If you are suffering from a cough, it may be the cause of another illness, like the common cold, flu, allergies, bronchitis, sinusitis, croup or postnasal drip. In some cases, a cough may be the sign of a more serious illness, like lung cancer or emphysema. See a doctor to get your cough diagnosed, and if it is OK with your doctor, you can use home remedies to help reduce the severity of your cough.
Honey
James M. Steckelberg, M.D., an internist at the Mayo Clinic, suggests that honey may be an effective remedy to help reduce the severity of a cough. Take 2 tsp. of honey before bed and as needed throughout the day to soothe a cough and coat the throat. The Mayo Clinic also recommends drinking a mixture of lemon and honey to help soothe an irritated throat and help reduce symptoms of coughing. Mix hot water, 1 tsp. of honey and 1 tsp. of lemon in a mug, then sip the liquid slowly while inhaling the steam from the mug.
Humidity
Add humidity to the room to help loosen the chest and soothe a cough. Run a humidifier overnight to spread water vapor throughout the air. Breathing in water vapor will help loosen the chest and reduce symptoms of coughing. A humidifier can spread bacteria into the air if it is not cleaned properly. Clean the humidifier at least three times a week to keep bacteria and mold from growing. If you don't have a humidifier, run hot water in the bathtub, then shut the door and inhale the steam, suggests "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies."
Cough Medicines
Some over-the-counter cough medicines are effective in preventing a cough, like medicines that contain dextromethorphan as an active ingredient. Over-the-counter cough medicines that contain dextromethorphan are available at drugstores and grocery stores, and may be effective in temporarily reducing a cough. Over-the-counter cough medicines do not help cure or reduce the duration of a cough.
Cough Drops
The Mayo Clinic recommends cough drops to help temporarily reduce coughing. Cough drops increase the production of saliva, which may reduce throat irritation and cut congestion from the back of the throat. Cough drops may also help loosen the chest and help prevent the urge to cough.
