What do I do if I can't stop coughing?

If you can't stop coughing, it's important to take steps to manage your symptoms and address the underlying cause.For more info click Here are some actions you can take to help stop your cough:

Immediate Relief

  1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water, herbal teas, and broths to keep your throat moist and help thin mucus.

  2. Honey: Take a spoonful of honey. Honey can coat and soothe the throat, reducing irritation and coughing. Avoid giving honey to children under one year old.

  3. Steam Inhalation: Inhale steam from a bowl of hot water or take a hot shower to help loosen mucus and soothe irritated airways.

  4. Humidifier: Use a humidifier in your room to add moisture to the air, which can help reduce throat irritation.

  5. Throat Lozenges or Hard Candy: Suck on throat lozenges or hard candy to keep your throat moist and reduce the urge to cough.

  6. Saltwater Gargle: Gargle with warm salt water to reduce throat irritation. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds.

Over-the-Counter Medications

  1. Cough Suppressants: Use medications containing dextromethorphan to help suppress a dry cough.

  2. Expectorants: If your cough is productive (with mucus), use an expectorant like guaifenesin to help thin and loosen mucus.

  3. Antihistamines: If your cough is due to allergies or postnasal drip, taking an antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin) can help.

  4. Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with coughing.

Addressing the Underlying Cause

  1. Allergies: If allergies are causing your cough, try to avoid allergens and consider taking antihistamines or using allergy medications.

  2. Asthma: If you have asthma, use your prescribed inhalers or medications to manage your symptoms.

  3. GERD: If gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is causing your cough, avoid trigger foods, eat smaller meals, and consider taking antacids or other GERD medications.

  4. Infections: If a bacterial infection is causing your cough, you may need antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Lifestyle Adjustments

  1. Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong perfumes, and other irritants that can trigger coughing.

  2. Rest: Ensure you get plenty of rest to help your body recover.

  3. Elevate Your Head: Sleep with your head elevated to reduce postnasal drip and coughing during the night.

When to See a Doctor

  • Persistent Cough: If your cough lasts more than a few weeks.
  • Severe Symptoms: If you experience high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or coughing up blood.
  • Underlying Conditions: If you have a history of respiratory issues or other chronic health conditions.

Conclusion

By combining these strategies, you can help manage and reduce your cough. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it's important to seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

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