How to get rid of cough? One of the most annoying symptoms of seasonal flu is a cough. You can get rid of cough early with the right intervention at the right time.
Types Of Cough
There are several different types of coughs, each with its own characteristics and potential causes. Some of the most common types of coughs include:
- Acute cough: An acute cough is a short-term cough that lasts less than three weeks. It is most often caused by a cold, flu, or other respiratory infection.
- Subacute cough: A subacute cough is a cough that lasts between three and eight weeks. It is often caused by conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
- Chronic cough: A chronic cough is a cough that lasts for more than eight weeks. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Dry cough: A dry cough is a cough that produces little or no mucus. It can be caused by a viral infection, such as a cold or flu, or by certain medications.
- Wet or productive cough: A wet or productive cough is a cough that produces mucus or phlegm. It can be caused by a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, or by conditions such as bronchitis or sinusitis.
- Barking Cough: A harsh, croupy sound heard primarily in children and is usually caused by a viral laryngotracheitis.
- Whooping Cough: Also called pertussis, it’s characterized by a series of rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound as the person struggles to inhale. It’s a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
- Night time cough: This type of cough is most prevalent during the night, it can be caused by asthma, GERD, sinusitis and other conditions that cause post nasal drip.
How To Cure Cough?
Coughing is a natural reflex that helps clear the airways of mucus and irritants. However, when it becomes persistent or severe, it can be quite bothersome. The treatment for a cough depends on the underlying cause, but there are some general remedies that may provide relief.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medication
OTC cough suppressants, such as dextromethorphan, can help suppress the cough reflex. Expectorants, such as guaifenesin, can help to thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up.
Steam inhalation
Breathing in moist air can help to soothe irritated airways and loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up. This can be done by taking a warm shower or bath, or by using a humidifier.
Hydration
Drinking plenty of fluids can help to keep the mucus in your airways thin and easy to cough up. It’s recommend to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day, and more if you have a fever or are sweating excessively.
Saltwater gargle
Mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water and gargling it can help to soothe a sore throat and relieve some of the discomfort caused by coughing.
Rest
A cough can be exhausting, so it’s important to get enough rest to help your body recover.
Honey
Taking a spoonful of honey can help to soothe the throat and suppress a cough. It is also an old remedy and some studies have showed that it could be useful
How to get rid of cough? Please note that if you are experiencing other symptoms or have a chronic condition, it is a good idea to consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine the underlying cause of your cough and recommend appropriate treatment. And also some OTC medications may not be recommended for some people like children, pregnant women, or people taking certain medications.
In addition if the cough persists more than a week or accompanied with high fever, chest pain or difficulty breathing you should consult a healthcare professional as it could indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Home Remedies For Cough
Homemade Cough Syrup Recipes
There are several homemade remedies for a cough that you can make at home using natural ingredients. How to get rid of cough? Here are a few examples:
1) Honey and lemon
Mix together 2 tablespoons of honey and the juice of 1/2 a lemon. Take 1 tablespoon of the mixture every 4 hours.
2) Garlic and honey
Crush 2-3 cloves of garlic and mix them with 2 tablespoons of honey. Take 1 teaspoon of the mixture every 4 hours.
3) Ginger and honey
Grate a 2-inch piece of ginger and mix it with 2 tablespoons of honey. Take 1 teaspoon of the mixture every 4 hours.
4) Onion and honey
Blend 1/2 a medium-sized onion and mix it with 2 tablespoons of honey. Take 1 teaspoon of the mixture every 4 hours.
5) Turmeric and honey
Mix together 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 2 tablespoons of honey. Take 1 teaspoon of the mixture every 4 hours.
6) Thyme and honey
Boil 1 cup of water and add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves, let it steep for 10-15 minutes then add honey to taste. Drink up to 3 cups a day
You can also make a cough syrup by mixing together equal parts of honey, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Take 1 tablespoon of the mixture every 4 hours.
It’s important to note that these remedies may not be suitable for everyone, particularly children and pregnant women. Also, if the cough persists more than a week or accompanied with high fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional as it could indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Also, If you have any kind of allergies or food restrictions, please make sure that any of the ingredients don’t affect you before taking.
Vicks For Cough
How to get rid of cough this is the most common answer to the question. Vicks Va po Rub is a popular over-the-counter (OTC) medicated ointment that is often used to relieve symptoms of coughing and congestion. The active ingredients in Vicks Vapo Rub are camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, which have been usefor centuries in traditional medicine to help relieve respiratory symptoms.
The typical way to use Vicks Vapo Rub for a cough is to apply a small amount of the ointment to the chest, throat, and back, then cover the area with a warm, dry cloth. The warmth and the menthol in the Vicks Vapo Rub can help to soothe the throat and suppress coughing. Additionally, inhaling the vapors from the ointment can help to open up the airways and relieve congestion.
Some people also apply small amount of the ointment under the nose, but it’s important to be careful not to get it in your eyes. It is also not recommend to use it in children under 2 years old and always consult with pediatrician before using on children.
It’s important to note that while Vicks Vapo Rub may provide symptomatic relief, it does not actually cure the underlying cause of a cough. It is always important to consult with a healthcare professional if your cough persists for more than a week or is accompanied by other symptoms such as high fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, as these could indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Natural Cough Remedies
How to get rid of cough? Here are some additional cough remedies that may provide relief:
1) Elevate your head while sleeping
Try using extra pillows to elevate your head while sleeping. This can help to reduce the amount of mucus that drains into your throat, which can cause coughing.
2) Stay away from triggers
If you know what triggers your cough, try to avoid those triggers as much as possible. This can include things like cigarette smoke, strong odors, and cold air.
3) Try over-the-counter decongestants
Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, can help to reduce nasal congestion and relieve coughing.
4) Try over-the-counter antihistamines
Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, can help to reduce the symptoms of allergies and relieve coughing.
5) Try cough drops or lozenges
Cough drops or lozenges can help to soothe a sore throat and suppress coughing.
6) Use a humidifier
Keeping the air in your home moist can help to soothe irritated airways and relieve coughing.
7) Hot liquids
Drinking hot liquids, such as tea, soup, or hot water with honey, can help to soothe a sore throat and relieve coughing.
8) Take a warm bath or shower
The steam from a warm bath or shower can help to open up the airways and relieve coughing.
It’s important to note that while these remedies may provide symptomatic relief, they do not actually cure the underlying cause of a cough. If your cough persists for more than a week or is accompanied by other symptoms such as high fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional as these could indicate a more serious underlying condition.