a tickle in the throat, or it might last long after a cold has passed. Regardless of how long you’ve had one, the discomfort may have you thinking and searching online for how to get rid of a cough in five minutes. But a cough isn’t always a negative thing. Coughing is a response that protects the lungs and airways from irritants such as dust, bacteria, and mucus. According to the American Lung Association, coughing on occasion is totally natural.
However, a cough isn’t necessarily anything you should dismiss. Michael Hanak, MD, an assistant professor of family medicine at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, says, “A cough has many causes, ranging from a common viral illness to asthma or seasonal allergies to more significant health problems, such as chronic lung conditions, congestive heart failure, or even cancer.”
According to Dr. Hanak, certain drugs could also be to blame. Environmental triggers such as dust, mold, or other pollutants may also be factors triggering your cough, either through lung irritation or postnasal drip. Another possible trigger is acid reflux. When should you see a doctor for your coughing problem? What if your cough is a sign of some serious health condition? Dr. Hanak said it’s fair to consult a healthcare practitioner for additional tests or advice when a cough persists for more than two weeks.
However, if you’ve recently started coughing, you can try these quick remedies to ease your throat.
Coughing but still craving something sweet? Just add some Honey to your drinks and beverages. Dr. Hanak explains that honey is useful in relieving cough alone or as part of a cup of tea. According to Penn Medicine, honey can relieve pain and fight viral infections. To get these health benefits from this natural syrup, mix two tablespoons of honey into a mug of warm water or hot tea.
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Saltwater is an easy technique to relieve a cough. According to a 2019 study, it may help shorten the duration of a cough. According to Penn Medicine, while this solution may sting at first, it helps destroy bacteria, releasing mucus and reducing pain. Mix half a teaspoon of table salt and eight ounces of warm water, and gargle with it.
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Aside from relieving tension after a long day, taking a hot bath or shower can alleviate common cold symptoms such as congestion, coughing, and sinus pressure. This is due to the steam’s humidity, which is excellent for opening your sinuses and thinning down your mucus. You can also try a humidifier, which adds moisture to the air around you and can work quite well as other quick remedies.
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Ginger is widely known for its ability to soothe an upset stomach. But it can also help relieve a cough. Dr. Hanak notes, “Ginger has been found to be helpful in reducing cough and alleviating sore throat, and ginger lozenges are widely used for this purpose.”
According to him, the root also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics that can help treat various ailments. Make ginger tea with a teabag or pour hot water over fresh slices of ginger.
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If allergies cause your cough, Dr. Hanak suggests combining Flonase or Nasonex with a daily allergy medication like Allegra, Claritin, or Zyrtec. “Treating allergy symptoms is a common method of resolving postnasal drip and related cough. This is especially true when a cough is most apparent laying flat or first thing in the morning,” he says. He also mentions that a cough might be seasonal or all year, so paying attention to the timing will help you predict and prevent it.
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Dr. Hanak recommends Pepcid, Prilosec, or other antacids to alleviate acid reflux and get rid of your cough. However, if your cough becomes a chronic issue, then some dietary modifications, such as avoiding citrus, chocolate, high-fat foods, onions, and tomato-based food products, and integrating high-fiber foods, such as brown rice, celery, lettuce, melon, oats, and root vegetables, may help. If your coughs are caused by reflux, Dr. Hanak recommends drinking plenty of water and eating small portions of food during meals.
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Another quick and simple home remedy for stopping a cough is a hard candy or a lozenge. Sucking on these hard candies will stimulate saliva production, which increases secretions in the mouth and, as a result, can reduce coughing.
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Probiotics can improve gut health, but according to Dr. Hanak, they also have a minor influence on preventing the common cold and reducing coughing. Yogurt and fermented foods like miso and kimchi are high in probiotics.
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Hydration is essential on any given day, but it is especially critical when you have a cough. Staying hydrated will help thin mucus at the back of the throat, which can contribute to mild improvement in a cough, says Dr. Hanak.
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Dr. Hanak recommends using a neti pot to clear out any debris or mucus from your nasal passages to relieve a cough caused by a postnasal drip. He explained, “Clearing mucus from the nasal passages can be helpful in reducing postnasal drainage, thereby improving cough.” People suffering from allergies and sinus infections will benefit from this irrigation gadget.
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Dr. Hanak believes that stopping smoking helps reduce inflammation by reducing exposure to chemicals and irritants that are detrimental to the lungs. He says that a cough induced by smoking might progress depending on how much a person smokes and how long they have been smoking. Quitting smoking is one of the simplest and quickest remedies to eliminate your cough.
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Of course, you should also try over-the-counter or OTC medications, especially if you’ve exhausted all other options. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, antitussives are cough suppressants that can block the cough reflex. Then there are expectorants, which thin mucus and may aid in its expulsion from your airway via coughing. If in doubt, consult your pharmacist or primary care physician, and always check the expiration dates of the cough medicines.
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