Coughing is a defense mechanism produced by the body to expel irritating particles or secretions from our throat. However, when it becomes persistent it can become very annoying. It begins to affect our daily life and even sleep, since the cough usually increases at night.
Causes of cough
Cough remedies are very different depending on the causes of the cough. A cough due to bacterial infections will not be cured in the same way as another that appears due to an allergy. In fact, the cough can have multiple causes such as viruses, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux, pollution, tobacco use and even certain medications, such as some for-blood pressure.
types of coughs
On the other hand, there are two different types of coughs:
Dry cough
Dry, irritative or non-productive cough is one that is not accompanied by phlegm. It is due to irritation of the respiratory tract and throat, and is accentuated in dry or polluted environments. It can be very long lasting since the cough itself irritates the throat even more, causing more desire to cough.
cough with phlegm
It is the one that aims to eliminate secretions (mucus or phlegm) from the respiratory system. It is usually due to colds or flu, which cause the body to produce more mucus than normal to capture and expel harmful organisms. The characteristics of the phlegm can give clues about the causes of the cough. Thus, transparent phlegm is associated with the flu or cold. If they are yellow or green, they may indicate bacterial infections. Whereas, if they contain blood, they can indicate damage to the respiratory tract or tuberculosis. Whatever the type, cough can be cured. Read on to find out the best home remedies to get rid of a cough!
Instructions to cure your cough
Curing your cough with these instructions is very easy, since most of them require things that you are sure to find at home. I recommend you follow all the steps you can and then repeat those that have served you the most.
Drink lots of fluids. It has been shown that drinking water at room temperature (never cold) in addition to relieving coughs, is beneficial for nasal secretions and sneezing. The results are better if you drink hot liquids and soups, which also significantly relieve cold or flu symptoms. Heat two tablespoons of honey with a few drops of squeezed lemon. That mixture is one of the best remedies for persistent dry cough. It also helps to drink infusions or teas sweetened with honey two or three times a day. To calm a cough at night, drink a glass of warm milk mixed with a tablespoon of honey before bed. This drink will help you fall asleep. Remember that honey is dangerous for children under one year of age (for increasing the risk of infant botulism). Try to sleep on multiple pillows to keep your head slightly elevated, as it’s easier for irritants to reach your throat when you’re lying down. Ginger can soothe a dry cough thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. A good way to take it is as an infusion, which you can prepare by boiling two or three slices of fresh ginger for 10 minutes. Then, let the liquid sit for a few minutes. When drinking it you can add honey and/or lemon. This will enhance the flavor and add even more benefits. You can substitute ginger for onion pieces if you want a cough syrup. In this case, try to let the liquid rest for an hour before drinking it. A home remedy to calm cough with phlegm in children consists of placing half a fresh onion cut into pieces near the child at night. Onion vapors are expectorant, antiseptic and soothing. Another substance that has important anti-inflammatory properties is bromelain, which is found in pineapple (particularly in the trunk of the fruit). In addition to reducing cough, it works as a mucolytic by breaking down phlegm and facilitating its elimination. There are also bromelain supplements in which this substance is more concentrated. Humidifying the environment relieves cough with mucus. To do this, you can take hot showers or baths until the bathroom is filled with steam. Inhale this steam for a few minutes until you feel better. Another option is to get a home humidifier. Boil some eucalyptus leaves, mint, thyme and/or rosemary in a large pot. Get close to the water and inhale the vapors for a few minutes by placing a towel over your head. These plants have decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties, relaxing the muscles of the throat. A highly recommended dry cough tea is marshmallow root or poppy root. These two plants are antitussive and are used for sore throats, since they contain mucilage, a substance that surrounds the throat and calms its irritation. They can also be obtained in capsules. Another way to eliminate cough is to improve the diet to strengthen the immune system. Include daily foods high in vitamin C such as strawberries, oranges, peppers or parsley. Probiotics are also very beneficial for our defenses, being found in natural yogurts. Get more zinc, found in meat, seafood, dark chocolate, and eggs. You can also take supplements of these nutrients through capsules.
Tips to cure your cough
If you want to relieve cough quickly, do not forget to follow all these tips:
Stay hydrated. Wash your hands regularly. Avoid staying in dry places. Keep the environment clean and disinfected. Do not smoke. Try to rest and get enough sleep (7-9 hours). Keep your throat and chest warm and warm, especially if the cough is due to a cold or there is phlegm. Try not to inhale strong perfumes, smoke or polluted air. Avoid air conditioning. To quickly relieve dry cough attacks, put a tablespoon of honey in your mouth and swallow it little by little. If you have a cough with phlegm, avoid swallowing the secretions.
When to go to the doctor?
See a doctor if you have bloody phlegm or a cough that lasts more than two weeks. It is important to only take medications prescribed by the doctor, do not self-medicate. For example, it is harmful to take dry cough medicine if you have a cough with phlegm. This can prevent the removal of mucus, which could increase the risk of pneumonia.