You should also be drinking lots of fluids during the day. If you get tired of water, you can drink fruit juices or herbal teas.
Consider taking time off work if you can. Giving your body a chance to relax can help you heal faster.
For a similar effect, you can take a hot, steamy shower before bed to help thin out mucus and breathe in moisture. [6] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Gargling before bed can reduce swelling in your throat so you’re less likely to cough. [9] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source And the salt can give you minerals (like zinc, selenium, and magnesium) that help your immune system. [10] X Research source
Look for cough drops or lozenges that contain menthol eucalyptus. This can numb your throat and stop the cough. [14] X Research source
Antihistamines are primarily used to treat symptoms of allergies. [16] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If you suspect a different condition is causing your cough, make sure you have the correct diagnosis and are being treated. If the cough doesn’t go away after treatment, you might need to get a second opinion about the specific cause of your cough, as it may be caused by GERD (acid reflux), allergies, and even some heart conditions. [18] X Research source
Coughing up thick and/or greenish-yellow phlegm Wheezing or a whistling sound at the beginning or end of the breath Any odd sounding coughs or difficulty catching your breath (especially at the end of a cough) Fits of uncontrolled, violent coughing with difficulty breathing Fever of over 100 degrees F (38 degrees C) Shortness of breath
Studies have shown that honey is more effective at treating coughs than some commercial cough suppressants and it has antibacterial and antiviral properties. [21] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source [22] X Research source Do not give honey to any child under 12 months of age because honey is associated with a risk of infant botulism. [23] X Research source
You can also drink peppermint tea. Peppermint contains menthol which thins mucus and acts as an expectorant. [25] X Research source Peppermint is considered safe for children and adults,[26] X Research source but avoid using it if you’re nursing since it can reduce your supply of milk. [27] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source You should also avoid peppermint if you have stomach issues, as it can make symptoms worse.
Marshmallow root is an herb that can relieve throat irritation and reduce inflammation. Always test for an allergic reaction by trying a small amount of tea or steam and waiting 30 minutes. If you don’t notice additional irritation, you can use the herb.
You’re taking hormone medications You take blood thinners Note that you should never take thyme oil by mouth since it’s toxic.
You can also drink a purchased ginger tea or make your own by boiling fresh ginger in water for several minutes.
Drink a glass of turmeric milk during the day if your cough is bothering you. You should also be sure to drink a glass before bed since this can soothe your throat before sleeping.
