Having a cough under any circumstances is certainly frustrating.
Why are you coughing in the first place?
On a very basic level, coughing is a way to clear your airway.
Here’s how to stop coughing with natural solutions.
Ways to stop a sudden coughing attack.
A sudden coughing attack can be alarming, and you often need help fast to make it stop.
Experts say these natural solutions can help:
Drink fluids.
Reaching for clear liquids like water or broth is best to help stop a coughing fit.
“They literally flush the upper airwayabove the voice box and vocal cordsof an irritant,” Shapiro says.
“Warm fluids can help soothe the throat and loosen mucus,” she says.
Sip a drink that contains ginger.
Breathe through your nose.
Ways to stop a stubborn daytime cough.
Cough drops “release solidified sweeteners to coat the throat,” Shapiro says.
Sip a thyme-infused drink.
Try a steam treatment.
“This will help loosen any congestion so one can clear it,” she adds.
Sip horehound tea.
Horehoundis an herb in the mint family that’s been successfully used as a cough remedy.
Ways to stop a nighttime cough.
A nighttime cough can keep you awake.
These solutions can help:
Have a teaspoon of honey.
Tweak your diet.
That irritation can then trigger coughing.
Certain food allergies may also trigger this, such as dairy.
Shapiro recommends avoiding those foods and drinks close to bedtime to lessen your symptoms.
Use a neti pot or other nasal irrigation before bed.
“Minimizing nasal and sinus issues, often the source of cough, can very successfully minimize coughing.”
Use a humidifier in your bedroom.
Ahumidifiercan help add that moisture back, she says.
Extra moisture will cause less dryness and irritation “leading to less coughing,” Shapiro says.
