10 Tips for Day and Night Cough Relief

1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids such as water, tea, and warm soup to help soothe your throat and prevent dehydration.
2. Use a humidifier: Dry air can make your cough worse, so using a humidifier can help add moisture to the air and ease your cough.
3. Avoid irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, and other irritants that can trigger coughing.
4. Elevate your head: If you are experiencing nighttime coughing, prop your head up with an extra pillow to help prevent mucus from pooling in your throat.
5. Try cough drops or lozenges: These can help soothe your throat and reduce coughing.
6. Take a steamy shower: The steam from a hot shower can help loosen mucus and relieve coughing.
7. Use nasal saline spray: This can help clear out nasal congestion and reduce post-nasal drip, which can trigger coughing.
8. Avoid cold drinks and foods: Cold drinks and foods can irritate your throat and make your cough worse, so stick to warm or room temperature liquids and foods.
9. Use over-the-counter cough medicine: If your cough is persistent, an over-the-counter cough medicine may help relieve your symptoms.
10. Rest and relax: Make sure to get plenty of rest and avoid stressful situations as much as possible, as stress can exacerbate your cough.

How to Calm Daytime Coughing

If you’re experiencing daytime coughing, there are a few things you can do to help calm your symptoms:

1. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, tea, or warm soup, can help soothe your throat and reduce coughing.
2. Use cough drops or lozenges: These can help soothe your throat and reduce coughing.
3. Avoid irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, and other irritants that can trigger coughing.
4. Take a steamy shower: The steam from a hot shower can help loosen mucus and relieve coughing.
5. Use a humidifier: Dry air can make your cough worse, so using a humidifier can help add moisture to the air and ease your cough.
6. Try over-the-counter cough medicine: If your cough is persistent, an over-the-counter cough medicine may help relieve your symptoms.
7. Avoid cold drinks and foods: Cold drinks and foods can irritate your throat and make your cough worse, so stick to warm or room temperature liquids and foods.
8. Rest and relax: Make sure to get plenty of rest and avoid stressful situations as much as possible, as stress can exacerbate your cough.

If your cough persists or becomes severe, it’s important to see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.

Take an Expectorant

An expectorant is a type of medication that can help loosen and thin mucus in your lungs, making it easier to cough up. If you have a productive cough and your doctor has recommended taking an expectorant, here are some general guidelines:

1. Follow your doctor’s instructions: Make sure to take the expectorant exactly as prescribed by your doctor, including the correct dose and frequency.
2. Drink plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated can help thin out mucus and make it easier to cough up.
3. Avoid irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, and other irritants that can trigger coughing.
4. Use a humidifier: Dry air can make your cough worse, so using a humidifier can help add moisture to the air and ease your cough.
5. Rest and relax: Make sure to get plenty of rest and avoid stressful situations as much as possible, as stress can exacerbate your cough.
6. Monitor your symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms and let your doctor know if your cough is not improving or is getting worse.

It’s important to note that not all coughs require an expectorant, and taking one when it’s not needed may not be helpful and can even be harmful. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new medication.

Reach for a Cough Suppressant

A cough suppressant is a type of medication that can help reduce coughing by blocking the cough reflex. If you have a dry, nonproductive cough and your doctor has recommended taking a cough suppressant, here are some general guidelines:

1. Follow your doctor’s instructions: Make sure to take the cough suppressant exactly as prescribed by your doctor, including the correct dose and frequency.
2. Drink plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated can help soothe your throat and reduce irritation that may be causing your cough.
3. Avoid irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, and other irritants that can trigger coughing.
4. Use a humidifier: Dry air can make your cough worse, so using a humidifier can help add moisture to the air and ease your cough.
5. Rest and relax: Make sure to get plenty of rest and avoid stressful situations as much as possible, as stress can exacerbate your cough.
6. Monitor your symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms and let your doctor know if your cough is not improving or is getting worse.

It’s important to note that not all coughs require a cough suppressant, and taking one when it’s not needed may not be helpful and can even be harmful. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new medication. Additionally, if you have a productive cough (meaning you are coughing up mucus), a cough suppressant may not be recommended as it can interfere with clearing the mucus from your lungs.

Sip a Warm Beverage

Sipping a warm beverage can be a soothing way to ease a cough and soothe a sore throat. Here are some tips for using warm beverages to help alleviate cough symptoms:

1. Choose the right beverage: Warm liquids like tea, soup, or warm water with honey can help soothe your throat and reduce coughing.
2. Add honey: Honey is a natural cough suppressant and can help soothe your throat. Add a spoonful of honey to your warm beverage for added relief.
3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can be dehydrating and may make your cough worse. Stick to non-caffeinated beverages like herbal tea or warm water with lemon.
4. Sip slowly: Sipping your warm beverage slowly can help soothe your throat and reduce coughing.
5. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, including warm beverages, can help keep your throat hydrated and reduce coughing.

