what are some treatment options to treat cough

Healthline.com

Using a clean, cool mist vaporizer to help loosen mucus and soothe the cough. Practicing good handwashing. Encouraging your child to drink plenty of fluids, including water, juices, and soups, and eating fruits to prevent dehydration (lack of fluids). Report any signs of dehydration to your doctor immediately.

Top10homeremedies.com

Swallow some honey. It soothes the scratchiness in the back of your throat. One study found that honey works just as well as over-the-counter drugs for calming nighttime coughs.

Medicalnewstoday.com

Aug 16, 2021 · Home Treatments. 2 / 10. Drink plenty of fluids -- or use a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer -- to soothe an irritated throat and loosen mucus. …

What is the best medicine for a persistent cough?

Apr 11, 2017 · Warm, moist air helps relieve coughs and loosens mucus in your airways. But be sure to clean the humidifier according to the manufacturer's recommendations to avoid the growth of bacteria and fungi in the water container. Consider a face mask outside.

What are home remedies to stop coughing?

Feb 16, 2022 · Home remedies and natural treatments for a dry cough Menthol cough drops. Menthol cough drops are available at most drugstores. These medicated lozenges contain compounds... Humidifier. A humidifier is a machine that adds moisture to the air. Dry air, which is common in heated homes, can... Soup, ...

What are some natural remedies for cough?

Mar 22, 2022 · At-home treatments Oral demulcents: Demulcents soothe the pharynx and relieve irritation. You can try a cough syrup containing sugar and... Cough suppressants: Cough drops and cough syrups can suppress the urge to cough. Increase fluids: Drink more fluids, especially water, to keep the pharynx ...

How do you get rid of bad cough?

How do doctors treat coughs?

Use of chronic cough medications: Various medications can be used to treat chronic cough. Your family doctor might prescribe you medicine such as antibiotics (if bacteria is the cause of your cough), asthma drugs, acid blockers (to treat acid reflux), antihistamines, or corticosteroids (for treating allergies).Feb 2, 2022

How do I stop coughing from coronavirus?

9 home remedies for a COVID-19 coughInhale steam. ... Take over-the-counter (OTC) cough suppressants. ... Get plenty of rest. ... Elevate your head and chest. ... Drink plenty of water. ... Have tea with honey. ... Drink turmeric lattes. ... Suck on lozenges.More items...•Feb 17, 2022

What is the first line treatment for cough?

Honey is often recommended as the first line of treatment for a cough. According to recent guidelines, natural remedies such as honey and over-the-counter remedies are better than antibiotics for treating a cough.Sep 17, 2018

Which medicine is best for severe cough?

Cough SuppressantsMedicationsPercentage of Pharmacists' Votes#1 Delsym Most Pharmacist Votes45%View on Amazon#2 Mucinex DM29%View on Amazon#3 Robitussin23%View on Amazon#4 NyQuil3%View on Amazon1 more row

What is an EUA?

EUA. An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives. Pregnancy Category. A.

Is fetal risk a human risk?

Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on advers e reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits. FDA has not classified the drug.

What are the symptoms of a cough?

See your primary care physician if you experience the following symptoms in addition to your cough: chills.

How to know if you have a cough?

See your primary care physician if you experience the following symptoms in addition to your cough: 1 chills 2 dehydration 3 fever higher than 101˚F (38˚C) 4 malaise, or a general feeling of being unwell 5 productive cough that has foul-smelling, thick, green- or yellow-tinted phlegm 6 weakness

What is the best medicine for a sore throat?

Along with medication treatment, you can ask your doctor about other options to help your cough. Here we’ve listed a few home remedies to consider. 1. Honey. Honey is a time-honored remedy for a sore throat. According to one study. Trusted Source.

How to make thyme tea at home?

You can make thyme tea at home using 2 teaspoons of crushed thyme leaves and 1 cup of boiling water. Cover the cup, steep for 10 minutes, and strain. Find thyme tea. 7. Salt and water gargle. While the remedy may seem relatively simple, a salt and water gargle can help soothe a scratchy throat that causes you to cough.

