It can be really distressing when it persists for days or weeks. Whether it’s a small tickle that seems to hang in there all day or even more so, a pronounced deeper problem with the cough itself, finding remedies is what will get you back to your best. Here are the proven tips and solutions that work for cough relief, from natural remedies to lifestyle changes.
Types of Cough
It is important to note that not all coughs are the same and the treatment will depend of the kind. Commonly recognized two forms of cough are of acute and chronic nature.
- Acute Cough: This one lasts less than three weeks and is mostly caused by a virus that causes the typical flu or a common cold.
- Chronic Cough: Over eight weeks and might be a result of another disease process which may include asthma, GERD or Chronic bronchitis.
Dry Cough vs. Wet Cough
One prominent distinction when making a determination of how to treat a cough is if it is dry or wet:
- Dry Cough: Non-productive coughs are of the type that produces no phlegm or such fluids as mucus and which include dry coughs. ,and is often linked to either smoking or an allergic reaction.
- Wet Cough: Producing mucus, it is indicative of the presence of mucus. Often due to an infection, like a cold or flu.
Knowing the type of cough one has guides proper treatment.
Top Remedies to Stop a Cough
That being said, here are seven natural remedies for each type of cough to help bring on pit-stop on its track. Therefore, whether homemade remedies or those from a pharmacy, they are ever sure to match the general tastes.
Natural Remedies for Cough Relief
If natural cures tickle your fancy, don’t worry there are plenty of tried and true remedies to soothe that throat and relieve that cough.
Honey: The Sweet Cure
As for natural remedies for cough, they don’t get better than honey. In fact, research has shown that honey was as effective as prescription cough medicines, though it can be consumed neat or added to hot lemon drink. Sweet relief.
Ginger: Mother Nature’s Cure-All
Ginger has some anti-inflammatory effects which make the muscles in the throat to relax and prevent coughing. But they decided to make our common ginger remedy to stomach problems our permanent companion in forms of brewed ginger tea or raw ginger directly.
Steam Inhalation: Decongesting Airways
Actually steam inhalation does subdue a congestion and an unwillingly persistent cough. Put water in a bowl containing water and place it on the stove. If you are rinsing in the shower, cover the bowl with a towel hanging it in a way that it covers your head. Take a deep breath and allow the warm moist air to soften the mucus so that it is easier to bring up to aid the choking cough.
Medications Available OTC
The counter medicines then come into play when it can no longer suffice apart from the natural remedies. But here are the two major types of drugs and the difference between them: cough expectorants and cough suppressants are other subcategories in the special category, as the following suggests.
Cough Suppressants vs. Expectorants
- Cough Suppressants: They act by blocking the cough reflex. These drugs are much more effective in dry cough.
- Expectorants: These help to thin out mucus and make it easier to cough up. These are ideally used for wet coughs.
It is a must to choose the right medicine in line with your condition so that you get the proper relief.
Life Style Modification To prevent Coughing
There are also other measures that may positively affect stopping or reducing the frequency of coughing on top of medications and home remedies.
Hydration and Cough Prevention
Drinking liquids is still one of the simplest means by which a cough can be soothed. In fact, water can increase the thinness of the mucus and thus you can easily cough it out; it also cools your throat while at it. It is recommended that you should try and take about eight glasses of water in a single day.
