Introduction
A cough is a reflex elicited by the body to expel irritants or mucus. A productive cough clears the bronchial tubes or air passages. It disturbs sleep and daily physical activities. The cells present in the airway trigger the immune system to produce a cough. If the inflammation is reduced, there will be relief from the symptoms of cough.
What Are the Home Remedies to Get Rid of a Cough in Five Minutes?
-
Honey - Honey is a natural ingredient that is used to treat cough. It can be mixed with lukewarm water or tea. Drink this mixture twice a day. Two teaspoons of honey are used to treat dry cough. It is the best remedy for cough in adults and children above one year.
-
Ginger - Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to treat dry cough or cough due to asthma. The inflammatory ingredients reduce the irritation in the air passages and relax the breathing muscles. Add two to three small pieces of ginger to herbal tea or hot water. Boil it for a few minutes and allow it to be steep. Add a few drops of lemon to the mixture. This helps to soothe the throat and relieves the cough.
-
Marshmallow Root - Marshmallow is rich in mucilage content. Due to its thick and viscous consistency, it coats the throat and relieves the sore throat. It is available as a dried herb. Add the dried herb to hot water and allow it to cool. The mucilage is produced in the water from the dried herb. Drink excess plain water after drinking marshmallow herb.
-
Pineapple - Pineapple has anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties due to the presence of an enzyme called bromelain. Pineapple juice helps to reduce mucus and relieve cough. It is useful to expel mucus during a productive cough. Avoid chilled pineapple juice as it may trigger a cold and cough.
-
Thyme - Thyme has medicinal properties and is used to treat inflammation of the air passages, sore throat, and cough. It is rich in antioxidants. Add two teaspoons of dried thyme to water, heat, and steep the mixture for eight to ten minutes. Strain it before drinking.
-
Elm - Elm contains high mucilage content. It is available in dried form. Add one teaspoon of elm to water and heat it. It is available in powder or capsule form. Consult a physician before taking elm tea as it interferes with drug absorption.
What Are the Instructions to Follow to Relieve the Symptoms of Cough?
-
Stay Hydrated - It is important to stay hydrated during flu or dry cough. Drink plenty of water to prevent dryness in the throat because dryness produces irritation and induces a cough reflex. Drink lukewarm water to soothe the sore throat.
-
Take Steam - Steam inhalation can reduce the thickness of the mucus and helps to expel it. Take steam inhalation for five to seven minutes to get relief from the cough. Add herbs like eucalyptus or rosemary oil to the hot water. It helps to relieve nasal congestion.
-
Take Hot Shower - A hot shower or wiping the face with a towel dipped in hot water helps to relieve congestion. The phlegm is usually discarded after a hot bath. It gives relief from coughing, and the individual feels fresh after a hot shower.
-
Gargle - Saltwater can be used to treat sore throat. It is a natural ingredient that is used against respiratory infections. Add one teaspoon of rock salt to lukewarm water and gargle it for 30 seconds. It reduces the mucus in the airways. Repeat the same procedure many times a day.
-
Change the Food Habits - Acid reflux may cause cough in some individuals. The foods that trigger acid reflux are citrus fruits and spicy and fried foods. The drinks such as caffeine and alcohol also enhance acid reflux. So avoid eating foods that trigger acid reflux until recovery from a cough or respiratory illness.
What Are the Medications to Treat Coughs?
-
Dextromethorphan - Dextromethorphan can be used to suppress the symptoms of cough. It reduces mucus production in the lungs. It can also be used to treat the flu and the common cold. Do not take any drug without the advice of a medical professional.
-
N-Acetylcysteine - It can be used as a daily supplement. It lessens the severity of wet cough and reduces the frequency of mucus production. The patient with bronchitis or inflammation in the bronchi can intake N-acetylcysteine. It decreases the inflammatory response. It reduces mucus buildup and prevents airway obstruction.
-
Probiotics - Probiotics cannot be used for the treatment of cough. But it can be used to boost the immune system. It helps the body fight against infections and allergies. A bacteria named Lactobacillus is used to prevent common colds. They are available in supplements. Foods like yogurt and kimchi are rich in probiotics.
What Are the Necessary Precautionary Measures to Prevent Coughing?
-
Try to stay away from sick people to prevent illnesses like the flu and cough.
-
The individual must wash their hands regularly to avoid allergies. Alcohol-based sanitizers are proven to be effective against microbial infections. So use it during travel and work.
-
Do deep breathing exercises to relax the breathing muscles. Stress can affect the immune system of the body. Meditation helps to relieve stress and boosts the immune mechanism. Have regular sleep of six to eight hours to keep the body healthy.
-
Take supplements that are rich in zinc and vitamin C. It alleviates the immune system and reduces respiratory illnesses such as colds, wet coughs, and flu.
Conclusion
Do not ignore the long-lasting cough. Consult a physician if the cough is present for more than three to four weeks. Chronic cough may be due to underlying systemic diseases. So it is better to treat systemic diseases to get rid of cough. Stay away from allergens, dust, and pollen to avoid cough symptoms. Get regular flu shots to prevent respiratory illness.
