How to Control a Cough

A cough is the body's natural response to post-nasal drip or nasal congestion. While it's a common symptom of colds and allergies, a persistent cough can be uncomfortable and irritating. If the cough persists for weeks, accompanied by symptoms like fever and fatigue, it’s advisable to consult a doctor to check for respiratory infections. If no infection is present, you can alleviate the annoying cough with some home remedies and over-the-counter medications.

Drink plenty of fluids. Upper respiratory infections can cause post-nasal drip, which leads to coughing. Drinking water helps thin the mucus from such infections, reducing the cough caused by this drainage.

• Staying hydrated also helps moisturize and protect the mucous membranes, which can prevent a dry throat and nose, conditions that are often aggravated in dry winter air. A dry mouth or throat can cause irritation, triggering coughing.

Drink hot tea with honey. A warm beverage helps soothe a sore and irritated throat caused by persistent coughing. Honey acts as a natural cough suppressant. Studies have shown that honey is as effective as some over-the-counter cough medicines because it contains dextromethorphan, which helps reduce coughing at night.

• Hot drinks can also help loosen mucus in the throat. Herbal teas like peppermint or eucalyptus are recommended to thin mucus and reduce coughing.

Eat chicken soup. Chicken soup helps relieve nasal congestion when coughing due to a cold. Researchers have shown that chicken broth has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce nasal congestion.

• Chicken soup thins mucus, which is the irritant that causes coughing.
• Warm chicken soup also soothes irritated tissues in the throat.

Consult with a doctor about herbal remedies. Some herbs are commonly used in folk medicine to treat coughing. These herbs may interact with certain medical conditions or prescribed medications, so it is advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using them. Most herbal cough remedies can be found in health food stores or pharmacies. Consider these options:

• Marshmallow root. Unlike the soft marshmallow candy, marshmallow root contains mucilage, which helps soothe the throat. Marshmallow is typically available in tea, tincture, or capsule form.
• Slippery elm. Slippery elm promotes mucus production, making it thinner and less irritating to the throat. It is available in tablets, capsules, lozenges, tea, or extracts.
• Licorice root. Not to be confused with licorice candy, licorice root is a traditional remedy for coughs and sore throats. The active compound glycyrrhizin in licorice can cause serious side effects, so only deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) should be used under a doctor's guidance. Licorice is available in tincture, caplet (a combination of tablet and capsule), tea, or extract form.
• Thyme. This herb helps alleviate coughing and acute bronchitis. However, to avoid poisoning, do not consume thyme oil. Instead, use fresh or dried thyme to brew tea and enjoy its benefits.

Add probiotics to your diet. While probiotics may not directly treat a cough, they can help reduce or even prevent colds and the flu. Probiotics are also helpful for alleviating hay fever symptoms. The strains Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are recommended for use.

• Look for yogurt and other probiotic-enhanced products. You can also use probiotic supplements.
• People with weakened immune systems or those on immunosuppressive medications should consult a doctor before using probiotics.

Try Spirulina algae. Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that helps the body fight allergies by preventing the release of histamines, which in turn reduces coughing caused by allergic reactions.

• People with weakened immune systems or those taking immunosuppressive medications should consult a doctor before using Spirulina.

Use saline solution to rinse the sinuses. Saline can clear out the sinuses and reduce coughing by removing mucus secreted from the back of the nose (an irritant to the throat). Saline solution is available at most pharmacies or can be easily made at home.

• To make your own saline solution, mix ⅛ teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Dip a clean cloth into the solution.
• Place the cloth near your nose and inhale deeply. Alternatively, you can use a Neti pot or a syringe to rinse your sinuses.

Use steam to relieve nasal congestion. You can take a hot shower or inhale hot steam. This is a safe and effective method for temporarily easing nasal congestion.

• The steam helps loosen mucus in the nose and respiratory system, reducing coughing.
• This method can help alleviate coughing due to colds, allergies, asthma, and lower respiratory infections.
• Add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oils to the water, or use a menthol-infused bath bomb to further reduce congestion.

Try using a humidifier. Dry air thickens mucus and leads to coughing. A humidifier adds moisture to the air in your home, which is a safe and effective way to temporarily reduce nasal congestion. The added moisture helps thin mucus in the nose and chest, helping to reduce coughing.

• However, avoid overusing the humidifier. Excess moisture in the air can promote mold growth, and mold allergies can worsen coughing.
• Only use a humidifier at night, and clean it regularly to prevent mold buildup inside the machine.

