Ways to Stop a Cough

[gelvasio]

To stop a cough is not difficult; it just takes time and creativity. Coughing is a reflex of one's body that works to protect your lungs. Actually coughing is very important because it helps to clear your lungs of irritants such as mucus and smoke. Coughing works well to prevent infections that could enter the body. Coughing can also, in some cases, be a symptom of a medical concern.

When you begin to cough, of course you want to stop a cough. Your body works well to relieve itself from any illness that attacks it. Coughing can be painful; not only for your throat but also for your back. Basically, coughing comes from allergies, asthma, viral infections, smoking cigarettes and being exposed to chemicals and dust. It is your body’s way of flushing out unwanted mucus. However, if you’re sick, you are also spreading germs to those around you. If a cough persists for days on end, it can cause certain side effects such as exhaustion, feeling light-headed, chest pains and in some cases, a loss of bladder control. In addition, coughing can also interfere with one’s sleep, home and work activities. Coughing can also be chronic, acute or sub acute. This depends on how long the cough lasts and how severe it becomes.

There are various reasons and causes why a person coughs such as cigarette smoking. Asthma is another cause of coughing. Asthma is a disease of a person’s airways and often causes wheezing and difficulties in breathing. For some, asthma can become worse by being exposed to smoke, perfumes, pollen or air pollutants. Still another cause of coughing is GERD—Gastroesophageal reflux disease. This is when a person suffers from acid reflux. For some acid reflux can become bad as to damage one’s lung tissue.

In addition, pneumonia or bronchitis can also cause a chronic cough. These two health conditions are sometimes brought on by a fungus, bacteria or a virus. Sinus problems can also cause coughing. Those who have sinuses often say that they have to clear their throats a lot and sometimes feel a tickle in their throat. Also, Whooping cough—which is very contagious respiratory infection—can also cause coughing. This health condition usually affects young children and infants but can be prevented with a pertussis vaccine.

Most importantly, medications such as Vasotec and Capoten—which are used in treating blood pressure--can also cause a chronic cough. Other, less known causes of a chronic cough are: tumors, allergies, congestive heart failure or emphysema can also cause coughing. If a chronic cough persists, it is extremely important for the affected individual to be evaluated by a doctor. The doctor will consider the possibility of asthma, postnasal drip, esophageal reflux, drug side effect, interstitial lung disease, or other unusual infections.

It is important to note that chronic coughing can be prevented by not smoking, staying away from those who are ill with pneumonia or bronchitis, talking with your doctor about coughing that persists and by eating fruit. Some research has shown that diets that are high in fruit fiber may, in some cases, prevent a chronic cough.

There are several effective home remedies for coughing such as hot tea, lemon and honey. Many have found relief from this simple and easy home remedy. Taking a shower or warm bath also works well with coughing. It is the steam from the bath or shower that smoothes the passages of your throat and it is also a very relaxing thing to do. Some have also found relief from apple cider vinegar. By mixing a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with some water, you will find relief and if there is any inflammation in your throat, it will help lessen the inflammation.
One of the easiest ways to stop some coughs is by drinking plenty of water because water keeps the throat moist and clear. Hot milk and honey is still another remedy for coughing. Put together a warm glass of milk and then stir in some honey. Besides helping your cough, the warm milk will help you sleep. In addition, some have found relief from a cool washcloth. By putting cool water on a washcloth, then wringing it out, placing a hand towel or cloth on top of the wash cloth and then putting it over your throat, you will be able to stop a cough.

Stop a cough - Note that chronic coughing can be prevented - Coughing is usually an indicator letting you know that something is going on with regard to the respiratory system. - Coughing Relieve

[matoozie]

I like original Ricola drops.

Here are some other things I like:

Mullein: Soothes the lungs. Takes away the feeling of lungs "being in distress".
Vitamin A: Important for lung function. Upper limit for pregnant women is 10,000 IU.
Hot and Sour Soup: The peppers clear the respiratory system and the warmth aids it.
Lactoferrin: Boosts the immune system. Worked for me when nothing else would.
Cayenne Pepper: Not for the faint of heart. 1/4 tsp. in however much water you like. 3 x a day. I knew a lady who did this and it helped her to heal from pneumonia when the drugs didn't help.
Fennel: Old European remedy. And tastes like licorice!

Enjoy!

[SassySusan]

Hot shower air is great for us! Honey is good as well as Delsym. Tis the season eh?!