We all know how uncomfortable and frustrating it can be to have a cough that just won’t go away. Whether it’s a dry cough, a cough with phlegm, or a persistent cough, it can disrupt your sleep, work, and quality of life. In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of coughs, how to treat them, and some home remedies that can assist cough.
Causes of Coughs
Coughing is a natural reflex of the body that helps clear the airways of irritants such as smoke, dust, and mucus. However, a cough can also be a symptom of an underlying respiratory condition such as:
- Asthma: a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD: a group of lung diseases that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, causing difficulty breathing and coughing.
- Respiratory infections: such as the common cold, flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia, which can cause coughing, sneezing, and sore throat.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD: a digestive disorder that causes stomach acid to reflux into the throat, irritating the lining and triggering coughing.
- Allergies: such as hay fever or allergic asthma, causing inflammation of the airways and coughing.
To determine the underlying cause of your cough, your doctor may perform some tests such as chest X-rays, lung function tests, or allergy tests.
Treatments for Coughs
Once the underlying cause of your cough is determined, your doctor can recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on the cause, some common treatments for coughs include:
- Medications: such as bronchodilators to open up the airways, steroids to reduce inflammation, cough suppressants to ease coughing, and antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
- Lifestyle changes: such as quitting smoking, avoiding triggers such as allergens and irritants, and eating a healthy diet.
- Home remedies: such as drinking plenty of fluids, using a humidifier or steam inhalation to moisten the airways, and taking over-the-counter cough remedies that contain natural ingredients like honey or ivy leaf.
Assist Cough with Home Remedies
While medications and lifestyle changes can be effective for treating coughs, home remedies can also provide relief and assist cough. Here are some simple yet effective remedies you can try at home:
- Honey and Lemon: Honey is a natural cough suppressant while lemon juice helps break up mucus and soothes the throat. Mix one tablespoon of honey and two tablespoons of lemon juice in a glass of warm water, and drink it twice a day.
- Salt Water Gargle: Gargling with salt water can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, and gargle for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat several times a day.
- Ginger Tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that can help relieve coughs and boost immunity. Grate one inch of fresh ginger root, steep it in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes, then strain and drink it three times a day.
- Eucalyptus Oil Inhalation: Eucalyptus oil has a cooling and decongestant effect that can help open up the airways and assist cough. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes.
Coughing can be a bothersome symptom that can affect your daily life. By identifying the underlying cause of your cough and treating it appropriately, and by using some at-home remedies, you can assist your cough and help relieve the discomfort. Remember to consult with your doctor if your cough persists or worsens.