Eliminate all irritants from your home. Fragranced products, smoke, and allergens can trigger chronic coughing. Scented candles, body lotions, and air fresheners may irritate the nose for some people. When the nose is irritated, mucus forms, leading to coughing.

• Secondhand smoke is a common irritant causing coughing. Stop smoking and ask those around you to refrain or smoke outside.
• Be extra cautious if you have pet or mold allergies. Clean damp surfaces regularly to prevent mold buildup and remove pet hair.
• Maintain a clean, dust-free environment to prevent irritation.

Use cough drops. Cough drops come in various types and flavors, providing temporary relief from coughing. Try ones with Menthol (peppermint oil), as it is a natural cough suppressant. Menthol can numb the throat, preventing the irritation that causes coughing.

• If you find the scent of cough medicines unbearable, consider sucking on hard candies to alleviate the irritation caused by the cough.

Try using an over-the-counter decongestant. These medications help relieve swollen nasal passages and reduce mucus. They can also help clear mucus from the chest and reduce coughing up phlegm.

• Decongestants come in pill, liquid, or nasal spray forms.
• Look for products containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine.
• These medications may raise blood pressure, so individuals with hypertension should use caution.
• Only use nasal spray decongestants for 2-3 days, as prolonged use can cause the congestion to return.

Try using cough suppressants or expectorants. If your cough is persistent, painful, and uncomfortable, a cough suppressant can be helpful. Expectorants thin the mucus in your chest and nose, allowing it to be more easily expelled through coughing.

• Look for cough medicines containing dextromethorphan.
• Cough suppressants can cause drowsiness, so use them primarily at night.
• If you’re coughing up phlegm, an expectorant like Guaifenesin can help clear the mucus more effectively.

Determine if your cough is caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD, also known as acid reflux or chronic heartburn, is a common cause of persistent and hard-to-treat cough. GERD causes the stomach to expand, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the throat and esophagus, which ultimately leads to heartburn, pain, and coughing. Coughing tends to worsen in the morning.

• 90% of chronic cough cases are due to GERD, asthma, and postnasal drip.
• Common symptoms of GERD include heartburn, sour taste in the mouth, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, coughing, sore throat, and the feeling of a lump in the throat, especially after eating.

Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight puts pressure on the stomach, exacerbating GERD symptoms. It's important to consult with your doctor, even if you're maintaining a healthy weight. If your weight is abnormal, your doctor will suggest a diet and exercise plan suitable for your health condition and body type.

• Increasing aerobic exercise and balancing your diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is an effective way to maintain a healthy weight.

Avoid tight clothing. Tight clothes can place pressure on the stomach, triggering stomach acid to flow back into the throat, causing coughing.

Elevate your head while sleeping. Elevating your head while you sleep can help prevent heartburn and reduce coughing caused by GERD. Use extra pillows to prop up your head or adjust the head of your bed for added elevation.

Eat at the right time before bed. Going to bed right after eating can lead to symptoms of acid reflux, including coughing. It's recommended to wait 3-4 hours after eating before sleeping. Maintain an upright posture for at least 30 minutes after a meal.

Avoid reflux triggers. Certain foods and drinks can provoke acid reflux. These triggers may differ from person to person, but the most common ones are:

• Tomatoes
• Chocolate
• Alcoholic beverages
• Mint
• Garlic and onions
• Caffeine
• High-fat or fried foods

Know when to see a doctor. Chronic cough can persist for over 8 weeks in adults and more than 4 weeks in children. If the cough doesn’t resolve after trying various remedies and continues for weeks, it’s time to visit a doctor.

• If the cough interferes with your sleep, leaving you fatigued and weak, seek a doctor’s help if the cough prevents you from sleeping and nighttime cough medicine is ineffective.

Recognize severe cough signs. Most coughs will resolve on their own or require minimal treatment. However, some cases need immediate medical attention. Consult a doctor right away or go to the emergency room if your cough is accompanied by any of these signs:

• Blood in your saliva or phlegm
• Foul-smelling saliva or phlegm
• Unexplained weight loss
• Night sweats
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Chest pain

Pediatric Examination for Cough in Children There are various methods and medications to treat cough, but many may not be safe for children, especially infants and young children. Many doctors advise against using over-the-counter cough suppressants for children. If your child has a persistent cough, it’s important to take them to a pediatrician to get proper treatment recommendations.

• Using a humidifier can help reduce mucus congestion, and saline solution can clear the sinuses. Both are safe treatment methods for children.