How to Subdue Coughing
- 1). See your doctor to determine if your cough is the result of another condition. Certain conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and post-nasal drip, among others, are common causes of coughing. Successfully treating these conditions usually eliminates the cough. Your doctor might prescribe certain medications or suggest certain self-care measures or lifestyle modifications to address these underlying problems. Take all medications as directed and adhere to any other instructions.
- 2). Do not smoke cigarettes and avoid all secondhand smoke.
- 3). Use over-the-counter cough suppressants like chest rubs with camphor or menthol, cough syrups with the ingredient dextromethorphan, cough drops and honey in tea or hot water.
- 4). Use steam to ease inflammation of the bronchial tubes; this can ease coughing. You can use a humidifier or inhale steam from a bowl of hot water. For the latter, drape a towel over your head and the bowl and inhale the steam for as long as is comfortable. Adding a few drops of the essential oil eucalyptus can enhance the benefits of the steam.
- 5). Liquefy bronchial secretions if your cough is accompanied by mucus. This will help expel the mucus and other irritants from your body, which will ease coughing. Drink lots of water and eat hot foods like wasabi, horseradish or hot mustard; you can eat as much as you can tolerate. Avoid milk products; they thicken mucus.
Source...