A persistent cough is hard to deal with.It can be caused by anything from a dry throat to asthma.Selecting the right solution for your cough is the key to fighting it quickly.
Step 1: Reach for fluids.
Staying hydrated is the first line of defense against coughing.If you have a dry throat, hydration might be all you need.It's never a bad idea to drink plenty of fluids if you have a cough.If your throat is sore from coughing, it's a good idea to avoid acidic juices like orange juice.Be careful with dairy as well.Milk can coat your throat and make you feel like you have more phlegm, which is a myth.Cold dairy products might be soothing if your cough is caused by irritation.Always choose water when you are unsure.
Step 2: The fluids should be warm.
Warm liquids can be even more effective than cold ones for certain coughs.According to the American Lung Association's chief medical officer, a warm warm liquid can help break up mucus in your airways.
Step 3: It's possible to try saltwater.
Salt water is great for cold or flu-related coughs.gargling with salt water or using a saline-based nasal spray can help kill the viruses or bacteria causing the postnasal drip that is making you cough along with giving some short-term relief by flushing mucus out of your throat.
Step 4: In some cases, consider steam.
If your cough is due to dry air, steam from a shower or a humidifier isn't going to help.If you are coughing because of congestion, asthma, dust mites, or mold, moist air could make your cough worse.
Step 5: Stay upright.
mucus can get into your throat if you are horizontal.If you cough while sleeping, you should prop up your head with pillows to prevent drainage from your throat.
Step 6: The air should be clean.
Don't smoke and stay away from dirty air.Particulates in the air could be the cause of your cough.Strong fragrances can cause some people to cough, even if they are not annoying.
Step 7: The air should be kept still.
It's a good idea to avoid moving air because it can make coughs worse.Many cough sufferers believe that blowing air makes their cough worse, either by drying their airways or making them cough more often.
Step 8: Try breathing exercises.
While most breathing exercises are for people with chronic conditions, they can be used by anyone with a cough.You can use techniques such as controlled coughing or pursed lip breathing.You begin pursed lip breathing by taking a deep breath through your nose and counting to two.You slowly exhale to the count of four after pursing your lips as if you were about to whistle.
Step 9: Reach for the medicine.
Try anti-cough medicines if your cough persists.An expectorant and a suppressant are ingredients in cough medicines.Pick the label that is best for your cough.It is possible for your doctor to prescribe a cough syrup containing codeine, which can be a very effective cough suppressant.codeine has the potential to become habit-forming if you follow the dosage instructions outlined by your doctor.
Step 10: Take care of your throat.
gargling with salt water, eating frozen treats, and sucking on throat lozenges are all ways to soothe your throat if you have a cough.A mild anesthetic is found in many cough medicines.Popsicles are thought to work by numbing the throat.
Step 11: Menthol products are good to try.
Menthol has been shown to alleviate coughing.Menthol raises the "cough threshold" which increases the severity of sensations needed to start a cough.
Step 12: Know when to see the doctor.
You should see a doctor if you have a cough that is accompanied by a cold, bloody mucus, or a high temperature.