How to Get Rid of a Cough
The purpose of a cough is to clear breathing passages of irritants. In some cases, one or two coughs get the job done but at other times, no amount of coughing seems to work. A persistent cough can be extremely frustrating to the sufferer, especially at night when most coughs seem to become worse. Dozens of things could be to blame for such a cough, and determining the precise cause can help the sufferer seek the best form of relief.
Why Do People Cough?
When the breathing passages are obstructed by bodily secretions, foreign particles, irritants or other substances, a cough is the solution to remove those materials. It starts with inhalation, and then the closing of the glottis, or the vocal folds. In the middle of the cough, air (from exhalation) is pressed against the closed glottis with force. Air is pushed forcefully out of the lungs and the glottis is opened simultaneously, resulting in the cough. Ideally, the action forces those irritants out of the breathing passages.
Types of Cough
Even healthy individuals can cough up to ten times a day, but the characteristics of a cough can sometimes help the sufferer determine the cause. A fairly dry (not producing sputum, or mucus) cough that occurs once or twice and goes away is typically a normal cough with no serious underlying condition. A cough that sounds like a bark is often due to the swelling of the airways, such as with the “croup.” A cough that continues without breaks until breathing is essential could be “whooping cough,” and could be a dangerous condition known as Pertussis. Wheezing, night time coughs, coughs with fever or vomiting and persistent coughs are usually due to some sort of infection.
How to Get Rid of a Cough Due to an Infection
Those wheezing coughs or coughs accompanied by vomiting or fever are cause for concern. A trip to the physician will reveal the type of infection that is present. In some cases, the doctor will recommend that patients let the infection run its course, but sometimes, he or she will prescribe antibiotics. These antibiotics will fight the infection and help get rid of a cough. In either case, patients can soothe their cough with over-the-counter medications.
How to Get Rid of a Cough Due to Allergies
Sometimes, coughing is due to environmental factors. Dust, pet dander, pollen, and any number of other things can irritate the breathing passages and cause coughing. If this is persistent or accompanied by a runny nose, watery and itchy eyes, and a general feeling of malaise, it could be due to allergies. Many individuals suffer from allergies, and a trip to the doctor can determine whether the cough is allergy-related or not. In most cases, this can be relieved with an allergy medication such as Zyrtec, Claritan, or something similar.
Over the Counter Cough Medications
There are as many over-the-counter cough medications as there are types of cough. Expectorants (Mucinex, Robitussin) help make the coughs more productive, helping to clear the chest congestion by thinning out the mucus present. Suppressants (Delsym, Robitussin Cough) help stop the cough, which is not always useful. Cough suppressants defeat the purpose of coughing, often making the sufferer feel worse. However, they are sometimes helpful at night when sleeping is impossible due to coughing.
How to Soothe a Cough and Sore Throat
Persistent coughing can lead to sore throat, irritability, tender abdominal muscles and ribs, and even loss of voice. There are some steps that can help soothe the symptoms of a cough. Throat lozenges often contain an anaesthetic to help relieve throat pain and can soothe during coughing episodes. Warm herbal tea with honey (especially spearmint or chamomile) can be helpful in soothing sore throats and quieting coughs. A humidifier can help as well, and can be used in combination with Vicks VapoRub, a topical ointment containing camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol.
Though many people would like to know how to get rid of a cough, often times it’s a process of trial and error. Unfortunately, most of the time the best treatment is to soothe the symptoms until the infection runs its course.
