How to Quickly Stop a Cough

A persistent cough can be incredibly bothersome, and you might want to get rid of it as soon as possible. Coughing is a common side effect of the flu, but it can also result from allergies, asthma, acid reflux, dry air, cigarette smoke, or even medication. Coughing can be extremely uncomfortable and painful, so try following these tips to get rid of your cough quickly.

Use Honey. Honey is an effective remedy to soothe a cough and calm an irritated throat. Several studies have shown that honey can be as effective at reducing coughing as over-the-counter cough medicines, and sometimes even more effective. Honey coats the throat and helps to relieve the irritation. It can be particularly useful when taken before bed if coughing is keeping you awake.

• Honey is safe for both adults and children, but avoid giving honey to babies under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism.
• You can consume honey directly. For persistent coughing, try taking a tablespoon of honey every few hours. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon (or more) of honey into hot lemon tea and drink it.
• Some studies suggest that honey works as effectively as dextromethorphan, a common ingredient in many over-the-counter cough medicines.

Try Licorice Tea. Licorice tea helps soothe the airways, reducing swelling and loosening mucus. Add two tablespoons of dried licorice root into a cup, pour 240ml of hot water, and steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink twice a day.

• Avoid drinking licorice tea if you are on steroids or have kidney issues.
• The active compound glycyrrhiza may cause side effects in some individuals. Look for DGL or deglycyrrhizinated licorice at health food stores or pharmacies, as they offer similar benefits.

Consider Thyme Tea. In countries like Germany, thyme is used to treat respiratory ailments. It helps relax throat muscles and reduce inflammation. Boil water, add two teaspoons of crushed thyme into a cup, pour the hot water in, and steep for 10 minutes. Strain the tea before drinking.

• Add honey and lemon for extra soothing properties and flavor.
• Do not use thyme essential oil for consumption. Only use fresh or dried thyme.

Try Hard Candy. If throat lozenges are unavailable or you prefer those without medicinal ingredients, you can calm a cough by sucking on a hard candy.

• A dry, non-productive cough can be stopped by any kind of hard candy. Hard candies stimulate saliva production and encourage swallowing, helping to suppress the cough.
• If you have a productive cough with mucus, lemon-flavored cough candies are usually effective.
• Hard candies can be used to treat coughs in children over 6 years old. Do not give candies or lozenges to children under 3 years, as they may choke.

Consider Using Turmeric. Turmeric is a traditional remedy for coughs that many find effective. Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a cup of warm milk. Alternatively, mix the turmeric with a teaspoon of honey to treat a dry cough. For turmeric tea, add one tablespoon of turmeric powder to 1 liter of boiling water, let it steep, then strain. Adding honey and lemon further alleviates coughing.

Combine Peppermint and Ginger in Lemon Juice. Ginger helps clear mucus, while both ginger and peppermint soothe throat irritation. Add honey to the mixture to enhance its effectiveness.

• Combine 3 tablespoons of chopped ginger and 1 tablespoon of dried peppermint into 1 liter of water. Boil the water, then reduce the heat. Simmer until some liquid evaporates, then strain. Let it cool for a few minutes, then mix in 240ml of honey and stir until completely dissolved. Take a tablespoon of this mixture every few hours. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
• You can also add a peppermint lozenge to the lemon juice. Heat it in a small pot until the candy melts. Add a tablespoon (15ml) of honey and stir the mixture well.

Try Essential Oils. Combining steam inhalation with essential oils can help you inhale their benefits more effectively. Try tea tree and eucalyptus oils, both known for their soothing and respiratory-clearing properties. These oils also contain antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory compounds.

• Boil water and pour it into a bowl. Let it cool for a minute. Add 3 drops of tea tree oil and 1-2 drops of eucalyptus oil, then stir. Lean forward and cover your head with a towel to trap the steam. Breathe deeply for 5-10 minutes, doing this 2-3 times a day. Be careful not to lean too close to avoid burns from the hot steam.
• Do not ingest tea tree oil as it can be toxic if swallowed.

Make a Whiskey Cough Syrup. If you're looking for an effective cough remedy just for adults, you can add a bit of whiskey to a cup of warm lemon water. While alcohol itself doesn't cure a cough, it may help you relax.

• Mix 60ml of whiskey, 60ml of lemon juice, and 60-125ml of water in a microwave-safe mug.
• Heat it for 45 seconds in the microwave.
• Add a tablespoon (15ml) of honey to the mixture and heat for another 45 seconds in the microwave.

Try Korean Folk Remedy for Colds. If you're dealing with a cough caused by a cold or flu, you can prepare a traditional Korean remedy. This consists of dried jujube fruits combined with spices, honey, and other beneficial ingredients.

• Place 25 sliced dried jujube fruits, 1 large Asian pear (peeled and cored), a 8cm piece of ginger (sliced), 2-3 cinnamon sticks, and 3 liters of water into a large pot. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat.
• Lower the heat and simmer for 1 hour.
• Strain the liquid, discarding the solids.
• Add 1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml) of honey to sweeten the tea. Enjoy a cup to soothe your throat and relieve your cough in just a few minutes. One of the simplest things you can do is relax and take deep breaths.

