How to Stop Coughing in 5 Minutes

Persistent coughing can be quite painful and bothersome. It can arise from various causes, such as a dry throat, nasal drip, or asthma. The key to quickly alleviating a cough is to choose the right remedy for your specific type of cough.

Stay hydrated. As with any illness, drinking enough water is the first line of defense against a cough. If your cough is due to a dry throat, all you may need is a bit of water. Regardless of the cause of your cough, drinking plenty of water is always beneficial.

• If your throat is sore or scratchy from coughing, avoid drinks that may further irritate, such as acidic beverages like orange juice.
• Be cautious with milk. While the belief that milk causes more mucus is a myth, milk — especially whole milk — can coat the throat and make you feel like there's more phlegm. However, if your cough is due to irritation or a dry throat, cold dairy products might help soothe it.
• If you're unsure, it’s always best to drink water.

Warm your drink. For certain types of coughs, such as those caused by nasal congestion or sinus drainage, warm water may be more effective than cold or room temperature water.

• Whether it’s your favorite herbal tea with honey or just warm lemon water, according to the Chief Medical Officer of the American Lung Association, “any warm beverage can help thin mucus in the respiratory tract.”

Try saltwater. Especially in cases of cold- or flu-related coughs, saltwater is your ally.

• Gargling with saltwater or using a saline nasal spray can kill the viruses or bacteria causing the nasal drip that leads to coughing, while also helping to alleviate the cough by clearing mucus from your throat.

Consider using steam — in some cases. Common knowledge suggests that steam from a shower or humidifier can help relieve coughing, but only if the cough is caused by dry air.

• If your cough is due to nasal congestion, asthma, dust, mold, etc., humid air may actually worsen your symptoms.

Sit up straight. Lying flat can cause mucus to drip into your throat.

• For example, when you’re coughing, you should prop your head up with pillows to prevent sinus drainage from running down your throat and triggering coughing.

Clean the air. Stay away from polluted air, including cigarette smoke. Dust particles in the air can trigger coughing or worsen an existing cough caused by other factors.

• Strong scents, like perfumes, may cause coughing in some people, even if they aren't irritating to them.

Keep the air still. Avoid drafts, ceiling fans, heaters, and air conditioners, as moving air can exacerbate a cough.

• Many people who cough believe that wind worsens their symptoms by drying out the airways or causing an itchy feeling that triggers further coughing.

Try breathing exercises. Although most breathing exercises are intended for chronic conditions like COPD, they can be helpful for anyone dealing with a cough.

• You might try 'controlled coughing' or 'pursed-lip breathing,' among other methods. For pursed-lip breathing, take a deep breath through your nose and count to two. Then, while pursing your lips as if you were about to whistle, exhale slowly and count to four.

Use medication. If your cough persists, consider trying over-the-counter cough medicine.

• Cough medications typically contain two main components: expectorants to reduce mucus and suppressants to block the coughing reflex. Check the labels to choose the most effective remedy for your type of cough.
• Your doctor may prescribe a cough syrup containing codeine, a powerful ingredient that can effectively suppress a cough. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully, as codeine carries a risk of addiction.

Soothe your throat. Consider sucking on lozenges, eating frozen treats (such as popsicles), or gargling with saltwater to ease throat irritation if your cough is causing inflammation.

• Many cough medicines contain mild anesthetics that help reduce the cough reflex. Similarly, frozen treats like popsicles are believed to temporarily numb the throat.

Try mint-based products. Whether in lozenge, ointment, or spray form, peppermint essential oil has been shown to alleviate coughing.

• Peppermint oil raises the “cough threshold,” meaning it increases the level of irritation needed to trigger a cough.

Know when to see a doctor. If your cough is accompanied by shortness of breath, blood in the mucus, severe pain, or a fever over 38°C, along with other serious symptoms, you should consult a doctor for further evaluation.