In some persons, after an initial trigger like respiratory infection, cold, flu has resolved, cough might be there even for some weeks. This can be irritating to the concerned person.
Point is that this cough can be dry and mucous producing. It could be due to airway inflammation, post nasal drip, acid reflux etc. Though it is not a serious problem, it can be exhausting for the person.
There are few effective ways by which we can control lingering coughs. These are
By staying well hydrated:
It is possible to thin out mucus, soothe the throat, calm irritation in the airways etc by drinking lots of fluids. Truth is that drinking warm water and herbal teas etc would be comforting for the throat. Our body would heal faster because of hydration.
By using honey before bedtime:
Not many would be aware of the fact that honey can be a natural cough suppressor. It is good to consume a spoon of honey before bedtime as that would reduce the cough in the night.
By elevating head while sleeping:
It would be good to sleep with your head in an elevated position and that would prevent mucus from pooling in your throat and causing cough. Especially for cough due to post nasal drip or acid reflux, this method would be effective.
By inhaling steam or using humidifier:
Mucus would get loosened by inhaling steam. Therefore, it is good to inhale steam from a bowl of hot water. Adding some drops of eucalyptus oil to the hot water could be superb.
By salt water gargles:
Throat inflammation would be reduced and mucus would be loosened when salt water gargling is done a few times a day. Moreover, we can get relief from scratchiness also.
By avoiding cough triggers:
Lingering coughs can get worsened by common irritants like dust, smoke etc. It is good to use an air purifier at home, wear masks while going out etc.
By sipping ginger or turmeric tea:
Both ginger as well as turmeric have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties in them. Therefore, drinking g ginger or turmeric tea would soothe the throat, reduce inflammation etc.
By doing breathing exercises:
By doing deep breathing exercises, cough reflex sensitivity would get reduced. Pursed lip breathing can be useful.
By sucking herbal lozenges:
Throat would get moistened and coughing reflex would get lowered by sucking herbal lozenges. This is also one effective and easy method to manage lingering cough.