Remember that while warm beverages can be helpful in relieving symptoms, they should not replace medical treatment if your cough is severe or persists for an extended period of time. If your cough is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, you should see a doctor for further evaluation.

Step Up Your Fluid Intake

Staying well-hydrated is an important part of managing a cough, as it helps to thin out mucus and reduce throat irritation. Here are some tips for increasing your fluid intake:

1. Drink water: Drinking plenty of water is the best way to stay hydrated and flush out toxins that may be irritating your throat.
2. Drink warm liquids: Warm liquids like tea, warm water with lemon, or warm soup can be soothing to a cough and help relieve congestion.
3. Avoid dehydrating beverages: Caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks can dehydrate you and make your cough worse. Stick to water, herbal tea, and other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages.
4. Eat foods with high water content: Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumbers, and celery are high in water content and can help keep you hydrated.
5. Use a humidifier: Dry air can worsen a cough and make it more difficult to breathe, so using a humidifier can help add moisture to the air and ease your cough.

Remember to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your fluid intake, especially if you have other medical conditions that may affect your hydration levels. Drinking enough fluids is important, but it’s also possible to overhydrate, which can be dangerous in some cases. Your doctor can help you determine the right amount of fluids to consume each day based on your individual needs.

Suck on Hard Candy

Sucking on hard candy can be a simple and effective way to ease a dry, irritated cough. Here are some tips for using hard candy to help alleviate cough symptoms:

1. Choose the right candy: Look for hard candies that are soothing to your throat, such as honey, lemon, or eucalyptus flavors.
2. Avoid sugar: While hard candy can be helpful for soothing a cough, it’s important to choose sugar-free options to avoid aggravating any underlying medical conditions like diabetes.
3. Don’t swallow the candy: Suck on the candy until it dissolves, but don’t swallow it whole as this can be a choking hazard.
4. Keep them on hand: Carry hard candy with you so that you can have it when you need it, such as when you’re out and about or at work.
5. Use in combination with other remedies: Sucking on hard candy can be a helpful addition to other cough remedies, such as staying hydrated and avoiding irritants.

Remember that while hard candy can be helpful in relieving symptoms, it should not replace medical treatment if your cough is severe or persists for an extended period of time. If your cough is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, you should see a doctor for further evaluation.

How to Quell a Nighttime Cough

A nighttime cough can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling tired and irritable the next day. Here are some tips for quelling a nighttime cough:

1. Elevate your head: Elevating your head with extra pillows or a wedge pillow can help reduce post-nasal drip and ease coughing.
2. Use a humidifier: Dry air can aggravate a cough, so using a humidifier can help add moisture to the air and ease your cough.
3. Try a cough suppressant: Over-the-counter cough suppressants can help calm your cough and allow you to sleep. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
4. Use nasal saline drops: Saline drops can help moisturize your nasal passages and reduce post-nasal drip, which can lead to coughing.
5. Drink warm liquids: Sipping on warm liquids like tea or warm water with honey can help soothe your throat and reduce coughing.
6. Avoid triggers: If your cough is triggered by allergens or irritants, try to avoid them as much as possible. This may include dust, smoke, pet dander, or certain foods.
7. Treat any underlying conditions: If your cough is caused by an underlying condition like asthma, GERD, or allergies, treating the condition may help alleviate your cough symptoms.

Remember to talk to your doctor if your cough is severe or persists for an extended period of time, as it may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition that requires medical treatment.

Consider a Cough Medicine Formulated for Nighttime Use

If your nighttime cough is disrupting your sleep, you may want to consider using a cough medicine specifically formulated for nighttime use. These cough medicines often contain ingredients that can help relieve coughing and soothe your throat, as well as ingredients that can help you relax and sleep more soundly. Here are some tips for using nighttime cough medicine:

1. Choose the right product: Look for cough medicines that are specifically formulated for nighttime use. These products often contain ingredients like antihistamines, which can help reduce coughing and promote sleep.
2. Follow the dosage instructions: Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. Taking too much of a cough medicine can be dangerous and may cause unwanted side effects.
3. Avoid alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking a nighttime cough medicine, as it can increase drowsiness and affect your ability to function normally.
4. Be aware of potential side effects: Some cough medicines may cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or nausea. Be aware of these potential side effects and talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

Remember that cough medicines should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment if your cough is severe or persists for an extended period of time. If you have any concerns about your cough or other symptoms, be sure to see a doctor for further evaluation.

