A persistent cough is painful and frustrating. It can be caused by a variety of factors, from dry throat to sinus drainage to asthma. The secret to getting rid of a cough fast is finding the right solution for the specific type that ails you.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Stay Hydrated
Step 1. Make sure large amounts of fluids
As with any other disease, proper hydration is the first line of defense even against coughs. If your ailment stems from a dry throat, good hydration is all you need. However, even if the cough is caused by other factors, it is still a good idea to drink plenty of fluids.
- If your throat is sore or sore from coughing, you should avoid drinks that can create additional discomfort, such as fruit juices because they are acidic.
- Also pay attention to dairy products. Although the idea that milk causes more mucus is a myth to dispel - especially with regard to the whole one - it can still coat the walls of the throat and lead you to believe that you have more phlegm. In other words, if the cough is caused by irritation or dryness, cold dairy products can ease the discomfort.
- If in doubt, always choose water.
Step 2. Make hot drinks
For some types of cough, such as that resulting from congestion or sinus drainage, warm liquids may be more effective than other cold or room-temperature drinks.
Whether it's your all-time favorite herbal tea or just lemon water, remember that any hot liquid helps loosen mucus in the airways, as experts say
Step 3. Try salt water
This is an excellent remedy, especially if the cough is also accompanied by a cold or flu.
You can either choose to gargle or use a saline-based nasal spray to kill the bacteria or viruses that cause postnasal drip responsible for coughing; in addition, these products temporarily relieve discomfort by washing the mucus out of the throat
Step 4. In some cases you can consider using steam
It is usually believed that the steam created by a hot shower or humidifier can help fight a cough. However, this is only true in cases where the cough was caused by dry air.
If your cough is due to congestion, asthma, dust mites, mold, or other causes, humid air can actually aggravate the situation
Method 2 of 3: Change the Environment
Step 1. Stay erect
If you lie down, the mucus can sink even deeper into your throat.
For example, when you sleep and cough you should use pillows to lift your head and prevent mucus from draining from your sinuses and coming into contact with your throat, causing coughing
Step 2. Keep the air clean
Avoid staying in environments where the air is polluted, including cigarette smoke. Airborne microparticles can be the cause of your ailment or aggravate it if it was caused by other factors.
Strong fragrances, such as perfumes, can cause some people to cough, even if they are not irritating to others
Step 3. Avoid drafts
Don't expose yourself to wind, ceiling fans, stoves, or air conditioners, as the movement of air can make your cough worse.
Many people with coughs think that drafts can aggravate their discomfort, both because this way the airways dry up and because it creates an increased tingling or tickling sensation that can stimulate coughing
Step 4. Try the breathing exercises
Although most of these are aimed at the chronically ill, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease sufferers, they are actually also suitable for those who simply have to manage coughs.
You can try controlling your cough or practicing the pursed lip breathing technique, as well as other exercises. During pursed lip breathing, for example, you need to start with a deep inhalation through your nose as you count to two. Then, pursing your lips as if you want to whistle, slowly exhale through your mouth for a count of four
Method 3 of 3: Other Solutions
Step 1. Take your medication
If the cough persists you should consider taking antitussive drugs (also called 'cough suppressants').
Generally this type of medication consists of two active ingredients: an expectorant, which helps loosen mucus, and a suppressant agent, which blocks the cough reflex. Read the label carefully to choose the one that works best for your specific situation
Step 2. Soothe your throat
Consider eating some balsamic candy, something frozen (like a popsicle), or gargle with salt water to soothe a sore throat from cough.
Many cough suppressants contain a mild anesthetic to reduce the cough reflex. Likewise, cold elements, such as popsicles, are just as effective for temporarily numbing the throat
Step 3. Try menthol products
Regardless of whether you use it in the form of balsamic candies, ointments, or vapor solutions, menthol is known to be able to relieve coughs.
This substance raises the "cough tolerance threshold", so a more intense stimulus is needed to trigger the cough
Step 4. Know when to see your doctor
If the cough is accompanied by shortness of breath, bloody mucus, severe pain or fever of 38 ° C or higher, as well as other severe symptoms, you should see your doctor.
