Coughing can be associated with many types of illness. For most people, coughing is a symptom of the common cold or of sinus and allergy complains, but a persistent cough could be something as serious as pneumonia or bronchitis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Home remedies often provide relief for symptoms. But if symptoms persist for more than 10 days, see your doctor.
Fluids
Drinking eight glasses of water per day goes a long way to help control and stop a cough. Proper hydration ensures that the mucous membranes that line your respiratory system are moist. It also helps keep mucous thin and watery rather than thick, according to "The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies." When your throat is moist and not clogged with thick mucus, you're less likely to cough.
Steam
Steam also aids in keeping membranes moist. If the air in your house is too dry, it might be the cause of your coughing. Humidifiers increase moisture in the air, as do hot showers, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you don't have a humidifier, you can boil a pot of water on the stove to add moisture to the air.
Honey
Honey coats a dry and irritated throat. In fact, honey is so affective in easing cough symptoms, it may work better than over-the-counter remedies, according to Katherine Stoel Gammon in her article "Honey Treats Coughs Better than Drugs," published by ABC News. Honey also contains antioxidants that may boost immune function, leading to diminished cough symptoms.
Lozenges and Candy
Lozenges lubricate your throat and coat dry, itchy or irritated tissues, according to Medline Plus. Try cough drops, throat lozenges or hard candy for persistent, dry coughs. Some crops also contain medications such as decongestants, which can break up mucus that causes wet, phlegm-filled coughs.