Gargle with Salt Water. Salt water is commonly used to alleviate sore throats, but it can also help with coughing as it reduces inflammation and loosens mucus. Dissolve ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt in 240ml of warm water, stir until completely dissolved, and gargle for 15 seconds. Spit it out and repeat until the solution runs out.

Try Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is an excellent cough remedy without needing medication. You can warm it up and drink it as tea by adding a spoonful of honey, or enjoy it cold mixed with apple juice.

Use Nasal Decongestants. Nasal decongestants help alleviate coughing by reducing nasal congestion, drying up mucus in the lungs, and opening airways. You can find nasal decongestants in several forms, such as pills, liquids, or nasal sprays.

• Look for pills and liquids containing phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine as the active ingredients.
• Overusing nasal decongestants may lead to dry nasal passages and a dry cough.
• Do not use nasal sprays for more than 2-3 days, as prolonged use may cause a rebound effect, making congestion worse. Overuse can also lead to dependency on the nasal decongestant.

Try Medicinal Cough Lozenges. Consider menthol lozenges, which are among the most effective for soothing a cough. These lozenges numb the throat, reducing the urge to cough and providing quick relief.

• If you have a productive cough, lozenges containing bitter mint may be especially helpful. Bitter mint, a herb with both bitter and sweet properties, loosens mucus, helping to expel it more quickly, thus ending the cough faster. Pregnant women should avoid bitter mint.
• For dry coughs, you can use lozenges made from slippery elm bark. These lozenges coat the throat, reducing irritation and stopping the cough. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should avoid slippery elm.

Use Chest-Heating Ointments. Over-the-counter chest-heating ointments containing menthol or camphor can be effective at calming both dry and productive coughs.

• These ointments are for external use only and should never be ingested.
• Do not use chest-heating ointments on infants.

Try Cough Syrups. Cough syrups are particularly useful for treating nighttime coughs that are accompanied by mucus.

• Cough syrups work by blocking the flow of mucus that triggers coughing, signaling the brain to reduce the coughing reflex. This can be helpful if you need to temporarily stop a cough to sleep or for other reasons. However, you should avoid relying on cough syrups throughout your illness, as they may cause mucus to accumulate in the lungs, increasing the risk of bacterial infections.
• Look for syrups that contain dextromethorphan, pholcodine, or antihistamines.
• Be cautious when using these syrups if coughing is your primary symptom. Antihistamines and decongestants in cough syrups can make mucus thicker, drier, and more difficult to expel from the airways.
• Avoid giving cough syrup to children under 4 years old.

Use Mucolytics. Mucolytic medications work by thinning the mucus, making it easier to expel during a cough. These drugs are especially effective if you're experiencing thick mucus buildup in your throat.

• Do not administer cough medicines to children under 4 years of age, as they could cause severe side effects.

Drink Plenty of Fluids. Staying hydrated is crucial whether you have a dry or productive cough. Fluids help thin the mucus that may drip into your throat, causing irritation. Any drink is fine, except alcohol and caffeinated beverages (as they can dehydrate you), and citrus juices (which can irritate the throat).

• Try to drink at least 8 cups of water (8 x 250ml) daily while coughing.
• For infants aged 3 months to 1 year, give them 1-3 teaspoons (5-15 ml) of warm, clear liquids like apple juice up to 4 times a day to soothe the cough. This is in addition to their usual milk intake, whether breast milk or formula.

Change Your Coughing Technique. Typically, a cough starts with a strong spasm, followed by a gentler one. However, gradually shifting from light to more forceful coughing can help you stop coughing faster. This method is particularly useful for a productive cough. When the urge to cough arises, begin with a lighter cough. This won't expel much mucus but will move it toward the trachea. As the lighter cough subsides, you can follow it with a stronger cough, expelling the mucus forcefully.

• Using this method will prevent further irritation to your throat. Throat irritation often causes continuous coughing, so minimizing irritation can lead to quicker relief.

Eliminate irritants in the air. Chronic coughing is often caused or worsened by airborne irritants. These irritants can trigger sinus issues, leading to chronic coughing due to excessive mucus. One of the most common irritants is tobacco smoke.

• Perfumes and bathroom air fresheners are also believed to irritate chronic coughs and should be avoided, especially while you're coughing, if you want to recover more quickly.

• Keep in mind that antibiotics are rarely, if ever, used to treat a cough. Antibiotics only kill bacteria and are ineffective in treating viral coughs or non-disease-related coughs. A doctor will only prescribe antibiotics if the cough is suspected to be a symptom of a bacterial infection.
• If you're having difficulty breathing, use an inhaler.
• Liquids like coffee or black tea can reduce your immune system's effectiveness.
• When drinking, opt for warm water, as cold water may irritate your throat.
• Rest as much as possible. Avoid long walks, running, or exercise until you feel better.

• Know when to see a doctor. A cough usually goes away within 10 days, and with the right treatments, it can heal even faster. However, if your cough persists for more than 2 to 4 weeks, you should consult a doctor. You should also see a doctor if you're coughing up blood, have sharp chest pains, extreme fatigue, significant weight loss, chills, or a fever above 38.3°C (101°F).