How to Stop Coughing Fits

Coughing fits can affect you at any time of the day, and may occur for a variety of reasons. It may be a dry cough because you are in a dry environment, or it may be a symptom of another condition such as a throat infection, bronchitis, a viral infection, post-nasal drip, respiratory tract infections, and even pneumonia. Coughing helps get rid of mucus in the throat that consists of the irritants that cause it, and is a method by which a person's airways are cleared. Sometimes, however, the cough becomes persistent and is difficult to get rid of easily, because the mucus collects in the back of the throat, particularly while lying down. On the other hand, it could also be a dry, scratchy cough that is causing the coughing fit. While you will be required to take medication to treat the cause of the cough, it is important to take some quick remedies to help you stop the coughing fits. Here's how to stop coughing fits with some home remedies.

Home Remedies for Coughing Fits

Some simple home remedies can help you get rid of a coughing fit and have you feel better. When you start coughing persistently, it is important that you follow at least one of these remedies.

Honey and Lemon Juice
Honey has long been used as a traditional remedy to treat any kind of cough. When you are having a coughing fit, combine one teaspoon of lemon juice with one teaspoon of honey and consume it. Try doing this as often in a day as possible to prevent any other such attack.

Steam
Sometimes it is a dry environment that causes a coughing fit. Go into the shower and stand under bearably hot water. Let the steam engulf you and open up your airway passages so you can stop coughing. Alternately, try using a vaporizer to take in some steam and ease the cough. Add to the water in the vaporizer a few drops of eucalyptus oil or a small dollop of Vicks Vaporub.

Fresh Air
In some cases, all you need is some cool, fresh air to stop coughing. Simply go out and stand on your terrace and try to breathe normally. You will find that the cough will die down slowly and steadily.

Body Posture
Changing your body posture can help you almost instantly stop a coughing fit. Simply sit on a chair and bend towards your knees. While doing so, try and control the cough and breathe normally through your nose. Hold your breath for a few seconds and breathe again while in the same position. Then, lift your head and sit upright. Focus on your breathing pattern rather than your cough. It is likely to reduce then.

Herbal Tea
If you don't find relief, sip on a cup of any herbal tea you like (such as green tea) that has been flavored with a good amount of ginger, a pinch of black/cayenne pepper, a pinch of salt, a teaspoon of honey, one or two fresh basil leaves, and a dash of lemon juice. These are all ingredients that have the ability to treat a cough, and when used in combination, are bound to be effective in stopping the coughing fit.

Finally, if you find yourself uncomfortable, unable to breathe, or turning blue, visit your doctor or the emergency room immediately. In some cases, such persistent coughs may be signaling the onset of another health problem and shouldn't be overlooked. Visit your doctor and get the appropriate treatment for the condition for best results.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informational purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the diagnosis of and the treatment provided by a doctor.