Coughing is a natural réflex to protect your airways from irritants, such as dust, pollen, smoke, or mucus. While coughing can be a nuisance, it is usually not a serious problem. However, if you have a cough that lasts for more than two weeks, you should see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
There are a number of things you can do to stop coughing, including:
In the next section, we will discuss some of the most effective ways to stop coughing, including home remedies, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments.
How to Stop Coughing
Here are 8 important tips to help you stop coughing:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Use a humidifier
- Gargle with salt water
- Take a hot shower or bath
- Eat honey
- Suck on a cough drop
- Get plenty of rest
- See a doctor if cough persists
By following these tips, you can help to relieve your cough and get back to feeling better.
Drink plenty of fluids
Staying hydrated is important for overall health, and it can also help to relieve coughing. Fluids help to thin mucus, making it easier to expel. They can also help to soothe irritated throat tissue.
- Water: Water is the best choice for hydration. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day.
- Herbal tea: Herbal teas, such as chamomile and peppermint, can help to soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. Avoid teas that contain caffeine, as caffeine can worsen coughing.
- Soup: Soup is a great way to stay hydrated and get some extra nutrients. Chicken soup is a particularly good choice, as it contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce coughing.
- Hot water with honey: Honey has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help to fight off infection and reduce coughing. Adding honey to hot water can help to soothe a sore throat and thin mucus.
It is important to avoid sugary drinks, such as soda and juice, as these can actually worsen coughing.
Use a humidifier
A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help to soothe irritated throat tissue and reduce coughing. Dry air can worsen coughing, so using a humidifier can be a helpful way to relieve symptoms.
- Choose the right humidifier: There are two main types of humidifiers: warm mist and cool mist. Either type can be effective, so choose the one that you prefer.
- Keep the humidifier clean: Humidifiers can harbor mold and bacteria, so it is important to clean them regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Use the humidifier in the right room: Place the humidifier in the bedroom or other room where you spend the most time.
- Monitor the humidity level: The ideal humidity level for a home is between 30% and 50%. You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity level in your home.
If you are using a humidifier, it is important to clean it regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. You should also avoid using the humidifier if you have a respiratory condition, such as asthma or COPD, as it can worsen symptoms.
Gargle with salt water
Gargling with salt water is a simple and effective way to relieve a sore throat and reduce coughing. Salt water helps to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
- Make the salt water solution: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Stir until the salt is dissolved.
- Gargle with the salt water: Take a sip of the salt water solution and gargle for 30 seconds. Spit out the solution after gargling.
- Repeat as needed: You can gargle with salt water several times a day, as needed.
- Do not swallow the salt water: Be sure to spit out the salt water after gargling.
Salt water gargling is safe for most people. However, it is not recommended for children under the age of 6, as they may not be able to gargle effectively. If you have a heart condition or high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before gargling with salt water.
Take a hot shower or bath
Taking a hot shower or bath can help to relieve coughing by loosening mucus and soothing irritated throat tissue. The steam from the hot water can also help to open up the airways and make it easier to breathe.
- Use hot water: The hotter the water, the more effective it will be at relieving coughing. However, be careful not to use water that is too hot, as this can cause burns.
- Stay in the shower or bath for at least 10 minutes: This will give the steam time to loosen mucus and soothe your throat.
- Breathe in the steam: Inhale the steam from the hot water deeply. This will help to open up your airways and make it easier to breathe.
- Repeat as needed: You can take a hot shower or bath several times a day, as needed, to relieve coughing.
Taking a hot shower or bath is a safe and effective way to relieve coughing. However, it is important to avoid using water that is too hot, as this can cause burns. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor before taking a hot shower or bath.
Eat honey
Honey has been used as a natural cough suppressant for centuries. It contains antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help to fight off infection and reduce coughing. Honey also helps to soothe irritated throat tissue and reduce inflammation.
To use honey for coughs, you can take a spoonful of honey straight, or you can add it to tea or warm water. You can also find honey-based cough syrups and lozenges at most pharmacies.
Honey is safe for most people to consume. However, it is important to avoid giving honey to children under the age of one, as it can cause botulism. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor before using honey to treat a cough.
Here are some specific ways to use honey to relieve a cough:
- Take a spoonful of honey: Take a spoonful of honey straight, or mix it with a little bit of warm water.
- Add honey to tea: Add a spoonful of honey to a cup of hot tea. Honey is especially effective in soothing a sore throat when combined with hot tea.
- Make a honey lemon drink: Mix together equal parts honey and lemon juice. Add a cup of hot water and stir until the honey is dissolved. Drink the honey lemon drink hot or cold.
- Use honey in a cough syrup or lozenge: You can find honey-based cough syrups and lozenges at most pharmacies. These products can be effective in suppressing coughs.
Honey is a safe and effective natural remedy for coughs. It can be used to soothe a sore throat, reduce inflammation, and suppress coughs.
Suck on a cough drop
Cough drops are another effective way to relieve a cough. They work by soothing the throat and reducing inflammation. Cough drops also contain ingredients that can help to suppress coughs, such as menthol and eucalyptus.
