Skip to content
nutrition — Medical-conditions — Science — Fitness-and-exercise — Food — Health-and-wellness — Health — Environment

Top Strategies to Silence a Persistent Cough

Cough persistently? At-home solutions involving ginger, honey, and thyme may aid in soothing a cough resulting from viruses or allergies. Experiment with steam and cough medicines too.

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Soothing relief for persistent coughs: Consider natural alternatives such as ginger, honey, and...
Soothing relief for persistent coughs: Consider natural alternatives such as ginger, honey, and thyme to alleviate coughing due to viruses and allergies. Additionally, steam therapy and over-the-counter cough medicines can be effective solutions.

Top Strategies to Silence a Persistent Cough

Shedding that pesky cough can be a struggle, but fear not! I've got your back. Here's the scoop on taming that hacking. Remember, it's crucial to identify what's causing the cough to nail the right treatment.

Nail the Source of that Cough

You might be tempted to grab any cough syrup you see, but hang tight: That may not cut it. "Cough is a symptom, not a disease," says Dr. Rose Paccione, a pulmonary medicine guru. "So, the best strategy is treating the underlying issue. Using the wrong treatment could do more harm than good."

Top reasons for the dreaded cough:

  • Viral infections (yep, you guessed it, cold, flu, RSV, and COVID-19) can linger in your system even after other symptoms clear up.
  • Asthma, primarily the dry, sneaky cough-variant type.
  • Allergies causing postnasal drip, or reactions to chemicals, dust, or pets. Moving to a new place could expose you tonew allergens triggering a cough.
  • Acid reflux and GERD, which can bring on a chronic cough when lying down.
  • Medications such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers may produce a cough as a side effect.

Halt that Cough

Once you've pinpointed the culprit, you can focus on laying that cough to rest. Here are some quick fixes:

Cough Drops with Menthol:

Provides temporary relief for an annoying cough. Be careful not to overdo it, though! Some research suggests that excessive menthol could aggravate your cough.

Ginger:

Offers anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate coughs caused by a cold or allergies. Sip some ginger tea or enjoy it in your cooking, like a tasty hot soup.

Honey:

Could work as well as some over-the-counter medications when it comes to mild coughs, according to some research. Have a spoonful before bedtime to soothe your cough. For tots under 1 year old, however, steer clear of honey, as it may contain harmful bacteria.

Humidity and Steam:

Indoor air can get pretty dry which doesn't help those coughs caused by allergies, asthma, or colds. Using a humidifier or inhaling steam from a hot shower or boiling water can bring some relief.

Medications:

Over-the-counter cough medicines can help stop that cough, but drug labels will tell you what kind of medicine you're getting. Look for dextromethorphan (Robitussin®) for suppressing the part of the brain that tells you to cough, and guaifenesin (Mucinex®) for thinning out mucus. Babies shouldn't take cough medicine unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider.

Elevated Sleeping Position:

If you find you cough more at night, use a wedge pillow to prop up your head slightly. Otherwise, mucus can pool in the back of your throat, causing more hacking.

Water:

Hydration is key when recovering from a cold. Staying well-hydrated can help get rid of that tickly cough.

Control Chronic Conditions

Persistent coughs could be an indication that conditions like asthma or GERD aren't under control. Skip the cough remedies and consult with your provider to sort out the issue.

Prevent a Cough

Coughs are usually just a temporary inconvenience, but practicing good health habits can help prevent viruses that cause them:

  • Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods and low on processed stuff.
  • Aiming for at least seven hours of quality sleep each night.
  • Washing your hands regularly with soap and water.

When to See a Provider

Coughs are generally temporary, but don't overlook prompt medical attention if:

  • Your cough sounds like a seal's bark.
  • You see blood or bloody mucus when coughing.
  • You experience violent coughing fits that interfere with breathing.
  • Your cough lingers longer than three weeks.
  • You develop a fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) that lasts more than two days.
  • You experience shortness of breath or wheezing.

Listen to Your Body

While most coughs stem from viruses or allergies, always feel free to consult with a healthcare provider if your cough seems unusual or is just plain aggravating. They can help identify the cause and suggest suitable treatments to ease your coughing fits.

  1. Dr. Rose Paccione, a pulmonary medicine expert, advises treating the cause of a cough instead of the symptom, as using the wrong treatment could worsen the condition.
  2. Viral infections like cold, flu, RSV, and COVID-19, asthma, allergies, acid reflux, medications like ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, and even moving to a new place can cause persistent coughs.
  3. Treating chronic coughs may require managing underlying conditions such as asthma or GERD, rather than relying on cough remedies alone.
  4. Preventive measures including eating a balanced diet, ensuring adequate sleep, and washing hands frequently can help minimize the risk of viruses that cause coughs. In case of concerning or persistent coughs, it's always advisable to consult a healthcare provider.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest