How do I stop my chronic cough?

 

How do I stop my chronic cough?

 

1. Drink fluids. Liquid helps thin the mucus in your throat.

 

Drinking fluids can help to thin the mucus in your throat and make it easier to clear. When you are sick with a cold or flu, your body produces more mucus to help flush out the virus or bacteria that is causing the infection. However, this excess mucus can cause congestion and make it difficult to breathe or swallow.

Drinking fluids, such as water, tea, or soup, can help to thin out the mucus, making it easier to cough up or blow out of your nose. This can help to relieve congestion and reduce the symptoms of your illness. It's important to drink plenty of fluids when you're sick to avoid dehydration and help your body fight off the infection.

 

 

2.  Suck on cough drops or hard candies. They may ease a dry cough and soothe an irritated throat.

Sucking on cough drops or hard candies can help to ease a dry cough and soothe an irritated throat. Cough drops and hard candies often contain ingredients such as menthol, eucalyptus, or honey, which can have a calming effect on the throat and provide temporary relief from coughing.

Menthol has a cooling and numbing effect that can help to reduce the urge to cough, while eucalyptus has a natural anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties that can help to ease congestion and soothe the throat. Honey is also known for its soothing properties and can help to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to choose cough drops or hard candies that do not contain a lot of sugar, as excess sugar can further irritate the throat and make coughing worse. Additionally, if you have a persistent cough or other symptoms, it's important to see a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

 

 

  3.  Consider taking honey. A teaspoon of honey may help loosen a cough.

Honey can help to loosen a cough and soothe an irritated throat. Honey has natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce coughing and throat irritation.

Research has shown that honey is as effective as dextromethorphan, a common cough suppressant found in over-the-counter cold and cough medications, in reducing coughing and improving sleep in children with upper respiratory tract infections. Honey is also safe for children over the age of one year, but it should not be given to infants due to the risk of botulism.

To use honey for cough relief, simply mix a teaspoon of honey with warm water or tea and drink it slowly. It's important to note that honey should not be given to children under one year of age, and individuals with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels as honey is high in natural sugars. Additionally, honey should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment, and anyone experiencing severe or persistent coughing should consult a healthcare provider.

 

4.  Moisturize the air.

Moisturizing the air can help to alleviate dry cough and ease breathing difficulties, especially in dry indoor environments. Dry air can irritate the lining of the throat and airways, making it harder to breathe and increasing the risk of coughing and other respiratory symptoms.

One way to moisturize the air is to use a humidifier, which adds moisture to the air and increases the humidity level in the room. Humidifiers are especially helpful during the winter months when indoor heating can dry out the air. It's important to clean and maintain the humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

Another way to moisturize the air is to take a steamy shower or bath, or to use a facial steamer. The steam can help to moisten the nasal passages and throat, reducing irritation and promoting easy breathing.

It's important to note that in some cases, humidifying the air may not be helpful or may even worsen certain respiratory conditions, such as asthma or allergies. It's important to consult a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about using a humidifier or other methods of humidifying the air.

 

5.  Avoid tobacco smoke.

It's important to avoid tobacco smoke if you want to maintain good respiratory health. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals, many of which can damage the lungs and airways, leading to a range of respiratory problems.

Firsthand smoke, which is inhaled by smokers, can cause lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Secondhand smoke, which is inhaled by non-smokers, can also cause a range of health problems, including asthma, lung cancer, and heart disease.

Exposure to smoke can also irritate the lining of the throat and airways, leading to coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory symptoms. Children and infants are particularly vulnerable to the effects of smoke, and exposure to secondhand smoke can cause asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do to protect your respiratory health. If you don't smoke, avoiding exposure to smoke is the next best thing you can do to protect