How to Get Rid of a Cough

Cough needs no description or definition. It is experienced by people at several instances in their lives. It is also the first reaction of the body when any foreign particle enters the respiratory tract. Cough can be of varying types depending on its cause. It can be dry, mucus producing or even of hacking type that occurs when one suffers from whooping cough. Similarly, there can be several causes of cough.

Causes of Cough
Cough is the primary, yet most significant symptom of common cold, strep throat and influenza (flu). Similarly, it is also a symptom of other respiratory diseases like bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis and other disorders of the lungs. Also, allergy of any kind (mostly aerobic allergies) and smoking are also causes of cough in people. On the other hand, it is also a symptom of acid reflux. It is very essential to treat cough as soon as possible as it is extremely contagious, i.e., it can be easily transmitted from one person to the other.

Treating Cough with Medication
Taking medicines is still considered as the fastest way of getting rid of persistent cough. There are several cough syrups and drops available in the market. Most of them can be gotten over the counter, however, there are certain medications that need to be taken only by the doctor's prescription. It is advisable not to have strong medications in minor cases of cold. You may also get cough syrups and sprays that are equally effective. However, these sprays should not be used in case of infants and babies. Although there are several effective medications in the market, some people prefer to treat cough using natural methods.

Treating Cough with Natural Remedies
There are several home remedies for cough that are easily available and effective. Most of them are age-old remedies, but, they are applicable even today. They include:

• Hot tea or hot chicken soup is the best remedy used for treating cough. You can add 1-2 pieces of chopped ginger in your tea while preparing it and have it once or twice a day. The pepper content in chicken soup is effective in treating soreness of throat.
• Lemon and honey are the best natural products that have anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties. You can add 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon lemon in a glass of lukewarm water and have it once or twice a day.
• You can add ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of hot or lukewarm milk and have it at night. This mixture is helpful in treating cough and also prevent it from recurring.
• Gargling with salt water is also an age-old, but, effective method of treating cough and sore throat. You should add ½ teaspoon of salt to lukewarm water and gargle 2-3 times a day.
• Onion juice mixed with honey also helps in getting rid of cough easily. Add 5 ml of onion to 10 ml honey and have this mixture once or twice a day.

Lastly, when suffering from cough, one should drink a lot of fluids (water) as it helps in loosening the mucus from the body. Also, taking complete bed rest is the best method of treating cough. It is recommended to consult the doctor before using any medication, sprays or home remedies.