Global Courant 2023-05-18 19:00:51
A cough is the sudden and forceful expulsion of air from the lungs. Its function is to remove material from the airways and protect the lungs from inhaled particles. Because it is involuntary or spontaneous, when it is persistent it is usually very annoying. To alleviate it, there are several home remedies that are easy to prepare.
Among the different types of cough we can mention: dry or unproductive cough and productive cough, with expectoration of blood or phlegm, according to the MSD Manuals. A dry cough is characterized by a tickling in the throat that does not produce phlegm or mucus and is usually caused by throat irritation.
There is also the acute cough, which starts suddenly and is often due to a cold, flu or sinus infection and usually goes away after three weeks; subacute cough, which lasts from three to eight weeks; and chronic cough that lasts more than eight weeks. In case the cough lasts more than four weeks, it is important to see a doctor.
The most common causes of cough are allergies that involve the nose and paranasal sinuses, asthma, the common cold and flu, lung infections such as pneumonia or acute bronchitis, sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, details the Medline Plus portal. Other causes are also lung cancer and cigarette smoking.
Home remedies to relieve cough
Not all cases of cough need immediate medical evaluation. In case you have alarm symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, weight loss, fever of more than a week and the cough lasts more than three weeks, it is recommended that you visit a specialist.
“An acute cough with no warning signs can wait a few days to see if the cough stops or eases, especially if it is associated with nasal congestion and sore throat, suggesting an upper respiratory tract infection could be the cause. ”, reads the MSD Manuals.
You may be interested | Learn about 7 home remedies for high blood pressure
Cough can be treated with various medications, but also with easy-to-prepare home remedies.
Tea with honey
Drinking lemon or herbal tea, or warm lemonade with honey helps relieve a sore throat and the tickle that often causes coughing. You can also opt for a cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey. The ideal is to consume it twice a day.
The hot liquid with honey will help reduce inflammation in the throat, which will eliminate the tickling. (Free Press Photo: Los Muertos Crew at pexels.com).
It is not recommended that children under one year of age consume it.
Salt water gargle
In half a glass of warm water mix a tablespoon of salt and gargle twice a day. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties will help reduce dry cough, but also phlegm and mucus that forms in the throat.
Read more | 7 natural remedies to overcome sadness
Drink liquids
One of the most important recommendations when faced with a cold or flu is to stay hydrated, so it is also vital when you have a cough. Drinking water constantly will prevent tickling and irritation of the throat.
Keeping your throat hydrated will prevent the burning sensation caused by a cough. (Free Press Photo: Lisa Fotios at pexels.com).
Ideally, the liquids should be hot and at constant times, to avoid dehydration of the throat. Consuming fluids can range from drinking soups, broths, tea, to hot fruit juices.
Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, so it helps to relax the membranes of the respiratory tract and relieves a dry cough. To consume it, prepare a tea from this plant: bring a cup of water to a boil and add three small slices or a piece that covers the tip of a teaspoon. You can add lemon juice or honey to enhance its benefits.
Ginger, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, reduces the discomfort of coughing. (Free Press Photo: Angele J of Pexels at pexels.com).
Water steam
Use a vaporizer or take a steamy shower to increase the humidity in the air to soothe a dry throat. It can also be of benefit when you have a cough with phlegm. After the shower it is recommended that you drink a glass of water to avoid dehydration.
You can also choose to do steam inhalations. In a pot, bring water to a boil and add essential oils or herbs, such as eucalyptus or rower, which will help clear the respiratory tract. When it comes to a boil, turn off the heat and lean into the pot. Cover your head with a towel so the steam won’t escape and you can inhale it longer.
