Coughing can occur as the result of allergies, bronchitis, emphysema, acid reflux or other ailments that may irritate the airways and throat. In addition, certain medications can cause chronic coughing. An occasional cough is usually not enough to cause worries; however, ongoing or severe coughing should not be ignored. Various treatments for chronic coughs are available; however, some may produce side effects. Consult your health practitioner if you want to take a particular medicine or herbal treatment that you have not used previously.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
Mixing apple cider vinegar and honey to make a cough remedy may help relieve chronic coughing, especially caused by acid reflux. Honey works to reduce the tickling and scratchiness in the throat, writes the Medical College of Wisconsin, and soothes soreness. Apple cider vinegar helps reduce the acidic properties in the digestive tract, creating a more alkaline environment, which lessens the incidence of reflux, according to "The pH Miracle." If the coughing is caused by irritation from stomach acids, this remedy may offer a great deal of relief. The mixture can be made with 1 tbsp. honey and 1 or 2 tsp. vinegar added to a small dish. Stir them well and nibble on the mixture for relief.
Warm Liquids
Soups, hot tea and other warm liquids may offer relief for some people suffering from a chronic cough, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Although this treatment will likely not cure a cough, for those suffering from an ongoing illness where coughing is usually present, the warmth of a bowl of chicken soup or a cup of soothing hot tea may eliminate the tickling sensation or soothe the upper respiratory tract with steam.
Homeopathic Remedies
Quite a few homeopathic remedies may be useful for the treatment of a chronic cough, according to "Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines." The remedies are best prescribed by a qualified homeopath that is familiar with an individual's particular case. Different remedies are suggested not only for varying conditions, but also for unique presentation of a person's symptoms. Remedies such as Spongia toasta, Antimonium tartaricum, drosera, Arsenicum album, pulsatilla and Cocus cacti have all been used to relieve coughing. It is best to consult a practitioner in the case of a chronic cough. Homeopathic remedies are available over-the-counter, from online homeopathic pharmacies and from many practitioners.
Steaming
The University of California at Davis Student Health Services writes that steam can be used to relieve coughs from flu and other diseases where there is chest congestion. Using steam by either sitting in a bathroom with a hot shower running or leaning over a bowl of hot water with a towel covering the head are two methods to relieve tightness in the chest and help loosen mucus. Steam also moistens delicate mucus membranes and may relieve tickling and irritation in the throat or sinuses contributing to coughing. Care should be taken to avoid making the water too hot so as not to burn the person.
Over-the-Counter Cough Medicines
Depending on the cause of the cough, certain over-the-counter cough medicines may be helpful. Suppressants help to relieve dry coughs and expectorants aid in loosening mucus in the chest from a productive or wet cough, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Decongestants are available to open airways and antihistamines may help stop itching in the throat to reduce coughing. Although these drugs may work temporarily, long-term use may cause side effects and may be habit forming. A doctor or pharmacist should be consulted before using these cough remedies.
Prescription Cough Drugs
Various prescription drugs may be given to those who do not respond to common home remedies for chronic coughing, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Inhalers a prescribed for asthma patients to quell spasms that may cause coughing. Corticosteroids may be helpful in reducing inflammation in the lungs and airways and reduce coughing resulting from certain diseases. These medicines may cause serious side effects and may be habit forming. A doctor should be consulted before and during use for continued follow-up.
References
- University of California Davis Student Health Services: Influenza--Seasonal Flu
- Medical College of Wisconsin: 200 Non-Opioid Anti-Tussives
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cough
- "The pH Miracle"; Robert O. Young, Ph.D., and Shelley Redford Young; 2003
- "Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines"; Stephen Cummings, F.N.P. and Dana Ullman; M.P.H. 1984