How to avoid getting sick?

If you know you are sick, avoid going to work or school so you won’t get others sick. Cover your nose and mouth whenever your cough or sneeze. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Clean the common areas of your home, work, or school frequently.

Do probiotics help with coughing?

Probiotics are microorganisms that can provide a host of health benefits. While they don’t relieve a cough directly, they do help to balance your gastrointestinal flora. Gastrointestinal flora are the bacteria that live in your intestines. This balance can support immune system function throughout the body.

Can pineapple help with cough?

You don’t usually think of pineapple as a cough remedy, but that might be because you’ve never heard of bromelain. There’s slight evidence to suggest that bromelain — an enzyme found only in the stem and fruit of pineapples — can help suppress coughs as well as loosen the mucus in your throat.

How to help a child with a cough?

Using a clean, cool mist vaporizer to help loosen mucus and soothe the cough. Practicing good handwashing. Encouraging your child to drink plenty of fluids, including water, juices, and soups, and eating fruits to prevent dehydration (lack of fluids). Report any signs of dehydration to your doctor immediately.

How to treat pertussis?

Treatment. Healthcare providers generally treat pertussis with antibiotics and early treatment is very important. Treatment may make your infection less serious if you start it early, before coughing fits begin. Treatment can also help prevent spreading the disease to close contacts (people who have spent a lot of time around the infected person).

How to diagnose pertussis?

Healthcare providers diagnose pertussis (whooping cough) by considering if you have been exposed to pertussis and by doing a: 1 History of typical signs and symptoms 2 Physical examination 3 Laboratory test which involves taking a sample of mucus (with a swab or syringe filled with saline) from the back of the throat through the nose — see Figure 1 and video demonstrations 4 Blood test

Why do children need IV fluids?

Children might need intravenous (IV, through the vein) fluids if they show signs of dehydration or have difficulty eating. You should take precautions, like practicing good hand hygiene and keeping surfaces clean. Page last reviewed: August 7, 2017.

How long does it take for a virus to go away?

Treatment can also help prevent spreading the disease to close contacts (people who have spent a lot of time around the infected person). Treatment after three weeks of illness is unlikely to help. The bacteria are gone from your body by then, even though you usually will still have symptoms.

What are the signs of dehydration?

These include dry, sticky mouth, sleepiness or tiredness, or thirst. They also include decreased urination or fewer wet diapers, few or no tears when crying, muscle weakness, headache, dizziness or lightheadedness.

How to help a cough?

Ginger can help calm coughs. Make a hot ginger tea to help soothe a chronic cough. Make a hot ginger cinnamon tea by simmering ½ cup thinly sliced fresh ginger, 6 cups water, and 2 cinnamon sticks for 20 minutes. Strain and serve with honey and lemon.

How to get rid of cough and congestion?

Use a saline-based nasal spray to relieve congestion. A saline spray can help loosen the mucus in your nose or throat, which may decrease your cough. You can purchase commercial saline sprays or make your own. To make your own saline solution, combine 2 teaspoons table salt with 4 cups of warm water.

What to do if you don't feel well?

Chamomile tea is a very popular for people who don’t feel well. It can help treat chest colds and help you sleep. You can also purchase chamomile oil at health food shops and pharmacies. Add chamomile oil to a steam inhalation bath to help you relieve a cough.

How to get rid of phlegm in your mouth?

Keep your mouth open and loose, like an “O.”. Contract your upper abdominal muscles to cause a short “mini-cough.”. Inhale a short breath, and repeat with another mini-cough. Take an even shorter breath, and give another mini-cough. Finally, give a large, forcible cough. You should feel phlegm being released.

How to stop coughing from allergies?

Use honey. Honey is a natural cough suppressant and soothes irritated throats and is also known to reduce many of the allergy-related causes for chronic cough. Stir some into some hot tea for comforting cough relief. You can also eat a spoonful of honey before bed to help calm coughs. [21]

How to get rid of mucus from cough?

