How to get rid of a cough faster:
As a natural reflex, coughing protects your lungs by clearing them of irritants like smoke and mucus however, it can also be caused by a cold or flu virus.
Among coughs, there are dry ones and chesty ones, as well as productive coughs (those that produce mucus) and non-productive coughs (those that do not). Chesty coughs usually lead to productive coughs, whereas dry coughs do not.
i) Dry cough:
No excessive mucus is present and it is most likely caused by irritation and hence, cough suppressants like dextromethorphan can be used to treat dry coughs.
ii) Chesty cough:
It can be productive and unproductive at the same time. You may have difficulty expectorating (coughing up) the mucus to clear the airway passages when you have this condition caused by excessive mucus in the lungs and airways. Often guaifenesin is used to treat a chesty cough as this will enable you to cough more effectively and thin your mucus.
How you can treat a cough:
Doctors/pharmacists and GPs rarely need to be consulted for cough.
Here are some things you should do to get rid of cough faster:
- Sleep and take rest with elevated head, and
- Make sure you drink enough fluids, including hot fluids.
- Air purifier.
Other options include:
- Treat any pain with paracetamol or ibuprofen during your cough with over the counter cough medicines.
- Lemon and honey hot water, (unsuitable for babies under a year old).
- Herbal medicine called pelargonium (recommended for people older than 12 years of age).
Note: The effects of a hot lemon and honey combination are similar to cough medications, but there is limited evidence to support this.
How to get rid of cough fast naturally:
So, here we have 7 easy and best options to get rid of constant coughing faster.
1: Honey tea:
The easiest and simplest method of eliminating coughs is by drinking honey tea.
Honey may relieve coughs. According to some research cough suppressant, dextromethorphan are compared with dark honey for treating nighttime coughing in children.The researchers reported that honey provided the most significant relief from coughing followed by dextromethorphan and even though honey did not provide significant benefits over dextromethorphan, but parents rated honey the most favourably intervention.
Honey is mostly recommended for adults to be used in honey tea or added in green tea to suppress coughs.
To use honey to treat a cough, mix 2 teaspoons (tsp) with warm water or an herbal tea. Drink this mixture once or twice a day.
2: Hot Ginger water:
Anti-inflammatory properties of ginger may help ease a dry or asthmatic cough as it is not only helpful in relieving nausea and pain, but it can also reduce stress.
Coughing can be reduced by compounds in ginger that act as anti-inflammatory compounds. So far, the researchers have mostly studied the effects of ginger on human cells and animals, so more study is needed.
Stir 20–40 grams (g) of fresh ginger slices into a hot cup of water to prepare a cooling ginger tea and before drinking, allow the tea to steep for a few minutes. Adding honey or lemon juice can enhance the taste while soothing a cough as well.
3: Simple salt water gargles:
Do you have any table salt at home? You can gargle with it after adding a little to warm water. Several small clinical studies have indicated that gargling with water strengthens the immune system, reducing the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (common cold), and even preventing infection. The use of warm salt water to gargle with has also been proven to have benefits for improving cough symptoms and reducing the duration of these symptoms in a pilot study published in Scientific Reports in January 2019.
4: Stay hydrated:
It’s good to drink plenty of fluids, especially when you have a cold as staying hydrated thins mucus, makes coughs symptoms weak and may help fight your infection. Also, Water is best but chicken soup is just as soothing and more nutritious.
5: Lay down with head Elevated:
Postnasal drip can be reduced by sleeping with your head elevated. In addition to alleviating GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), this way of sleeping also relieves coughing. You can elevate your head at night by using an extra pillow.
6: Inhale Steam:
Those who suffer from mucus or phlegm, known as wet coughs may benefit from steam. One way of taking steam is during showers by making sure the bathroom is filled with steam after a hot shower or bath. Spend a few minutes in this steam until your symptoms subside and to prevent dehydration later, remember to drink some water afterward.
You can also use a steam bowl by pouring hot water into a large bowl and adding herbal or essential oils to also relieve congestion, including eucalyptus or rosemary. Take a towel and place it over your head as steam is trapped in this way. 5 minutes of inhalation is recommended and you should discontinue steaming if the skin feels too hot.
7: Clear irritants from your home:
It is possible for some people to be sensitive to perfumes and fragrances in cleaning products and air fresheners. The irritants may cause sinus irritation and induce mucus production, which is a cause of hacking. Whenever possible, try to leave your house as quickly as possible. Avoid pollen, dust, and mold in your house, and don’t smoke.
Using OTC medications is a good idea if the above natural remedies do not relieve your cough.
Medicine for cough and sore throat:
In the event you have tried the above natural cough remedies and are considering your medicine cabinet’s supply of cough and cold products, it is advised to take a moment to read the labels before taking them.
Furthermore, You can ask your pharmacist about:
- Cough syrup
- The use of cough medicines (some cough medicines should not be given to children under 12)
- Sweets for coughing
Also read: Can you still get sick after vaccine:
