A sore throat with a cough may indicate a common cold, which does not require a doctor's treatment. Other causes of a sore throat and cough may include asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and lung cancer, which are serious conditions that require a doctor's care. Once you have determined the cause of your illness, use home remedies to lessen the severity of your symptoms if your doctor approves.
Clear Fluids
Drink clear fluids and broths throughout the day to help hydrate the body and flush out toxins in the system, recommends Keith W. Sehnert, M.D., a physician with Trinity Health Care in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Hydrate your body with water, juice, chicken broth and other clear liquids to help loosen mucus in the back of the throat and the chest. The Mayo Clinic recommends eating chicken soup to prevent dehydration, speed up the movement of mucus and loosen congestion.
Honey and Lemon
Drinking lemon and honey with hot water may help soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. According to Mayo Clinic internist James M. Steckelberg, M.D., honey may be as effective at suppressing a cough as some over-the-counter cough suppressants, like dextromethorphan. Steckelberg recommends mixing a few tablespoons of honey in a cup of tea or hot water or taking two tbsp. of honey at bedtime to help reduce cough symptoms.
Saltwater
Saltwater may help soothe a raw, irritated throat, says Timothy Van Ert, M.D., a physician specializing in self-care and preventive medicine. Mix a half tsp. of salt into an 8-oz. glass of warm water. Take one mouthful of water, then gargle for several seconds and spit the water out. Continue gargling with the rest of the glass. Repeat as necessary throughout the day to help reduce a sore throat, cut mucus in the back of the throat and prevent coughing due to a raw throat.
