Discover effective cough treatments for relief. Soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and ease breathing. Natural remedies, OTC meds, and medical interventions can all help. Exploring the possibilities can lead you to the right cough treatment for you.
What Causes a Cough?
A cough is a natural reflex that helps to protect the lungs and airways from irritants.1 It is triggered by the irritation of the receptors in the respiratory tract, which sends a signal to the brain. The brain then sends a signal back to the muscles in the chest and abdomen, causing them to contract and expel air from the lungs.
There are many different things that can cause a cough, including:
- Infections: The most common cause of a cough is an infection, such as the common cold or flu. These infections can cause inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract, leading to a cough.
- Allergies: Allergies can also cause a cough, especially during allergy season. When an allergen is inhaled, it can trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals that can cause inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract.
- Asthma: Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This can lead to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
- Smoking: Smoking can damage the cilia, which are tiny hairs that help to protect the lungs from irritants. This damage can make the lungs more susceptible to infection and irritation, leading to a cough.
- Other medical conditions: Some other medical conditions, such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can also cause a cough.
How to Treat a Cough
The best way to treat a cough depends on the underlying cause. In most cases, a cough will go away on its own within a few weeks. However, there are some things that can be done to help relieve the symptoms of a cough, including:
- Rest: Getting plenty of rest can help the body to heal and fight off infection.
- Fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids can help to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up.
- Honey: Honey has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help to fight off infection and soothe a sore throat.
- Over-the-counter medications: There are a number of over-the-counter medications that can help to relieve the symptoms of a cough, such as cough suppressants, expectorants, and antihistamines.
- Prescription medications: In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a prescription medication to treat a cough, such as an antibiotic or an inhaled corticosteroid.
Natural Cough Remedies
There are a number of natural cough remedies that can help to relieve the symptoms of a cough, including:
- Honey: Honey has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help to fight off infection and soothe a sore throat.2
- Lemon: Lemon juice can help to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up.
- Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.
- Garlic: Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help to fight off infection.
- Peppermint: Peppermint has a cooling effect that can help to soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing.
Learn More About Cough Treatments
If you have a cough that lasts for more than 2 weeks or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, it is important to see a doctor. A doctor can help to determine the cause of your cough and recommend the best treatment. Research can help you prepare to meet with your doctor.