A cough may be caused by a variety of ailments, including the flu, the common cold, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis and lung cancer. Consult a doctor to determine whether your cough is the cause of a serious illness. If it's OK with your doctor, use home remedies to help lessen the severity of your cough to help you get through the day.
Lozenge
Sucking on a throat lozenge or cough drop may help lubricate the throat, soothing irritation. Even a piece of hard candy may help reduce the symptoms of a cough, according to the Mayo Clinic. Additionally, cough drops will help loosen and thin mucus that causes coughing, says Alexander C. Chester, M.D., clinical professor of medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center. Suck on a cough drop every few hours as needed throughout the day.
Honey
Honey may be as effective at relieving a cough as the over-the-counter cough suppressant dextromethorphan, reports the Mayo Clinic. Take 2 tsp. of honey before bed to help reduce nighttime coughing. During the day, boil a mug of water and add 1 tsp. of lemon juice and 1 tsp. of honey. Stir and sip slowly, inhaling the steam to help loosen congestion in the chest. Adding a spoonful of honey to a cup of hot herbal tea will also help soothe a cough.
Increase Humidity
Increasing humidity in your living and work environments can help moisten the vocal cords and thin out mucus. Run a humidifier at night to reduce nighttime coughing. A humidifier sends water vapor into the air, which is absorbed into the body, making breathing easier. Turn the heat down in your home or office to help retain some of the moisture in the air. If you don't have a humidifier, fill the bathtub with warm water, shut the door and inhale the steam for several minutes each day.