To use a cough drop, simply suck on it slowly until it dissolves. You can take a cough drop as needed, up to every two hours. It is important to follow the dosage instructions on the cough drop package.
Cough drops are generally safe for most people to use. However, some cough drops may contain ingredients that are not suitable for children or people with certain medical conditions. It is important to read the label carefully before using a cough drop.
Here are some tips for using cough drops effectively:
- Choose a cough drop that contains ingredients that are effective for your type of cough. For example, if you have a dry cough, you may want to choose a cough drop that contains menthol or eucalyptus. If you have a wet cough, you may want to choose a cough drop that contains guaifenesin.
- Suck on the cough drop slowly. This will allow the ingredients to dissolve and coat your throat.
- Do not take more than the recommended dosage of cough drops. Taking too many cough drops can cause side effects, such as nausea and vomiting.
- Avoid giving cough drops to children under the age of 6. Cough drops can be a choking hazard for young children.
Cough drops can be a safe and effective way to relieve a cough. However, it is important to use them correctly and to follow the dosage instructions on the package.
Get plenty of rest
When you are sick, your body needs time to heal. Getting plenty of rest can help to boost your immune system and fight off infection. It can also help to reduce coughing.
- Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night: Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night. When you are sick, you may need to sleep even more.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine: A relaxing bedtime routine can help you to fall asleep more easily. This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music.
- Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool: These conditions are ideal for sleep.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed: Caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep.
If you are having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor. There may be underlying medical conditions that are interfering with your sleep.
See a doctor if cough persists
If your cough persists for more than two weeks, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, it is important to see a doctor. These symptoms could be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs treatment.
- Cough that lasts for more than two weeks: A cough that lasts for more than two weeks is considered chronic. Chronic coughs can be caused by a variety of underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
- Cough that is accompanied by fever: A cough that is accompanied by fever could be a sign of an infection, such as the flu or pneumonia.
- Cough that is accompanied by shortness of breath: A cough that is accompanied by shortness of breath could be a sign of a serious medical condition, such as heart failure or a blood clot in the lungs.
- Cough that is accompanied by chest pain: A cough that is accompanied by chest pain could be a sign of a heart attack or pleurisy.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to improve your prognosis.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to stop coughing:
Question 1: How long should I cough before seeing a doctor?
Answer 1: You should see a doctor if your cough persists for more than two weeks, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
Question 2: What are some home remedies for coughing?
Answer 2: Some effective home remedies for coughing include drinking plenty of fluids, using a humidifier, gargling with salt water, taking a hot shower or bath, eating honey, and sucking on a cough drop.
Question 3: What is the best way to use a humidifier for coughing?
Answer 3: Choose a humidifier that is the right size for the room where you will be using it. Keep the humidifier clean by following the manufacturer's instructions. Place the humidifier in the bedroom or other room where you spend the most time. Monitor the humidity level in your home to make sure it is between 30% and 50%.
Question 4: How often can I gargle with salt water for coughing?
Answer 4: You can gargle with salt water several times a day, as needed. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Gargle for 30 seconds and then spit out the solution.
Question 5: Can I give honey to a child to stop coughing?
Answer 5: Honey should not be given to children under the age of one, as it can cause botulism. For children over the age of one, honey can be used to soothe a cough. You can give your child a spoonful of honey straight, or you can add it to tea or warm water.
Question 6: What is the best way to use a cough drop for coughing?
Answer 6: Suck on a cough drop slowly to allow the ingredients to dissolve and coat your throat. Do not take more than the recommended dosage of cough drops. Avoid giving cough drops to children under the age of 6, as they can be a choking hazard.
If you have any other questions about how to stop coughing, talk to your doctor.
In addition to the information provided in this FAQ, here are some additional tips for stopping a cough:
Tips
Here are some additional tips for stopping a cough:
Tip 1: Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated helps to thin mucus and soothe irritated throat tissue. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day.
Tip 2: Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Smoking and secondhand smoke can irritate the throat and lungs, making coughing worse. If you smoke, quit now. If you are exposed to secondhand smoke, try to avoid it as much as possible.
Tip 3: Use a saline nasal spray. A saline nasal spray can help to clear nasal congestion and reduce post-nasal drip, which can trigger coughing. You can use a saline nasal spray several times a day, as needed.
Tip 4: Elevate your head while sleeping. Elevating your head while sleeping can help to reduce post-nasal drip and coughing. You can do this by using a pillow wedge or by placing a few pillows under your head.
By following these tips, you can help to relieve your cough and get back to feeling better.
If your cough persists for more than two weeks, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, see a doctor. These symptoms could be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs treatment.
Conclusion
Coughing is a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of factors, including the common cold, flu, allergies, and asthma. While coughing can be a nuisance, it is usually not a serious problem. However, if your cough persists for more than two weeks, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, it is important to see a doctor.
There are a number of things you can do to stop coughing, including drinking plenty of fluids, using a humidifier, gargling with salt water, taking a hot shower or bath, eating honey, and sucking on a cough drop. You can also try some of the additional tips provided in this article, such as avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke, using a saline nasal spray, and elevating your head while sleeping.
By following these tips, you can help to relieve your cough and get back to feeling better. However, if your cough persists, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.