Brew a thyme tea to help soothe a cough. Steep 3 sprigs of fresh thyme in 8 ounces of water for about 10 minutes.

How to stop coughing when you are around people?

If you have a cough or you are around people who are coughing, wash your hands frequently, don’t share personal items, and keep some distance between you.

How to stop coughing when you have a cold?

It may interrupt your sleep, work, and activities, hurt your chest, and tire you out. It’s best to stop a cough by treating the underlying cause, whether it’s a cold, allergies, acid reflux, or blood pressure drugsor other medications. But you also can try some home remedies to quiet your cough. Drink lots of fluids.

How to get rid of sore throat from a syringe?

To put gravity on your side, use an extra pillow or raise the head of your bed with a stable surface, such as books. Gargle saltwater. Along with soothing a sore throat, gargling can also help loosen thick mucus. It can also help clear away allergens and bacteria.

How to relax your airways?

The spicy root may help relax the smooth muscles in your airways. Steep chopped ginger in boiling waterfor 5-10 minutes and discard before sipping. Clear irritants from your home. Some people are sensitive to perfumes and fragrances in laundry detergents and air fresheners.

Is coughing a reflex?

Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on November 18, 2020 . Coughingis a normal and healthy reflex. It helps your body clear your airways of mucus, smoke, and other irritants. But constant coughingcan take a toll. It may interrupt your sleep, work, and activities, hurt your chest, and tire you out.

What is the best medicine for coughing?

Medicine that says "suppressant" helps stop your urge to cough. Plus, it can help you sleep better. Cough drops -- or even hard candy -- can stop that tickle in the back of your throat. Don’t give the drops to children younger than 4. Swipe to advance.

How to get rid of a cough that is irritated?

Home Treatments. Drink plenty of fluids -- or use a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer -- to soothe an irritated throat and loosen mucus. Prop your head up on extra pillows at night and have a little honey before bed. Studies show the sweet stuff can help ease a cough.

How to tell if you have a cough?

For a long-lasting cough, call your doctor if: 1 You have a deep cough with lots of mucus. 2 The mucus is bloody. 3 You’re wheezing, short of breath, or have a tight chest. 4 You have a fever that doesn’t go away after 3 days. 5 Your child has the chills or nighttime coughing fits. 6 You’re still coughing after 7 days without getting better.

What to do if you have a post nasal drip?

That loosens the gunk to help you get rid of it. If you're having post-nasal drip with lots of juicy mucous, you may do better with a medicine that dries you up like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine). If you have cough with fever or shortness of breath call your doctor.

Can you give cough medicine to kids?

Cough Medicine and Children. 5 / 11. Never give this type of medicine to children under 4 years old, because it can have serious side effects. Ask your doctor before you give any of these products to children ages 4 to 6. They're safe after age 6.

How long does a cough last?

The mucus is bloody. You’re wheezing, short of breath, or have a tight chest. You have a fever that doesn’t go away after 3 days. Your child has the chills or nighttime coughing fits.

Can antibiotics cause coughing?

That’s because most coughs are caused by viral infections like colds or the flu, and will get better in a week. Antibiotics only work on infections caused by bacteria. If your cough isn’t better after a week, see your doctor to make sure the cause isn’t a bacterial illness, like a sinus infection or pneumonia.

How to get rid of coughing and sneezing?

Use a humidifier. Warm, moist air helps relieve coughs and loosens mucus in your airways. But be sure to clean the humidifier according to the manufacturer's recommendations to avoid the growth of bacteria and fungi in the water container. Consider a face mask outside.

What is the best treatment for bronchitis?

If you have chronic bronchitis, you may benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation — a breathing exercise program in which a respiratory therapist teaches you how to breathe more easily and increase your ability to exercise.

What is sputum test?

