How to Get Rid Of a Cough in 5 Minutes

How to stop coughing attacks

There aren't many things in life as annoying than a persistent cough. It might be as simple as a tickle in the throat or it can remain long after a cold has passed. Regardless of how long you've had one, the discomfort may leave you wondering and looking online for ways to stop a cough in five minutes. Better if it happens sooner, right?

But to be honest, not every cough is harmful. Coughing is an automatic reflex that shields our lungs and airways from irritants like dust, bacteria, and mucus. The American Lung Association also notes that the odd cough is totally natural.

Having saying that, you shouldn't automatically disregard a cough. According to Michael Hanak, MD, an assistant professor of family medicine at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, "[a] cough has many causes, ranging from a common viral illness to asthma or seasonal allergies to more serious health problems, such as chronic lung conditions, congestive heart failure, or even cancer." Now, some individuals may experience a cough after contracting COVID-19. According to Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital, a COVD cough is dry and protracted. Other symptoms including headaches, weariness, shortness of breath, and chest pains are frequently present along with it.

Dr. Hanak suggests that particular drugs might possibly be to blame. In addition, environmental triggers such as dust, mold, or other pollutants may be a cause by causing postnasal drip or lung discomfort. Another trigger that could occur is acid reflux.

When can you visit a doctor if you have a cough that may indicate a medical illness may be completely benign? According to Dr. Hanak, it is normal to get in touch with a doctor when a cough lasts longer than two weeks in order to request more tests or advice.

If you've recently started hacking, in the interim, you can try these cures to quiet your throat.

1. Gargle with Salt Water

Salt water is an easy technique to get rid of a cough. According to a 2019 study, it might shorten the length of a cough. According to Penn Medicine, this treatment is efficient in killing bacteria, thinning mucus, and reducing pain—even if it may sting a little at first.

Make one at home by combining eight ounces of warm water with half a teaspoon of table salt.

2. Drink on Ginger Tea

The ability of ginger to settle an upset stomach is widely documented. It seems to be equally effective for a cough.

Dr. Hanak says that ginger lozenges are frequently used for this reason because it has been discovered that ginger can help with cough and sore throat relief.

He continues by mentioning the root's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics, which are helpful in treating a number of illnesses. Use a teabag or fresh slices of ginger and boiling water to make some ginger tea.

3. Take a Heartburn Meds

According to Dr. Hanak, Pepcid, Prilosec, or other antacids can treat acid reflux and stop any related coughing.

If you discover that it is a recurring problem, changing your diet may be beneficial. For example, avoiding citrus, chocolate, high-fat foods, onions, and tomato-based goods, while include high-fiber foods like brown rice, celery, lettuce, melon, oats, and root vegetables in your diet (think: potatoes).

If reflux is the cause of your coughs, Dr. Hanak advises drinking lots of water and eating small meals frequently.

4. Spice up Your Drinks with Honey

You're coughing, but you also want something sweet, right? You're in luck! "Honey has been found to be useful in reducing cough, either on its own or as part of a cup of tea," claims Dr. Hanak. According to Penn Medicine, it can also reduce discomfort and assist in the defense against viral infections. To get these advantages, simply stir two teaspoons of honey into a mug of hot tea or water.

5. Take a Hot Shower Bath

A hot bath helps relieve common cold symptoms like congestion, coughing, and sinus pressure in addition to assisting you in reducing tension after a long day. You can also take a shower, just in case. That is due to the steam's humidity, which is excellent for clearing your sinuses and thinning down your mucus.

Another option is to use a humidifier, which can have the same results by introducing moisture to the air around you.

6. Get Hydrated

Even though being hydrated is vital every day, having a cough might make it even more important. According to Dr. Hanak, drinking plenty of water can help thin the mucus in the back of the throat, which may result in a modest improvement in a cough.

7. Take a Lozenge

Another quick and simple at-home treatment to halt a cough in its tracks? A hard candy or lozenge. Sucking on one can enhance salivation, which raises oral secretions and can reduce coughing.

8. Trying a Nasal Spray

Try Flonase or Nasonex together with a daily allergy medication like Allegra, Claritin, or Zyrtec if your cough is brought on by allergies, suggests Dr. Hanak.

In order to get rid of postnasal drip and the associated cough, he explains, "one typical way is to treat allergy symptoms." This is especially true if the cough first appears when you're lying flat or in the morning.

Additionally, he emphasizes that coughs can occur at any time of the year or during a certain season, so being aware of the timing will help you anticipate and avoid it.

9. Make Use of a Neti Pot

Dr. Hanak advises using a neti pot to clear any mucus or debris from your nasal passages in order to calm a cough brought on by postnasal drip. "Clearing mucus from the nasal passages can be useful in reducing post nasal discharge, hence relieving cough," he says. People with allergies and sinus infections often find comfort with this irrigation gadget.

10. Grab Cough Medicines

Of course, if everything else fails, try some over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. The American Academy of Family Physicians states that antitussives are cough suppressants and can inhibit the cough reflex. Then there are expectorants, which thin mucus and may aid in your ability to cough it out of your airway.

When in doubt, consult your pharmacist or primary care physician, and never forget to look at the expiration dates.

11. Go for probiotics

Probiotics can improve gut health, but according to Dr. Hanak, research has revealed that they also have a negligible effect on preventing the common cold and easing coughing. Yogurt and fermented foods such as miso and kimchi are excellent sources of probiotics.

12. Refrain from Smoking

Dr. Hanak claims that giving up smoking helps lessen inflammation by reducing exposure to allergens and chemicals that are bad for the lungs. Depending on how much someone smokes and how long they've been smoking, he continues, a cough brought on by smoking may develop.