How To Make My Cough Go Away

Season change and cough almost go hand-in-hand. Common colds or flu are inevitable during these times and all you can do is take care of yourself. The good news is some natural remedies and tips can relieve you from a sore throat and cough. However, if it persists, you must consult a medical professional.

Home Remedies for Cough Relief

The best treatment for your particular cough problems would depend on the underlying cause like infections, allergies, acid reflux, etc. However, the following common home remedies can solve them up to a certain extent.

Honey Tea

This is a traditional remedy for cough and sore throat. Add 2 teaspoons of honey to your tea or a cup of warm water. Having the drink once or twice per day can help soothe your cough. However, abstain from giving honey to kids below 1 year of age.

Steam

Moisture is an ideal solution if you have a dry cough. Try to breathe in steam while taking a hot shower. Alternatively, you can also use a vaporiser or humidifier in your room while sleeping. The moisture from steam can loosen mucus and allow you to breathe more comfortably.

Salt-water Gargle

It is a common activity seen in many households and has been an effective cough treatment since ages. Take a cup of warm water and mix half teaspoon of salt in it until it dissolves. Let the solution cool slightly before you gargle. The mixture should sit at the hind portion of your throat for some time and then you spit it out. Doing this 2-3 times a day would be ideal.

Dietary Changes

This is especially helpful if you have acid reflux issues, which is a common cause of cough. You must consider avoiding foods that act as triggers for acid reflux, including -

1. Alcohol
2. Citrus foods
3. Mint
4. Caffeine
5. Fried or fatty foods
6. Onions and garlic
7. Spicy foods
8. Tomatoes or tomato-rich foods

If you avoid these foods and beverages, you can reduce your cough problems significantly. Also, every person has different reflux triggers. While the above ones are common for many people, you can always see your doctor and learn about specific ones affecting you.

Stay Hydrated

Certain fluids or hot beverages can help alleviate flu symptoms. The idea is to stay hydrated and avoid anything that affects your throat, such as cold liquids. Try the following beverages to get relief from cough almost immediately.

1. Herbal teas
2. Clear broths
3. Warm water
4. Decaffeinated black tea
5. Warm fruit juice

Tips to Prevent Cough

Apart from these home remedies, the below-mentioned tips can help you prevent a cold and flu-like condition.

Avoid close contact with sick people: Sometimes maintaining social distance is good for keeping sound health. Avoid going near people infected with cold, flu or cough.

Use disinfectant: Always clean your floors and surfaces using disinfectants, especially when someone in your family is ill. Further, consider washing towels, beddings, soft toys, etc., in hot water.

Wash your hands regularly: COVID-19 has taught us how washing our hands every now and then is essential to prevent the spread of infections. Try using soap and warm water to wash away all the harmful germs and bacteria from your skin.

Stay hydrated: Dehydration is another cause of cough. Drink adequate water or other healthy fluids daily to avoid dehydration. According to reports, men should drink around 3.7 litres of fluids every day, and for women, it is around 2.7 litres.

Get enough sleep: A normal person typically needs sound sleep for 7-9 hours every night to stay healthy and fit.

Reduce stress: Stress is often a common reason to catch a cold as it affects the immune system. To help manage stress, you can meditate, exercise regularly, and practice deep breathing techniques and muscle relaxation exercises.

Take immune-boosters: You can take immune-boosting supplements like vitamin C, zinc and probiotics during the flu season to prevent getting infected or falling sick.

Conclusion

It is your responsibility to take care of yourself, especially during these tough times. If your cough is severe and persists for a longer duration, seek immediate help from a doctor. Make sure to take all the precautions like wearing masks, sanitising your hands, etc., before visiting the doctor’s chamber.

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Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.