Have Some Honey

Honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for cough and throat irritation. Here are some tips for using honey to help relieve your cough symptoms:

1. Take it straight: Take a spoonful of honey straight up, or mix it with warm water or tea.
2. Add lemon: Squeezing fresh lemon juice into your honey and warm water or tea can help provide additional relief for your throat.
3. Use raw honey: Raw honey is less processed and may contain more beneficial enzymes and antioxidants than processed honey. Look for raw honey at your local health food store or online.
4. Avoid giving honey to young children: Honey should not be given to children under the age of 1 due to the risk of botulism.
5. Use in combination with other remedies: Honey can be a helpful addition to other cough remedies, such as staying hydrated and avoiding irritants.

Remember that while honey can be helpful in relieving symptoms, it should not replace medical treatment if your cough is severe or persists for an extended period of time. If your cough is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, you should see a doctor for further evaluation.

Zap Your Cough With a Vaporizer

Using a vaporizer or steam inhalation can help relieve coughing and loosen mucus in your airways. Here are some tips for using a vaporizer to help ease your cough:

1. Use a clean vaporizer: Be sure to use a clean vaporizer to avoid introducing bacteria or other harmful substances into your airways.
2. Add essential oils: Adding essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint to your vaporizer can help provide additional relief for your cough and congestion.
3. Be cautious with hot water: If you are using a vaporizer that requires hot water, be careful not to burn yourself or spill the hot water.
4. Sit in a comfortable position: Sit comfortably with your head over the vaporizer and a towel draped over your head to trap the steam.
5. Breathe deeply: Breathe deeply and slowly to allow the steam to reach your airways and loosen mucus.

Remember to talk to your doctor if your cough is severe or persists for an extended period of time, as it may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition that requires medical treatment.

Use an Extra Pillow — or Two

Elevating your head while you sleep can help reduce coughing and improve your sleep quality. Here are some tips for using extra pillows to help relieve your nighttime cough:

1. Add an extra pillow: Try adding an extra pillow to elevate your head and neck while you sleep.
2. Use a wedge pillow: A wedge pillow is a specialized pillow that can help elevate your head and neck at a comfortable angle. You can find wedge pillows at your local bedding store or online.
3. Stack pillows carefully: If you are stacking pillows, be sure to stack them carefully to avoid causing neck or back strain.
4. Avoid using too many pillows: Using too many pillows can cause discomfort and may not be effective in reducing your cough.
5. Talk to your doctor: If your cough persists or is severe, talk to your doctor about other treatment options that may be more effective.

Remember that elevating your head while you sleep is just one of many remedies that can help relieve coughing. Be sure to stay hydrated, avoid irritants, and consider other cough remedies like honey, cough suppressants, and expectorants to help ease your symptoms.

Gargle With Salt Water

Gargling with salt water can help soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. Here are some tips for using salt water gargles to help ease your cough:

1. Mix the solution: Mix a half-teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water.
2. Gargle: Take a mouthful of the solution and gargle it in the back of your throat for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
3. Spit: Spit the solution out and repeat until you have used all of the solution.
4. Use as needed: You can gargle with salt water several times a day as needed to help relieve your cough.
5. Be cautious with children: Children under the age of 6 may not be able to gargle effectively and should not be given salt water gargles. For children 6 and older, supervise the process and ensure they do not swallow the solution.

Remember that salt water gargles are just one of many remedies that can help relieve coughing. Be sure to stay hydrated, avoid irritants, and consider other cough remedies like honey, cough suppressants, and expectorants to help ease your symptoms. If your cough persists or is severe, talk to your doctor about other treatment options that may be more effective.

Know When to See Your Doctor

While most coughs are not a cause for concern and will resolve on their own, there are some cases where it may be necessary to see a doctor. Here are some signs that you should see a doctor for your cough:

1. Your cough is severe or persistent: If your cough lasts for more than a week or is severe, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition that requires medical attention.
2. You have difficulty breathing: If your cough is accompanied by difficulty breathing, chest pain, or wheezing, seek medical attention immediately as it may be a sign of a more serious respiratory condition.
3. You have a fever: If your cough is accompanied by a fever, it may be a sign of an infection that requires medical treatment.
4. You have a weakened immune system: If you have a weakened immune system due to a medical condition or medication, it is important to see a doctor if you develop a cough.
5. You have other symptoms: If your cough is accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, or weight loss, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

Remember that it is always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention if you are concerned about your cough or other symptoms. Your doctor can help determine the underlying cause of your cough and recommend appropriate treatment options.