How to Help Stop Coughing
A nagging cough can result from a cold, the flu, allergies or other types of infections. There are several techniques to help remedy a cough. If left unchecked, coughing can trigger chest or back pains. Stopping a cough may call for medications, or you can treat a cough with natural remedies. Oftentimes, getting rid of a recurrent cough calls for identifying the underlying cause.
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Instructions
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Grab a piece of candy to ease a cough. Sucking on candy or lozenges increases the production of saliva and the extra moisture helps soothe a dry throat and stops coughing.
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Use honey to stop a nighttime cough. According to the Mayo Clinic, honey is an effective cough remedy for children. Give your child (ages two and older) up to 2 tsp. before bed to help stop nighttime coughing
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Relieve a cough with a humidifier. Dry air can trigger coughing. Add moisture to the air with a humidifier, or sit in a steamy bathroom (turn on the shower) to help calm a cough.
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Drink fluids to soothe your throat and stop a cough. Mucus stuck in your throat can also trigger persistent coughing when dealing with colds, allergies or sinus problems. Drink plenty of fluids such as water, teas or juices to clear mucus in your throat and stop coughing. Add 1/2 tsp. of salt to warm water and drink the mixture to help soothe a scratchy throat, says MotherNature.com.
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Avoid allergens and irritants. Exposure to cigarette smoke, outdoor allergens like pollen, and household chemicals can induce coughing. Stay away from possible triggers to calm and prevent a cough. If necessary, take an over the counter antihistamine to stop allergic reactions.
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Control acid reflux. Chronic coughing is also a sign of acid reflux, which is the back flow of stomach acid into the throat. Reduce the overproduction of stomach acid by avoiding trigger foods such as alcohol, tomato foods, fatty foods and spicy foods. Take an over the counter acid reducer to control reflux or talk to a doctor about prescription medications.
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Tips & Warnings
Coughing can signal other medical conditions, such as lung cancer, bronchitis and pneumonia. See a doctor if coughing worsens or doesn't improve within two weeks.
References
- Photo Credit cough syrup image by Cindy Haggerty from Fotolia.com
