Chronic coughs are a bane, put an end to them today with these helpful remedies.
Credit: Foter.com
Coughs are often innocuous enough to ignore. That single hem? Probably just your lungs trying to expel extra mucus. However, when the condition worsens, you might be inflicted with a persistent and uncontrollable cough that is highly disruptive, irritating and even downright painful. That said, here are five fuss-free tips which can stop a chronic cough in its tracks.
1. Consume honey
Coughs can be broadly divided into two types: wet and dry. As their names imply, the former is frequently accompanied by the expulsion of phlegm or mucus, whereas the latter expels nary a drop of respiratory tract fluid no matter how hard you cough.
Thanks to its properties as a natural cough suppressant, honey is regarded to be a potent cure for dry coughs. In fact, medical research suggests that it might be more effective than over-the-counter cough syrups at treating upper respiratory tract infections in children.
2. Increase your H20 intake
Chronic cough sufferers should consume plain water more frequently. As throat irritation is one of the main culprits of dry coughs, drinking more H2O can help relieve any tickling sensation that might result in a hacking fit.
For wet coughs that are caused by colds, warm water can serve as an effective cure as it encourages the discharge of stubborn mucus in the airways. In the same manner, other fluids such as chicken soup can help to manage respiratory tract illnesses by inducing mucus flow and reducing overall airway resistance.
3. Fight coughs with fruits and vegetables
While it is widely-known that smoking is one of the main culprits of a persistent cough, few are aware that unhealthy eating habits can also result in chronic breathing problems. A study conducted in Singapore found that low-fibre, Western-style diets could lead to harmful oxidative stress on the lungs.
Consequently, one possible solution to an ‘incurable’ cough is to simply consume more green vegetables and fibrous fruits. Flavonoid-containing foods, such as apples and pears, can help improve overall lung function and health, while cutting down your chances of catching an unwanted cough.
4. Sleep with an extra pillow
Apart from respiratory tract infections, chronic coughs can also be a symptom of stomach acid reflux, otherwise known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Typically brought about by overeating, this condition can trigger off painful heartburn and coughing fits when excess stomach acid irritates the throat.
To combat this, simply sleep with an extra pillow. Propping your head at a higher angle will prevent the regurgitation of stomach acid and ensure that you get a good night’s rest.
5. Conduct a clean-up
Environmental conditions also have a role to play in causing chronic coughing. Whether it is at the office or at home, irritants and allergens (dust, pollen, etc.) can lead to incessant coughs.
Fortunately, the solution is simple: clean out the sources of these triggers. Throw out that old curtain, or relocate your pot of flowers to an outside corridor; just remember to wear a mask so that you won’t inhale any offending particles.
