How to Stop a Hacking Cough
- 1). Quit smoking. If you smoke cigarettes, quit, and that hacking cough will probably go away. Smoking not only irritates the airways but also damages the cells that line the airways. Find a quit-smoking program and join the millions of people who have kicked the habit.
- 2). Get a handle on your allergies. Go to an allergist and get tested for allergies that you may have. You may have food allergies, but a hacking cough could indicate you're allergic to something in the air. Talk to your doctor about airborne dust, dander, pollens, smoke and other irritants. Antihistamines may help, but getting to the root of the problem and taking allergy shots may be in order for your chronic condition.
- 3). Get checked for gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD, also called acid reflux. This is when stomach or esophageal contents flow backward from the esophagus into the trachea and airways. It can cause irritation and a hacking cough. Medications from antacids and proton pump inhibitors to prokinetics are available for treatment.
- 4). Go for a checkup. Maybe you have a new heart or lung condition that requires attention. Some people have conditions that gradually worsen over time, and they get used to the symptoms. You may have a hacking cough that you are so used to that you barely notice it. Someone else probably noticed it. Get it checked out.
- 5). Try steam inhalation. Moisture from steam can help stop a hacking cough by loosening secretions and reducing irritation of the airways. Pour steaming water into a large bowl. Sit with your head over the bowl and breathe in the steam. Cough, and expel any mucus. Repeat twice daily.
- 6). Try antitussive drug therapy. These are prescription or over-the-counter medications that can suppress a hacking cough. Guaifenesin works well. Read cough syrup labels to avoid sugar if you are diabetic.
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