Chronic Cough Remedies

Coughing refers to abrupt or forceful exhalation of air, so as to clear the air passageway. It is a repetitive reflex, comprising three successive steps - inhalation, forceful breathing out and violent release of air. Coughing is associated with a cognitive sound, which is due to outburst of air. Based on the duration of cough, it is categorized into three types, acute cough (less than 3 weeks), subacute cough (3-8 weeks) and chronic cough (more than 8 weeks). Here, we shall take a look at chronic cough causes and chronic cough remedies.

What Causes Chronic Cough?

Chronic cough is most commonly manifested by smokers, who have the habit of continuous smoking. Nevertheless, non-smoking people do manifest chronic cough conditions, which may be because of respiratory tract disorders (asthma and bronchitis), infections (sinusitis, cold and flu), heartburn or medicinal side effects (particularly ACE inhibitors). A cough is also triggered by presence of allergenic particles in the respiratory tract, which can be pollens, dust, chemical fumes, smoke, phlegm and food pieces.

Chronic Cough Home Remedies

When an individual coughs, the muscles of the chest and abdomen used for breathing contract involuntarily, resulting in an increased pressure at the time of exhalation. Non-stop and chronic cough symptoms are very difficult to deal with. No wonder, cough is a common reason for hospital visits for these individuals. Before taking help from the doctor, there are certain home remedies that one can follow, so as to reduce coughing. Following are effective ways on how to treat a chronic cough at home:

Self Care Tips
One of the caring tips for the patients is that it is imperative to minimize the risk of constant coughing. The key point is to avoid exposure to triggering factors as far as possible. Patient's care tips and chronic cough remedies are:

• For smokers, it is of utmost important to stop smoking immediately. Otherwise, chronic cough will become a lifelong symptom.
• For patients who are currently on ACE inhibitor medications, consult the doctor regarding sides effects of medicines and alternatives for them (if possible).
• Avoid getting exposed to household cleaning agents, chemical irritants, dust and environmental pollutants.
• In case, heartburn is the major cause for chronic cough, make changes in the diet plan to get relief from chronic cough.
• During sleep, elevate the head portion or use multiple pillows to help drain mucus and avoid blocking the air passageway.
• Drink plenty of water to hydrate body and thin the mucus, which are helpful for quick expulsion of phlegm.
• During cold and dry months, try using a humidifier (or a cool-mist vaporizer) for easy breathing and curb coughing.

Follow Home Remedies
In addition to self caring guidelines, one can follow several home remedies for cough. They work by treating infection, soothing itchy throat and help in expelling mucus. Home remedies for chronic cough include:

• Add 1-2 teaspoons of honey in a cup of hot milk and drink before sleep. Honey helps in relieving cough.
• Stir in a pinch of pure turmeric powder in a cup of warm milk. Drink it before going to bed or twice daily.
• For scratchy throat and cough, take a concoction prepared from aloe vera juice and honey. Mix 2 tablespoons each of aloe juice and honey and have it.
• Ginger root is very good for treating cough. Prepare black tea by adding ginger (and sugar for taste) and drink it while still hot.
• Herbal tea prepared with any of the herbs, thyme, peppermint and rosemary helps in getting relief from chronic cough. Ensure that it is taken while still hot.
• Garlic is another culinary item that one can use for treating cough. Crush two cloves garlic and mix with 1 teaspoon honey and consume it.
• Effectual chronic cough remedies include having a mixture of honey, fresh lemon juice and cinnamon powder. Have 2 teaspoons everyday till cough subsides.
• Add 1 tablespoon each of poppy seed powder and honey in 10 tablespoons of coconut milk. Have one tablespoon before bedtime
• Place hot packs (not of burning temperature) in the throat area to get relieve from itching and discomfort feeling.

Try Out Aromatherapy
Since most of the chronic cough cases are related to problems in the breathing passageway, steam bath and steam inhalation therapy by using curative herbs are effective to treat the condition. Aromatherapy oils that can be used in steam inhalation are:

• Eucalyptus oil is one of the excellent for remedies for coughing. One can apply it directly over the chest and throat areas. Or else, put a few drops in boiled water and inhale steam.
• Mix equal drops of peppermint oil and olive oil. Use the mixture to massage the chest area several times a day.
• Put a few drops of juniper oil, cypress oil and ginger oil in boiling water. Take deep breaths and inhale steam.
• One of the best chronic cough remedies is using thyme oil for inhalation therapy. One can also consider massaging with the oil in the chest and upper body parts.
• Combine 3 teaspoons each of cedar oil and jojoba oil. Use it for massaging the chest 2-3 times daily.

So, these were all about chronic cough remedies for adults. Foods that cause increased production of mucus and trigger allergy symptoms are strictly not recommended. While dealing cough in children, it is best to take the advice of a qualified physician, rather than following home remedies.