How to get rid of a constant cough

Causes of a lingering cough

Some other causes of an ongoing cough include: Chronic allergies, hyperactive gag reflex, and acid reflux can create a prolonged irritation in your throat and cause an ongoing cough. Certain types of medications, especially blood pressure drugs, carry a side effect of coughing.

Causes of chronic cough

postnasal drip. asthma, especially cough-variant asthma, which causes a cough as the main symptom. acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) chronic bronchitis or other forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Home Treatments. Drink plenty of fluids — or use a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer — to soothe an irritated throat and loosen mucus. Prop your head up on extra pillows at night and have a little honey before bed. Studies show the sweet stuff can help ease a cough.

Coughing often becomes worse at night because a person is lying flat in bed. Mucus can pool in the back of the throat and cause coughing. Sleeping with the head elevated can decrease postnasal drip and symptoms of GERD, which both cause coughing at night.

A steamy, warm beverage may help soothe a throat that’s become irritated from coughing, and also loosen up mucus. Warm water with honey and lemon, herbal teas, and broths are all good options. Be sure to finish drinking any beverage at least an hour before bedtime. Take a hot shower.

Sleep on an incline.

When it comes to nighttime cough, gravity is your enemy. All the postnasal drainage and mucus you swallow during the day backs up and irritates your throat when you lay down at night. Try to defy gravity by propping yourself up on some pillows while you sleep.

Many people like sleeping in a cool room, but don’t make it so cold that you wake up shivering in the middle of the night. When you’re feeling sick, you might want to consider raising the temperature a little, rather than letting the thermostat drop. Just don’t forget to change it back when you’re feeling better.

Postural drainage is a way to change your body position to help your lungs drain. If you have a chronic lung problem with mucus, or you have increased mucus from an infection, lying with your chest lower than your belly (abdomen) can help loosen and drain extra mucus from your lungs.

Cooler air can, however, exacerbate an existing cough. So if you have a cold or other respiratory infection – such as pneumonia or bronchitis – then being outside in the cold can make you cough. This is why most coughs seem to get worse when the temperature falls after dark.

Drinking fluids of all kinds, especially warm ones, like hot water, chicken soup, and tea, is another good home remedy for a cough, says Russell. “Many people who have a cough tend to get dehydrated,” he explains.

To make yourself as comfortable as possible when you have a cough or cold, try to: Drink plenty of fluids. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water are good choices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.

Here’s What You Should Do:

When you’re cooped up inside, you’re sharing the same air with those around you. So every time someone coughs or sneezes inside, those infected droplets are still in the air. Even if you just open a window or walk out your front door, getting some fresh air is sure to help.

Drinking tea or warm lemon water mixed with honey is a time-honored way to soothe a sore throat. But honey alone may be an effective cough suppressant, too. In one study, children ages 1 to 5 with upper respiratory tract infections were given up to 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) of honey at bedtime.

Drink. Sip water, juice, broth, and other clear liquids all day. Staying hydrated helps your immune system fight sickness. It can also help loosen mucus and replace fluids you lose from blowing your nose.

Keeping your body hydrated will help it function at its best. Increase your fluid intake when you have a cough or cold. Drinking water or herbal tea is a great way to get more fluids. Try to avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol while you have a cough.