Sputum can also be tested for signs of allergies. Pulmonary function test. During a pulmonary function test, you blow into a device called a spirometer, which measures how much air your lungs can hold and how quickly you can get air out of your lungs. This test checks for signs of asthma or emphysema.

How to get rid of a swollen lung?

Lifestyle and home remedies. To help you feel better, you may want to try the following self-care measures: Avoid lung irritants. Don't smoke. Wear a mask when the air is polluted or if you're exposed to irritants, such as paint or household cleaners with strong fumes. Use a humidifier.

Can antibiotics help with bronchitis?

Because most cases of bronchitis are caused by viral infections, antibiotics aren't effective. However, if your doctor suspects that you have a bacterial infection, he or she may prescribe an antibiotic. In some circumstances, your doctor may recommend other medications, including: Cough medicine.

What is the best cough suppressant?

This is helpful for dry coughs that are painful or keeping you up at night. Expectorants are better for wet coughs. They work by thinning the mucus in your airway so you can more easily cough it up.

How long does a dry cough last?

Otherwise, make an appointment with your doctor if your cough lasts longer than 2 months or seems to worsen over time.

Why is my cough wet?

Other times, it means runny noses and cabin fever. During cold and flu season, coughs tend to be wet ( productive) because your lungs are filled with mucus. Wet cough often transitions into dry cough that produces no mucus.

Why does my throat drip?

Postnasal drip is a symptom of the common cold and seasonal allergies. Mucus drips down the back of the throat, activating the cough reflex. Allergies and irritants in the air can trigger the cough reflex, prolong healing time, or cause an overproduction of mucus. Common irritants include smoke, pollen, and pet hair.

What is the best medicine for sinus congestion?

Decongestants. Decongestants are over-the-counter (OTC) medications that treat congestion in the nose and sinuses. When you contract a virus, such as the common cold, the lining of your nose swells up and blocks the passage of air. Decongestants work by constricting blood vessels in the nose, which reduces blood flow to the swollen tissue.

How do decongestants work?

Decongestants work by constricting blood vessels in the nose, which reduces blood flow to the swollen tissue. As the swelling subsides, it becomes easier to breathe. Decongestants may also help reduce postnasal drip. It’s recommended that children under age 12 don’t take decongestants.

Can you give a child a decongestant?

Decongestants are never given to children under 2 because of serious complications such as seizures and rapid heart rate. If you’re looking for a cold medicine for your child, never give them one meant for adults.

How long does a dry cough last?

A cough that sounds unproductive. Causes poor sleep. An absence of wheezing or congestion. Dry cough symptoms may last a week or two and should clear up within three weeks, at the most. After a viral illness, some coughs can last up to eight weeks.

What does it mean when you have a dry cough?

You excuse yourself and take a sip of water, but your strange cough persists. You're embarrassed and irritated. A dry cough, often a symptom of a common illness or condition, can signal serious health problems .

Why does my throat get dry?

Other common causes for a dry throat cough include asthma, smoking, or viral throat infection. Viral pneumonia and COPD are less common causes of dry cough. Read below for more information on causes and how to treat dry cough.

What is the inflammatory reaction to an infection in the airways?

Bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is an inflammatory reaction to an infection in the airways. Most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by a viral infection, although some cases may be due to a bacterial infection. Symptoms include an acute-onset cough with or without sputum production, low-grade fever, shortness of breat..

How long does a post-infectious cough last?

Instead, it lingers for three weeks or more and becomes chronic.

What is the infection of the lungs caused by?

Bacterial pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by one of several different bacteria, often Streptococcus pneumoniae. Pneumonia is often contracted in hospitals or nursing homes. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, chills, painful and difficult breathing, and cough that brings up mucus.

How to stop coughing when you have a tickle?

Cough suppressants: Cough drops and cough syrups can suppress the urge to cough. Increase fluids: Drink more fluids, especially water, to keep the pharynx coated and reduce any tickle. Salt water: If your dry cough is caused by an irritated throat, gargling with salt water can help.