Does anyone have any good tips for stopping an annoying cough?

Question

I have had a persistant cough for several days now, it also keeps me up most nights and the doctors gave me some cough mixture which does not work. He said its just because of the cold i have. I have also tried drinking warm honey and lemon drinks..does anyone else have any ideas which might help? Thanks for your time.

Answer 1

As tired as I am, I had to answer, seeing as how I spent 20 tears of my life with a debilitating cough. It's gone now, so I'm sure I can help.

Cough syrup was useless for my bronchial spasms. Beyond that, it's just not healthy to pound away at your brain with narcotic-like substances in a clumsy attempt to control the cough. Let's get to the source:

In the short run, post-nasal drip is a big factor. The mucus runs down the back of the throat, acting as a nutrient base for bacteria and fungi, and causing your bronchials to spasm in an attempt to expell the mucus. At the first sign of nasal congestion, take an antihistamine and spray your nasal passage with a gentle non-addictive formula.

When the coughing just wouldn't stop, and I had to sleep, I dabbed my throat with Anbesol, which numbed the affected area and stopped the spasms.

I gargle every night with Hydrogen Peroxide (3% solution) to kill off any bacteria or fungi in my throat, and keep infection from migrating to my lungs.

In the long run, you are going to have to identify the environmental causes for your upper respiratory distress. Here are some typical culprits:

Pet dander and hair
Mold in walls, ceilings, a/c equipment and ducts
Dirty a/c filter
Dirty carpet
kitty litter box
old mattress
old pillows
chemical cleaners
room deodorizers (loaded with formaldehyde, a known carcenogen)
pollen
food allergies(milk, wheat, peanuts)
emotional stress
immune disorders
exposure to pathegens (school-age children, house guests)

I know that is more than you asked for, but my gut tells me your condition is more chronic than your question implies. I hope this proves to be of some help.

Answer 2

So sorry about your cough...I've had a chronic cough for a year now.really. Mine is most likely due to allergies, post nasal drip and chronic bronchitis. A few things that help control my cough is stop drinking cold drinks while you have this cold. Drink room temp. drinks only. The lungs constrict when cold and drinking iced drinks isn't good. Also, talking makes it worse. If you can be quiet for a few days it will help. Drink plenty of water to wash out your system too. If after a couple of weeks you're still coughing see your Doctor. Also watch for changes in your cough. If you're coughing up phlegm and it's clear it's ok. If it's yellow-to-green it's not good call the Dr. could be bronchitis or pneumonia. Take care of yourself.

Answer 3

Did the cough med he gave you contain codeine? codeine is a very powerful cough suppressant, and since it causes some drowsiness, it's good for helping to suppress your cough and allowing you to sleep (if taken during the day you don't want to drive, etc). You can buy small bottles of codeine cough syrup (by signing for them) at your pharmacy...ask the pharmacists.

if that is what he gave you, there's another med that might help you that he can prescribe - it's call Tessalon Pearls or Benzontate...they are small capsules and are a great cough suppressant that doesn't cause much drowsiness. they work in a totally different way than the codeine.

other than that my only suggestion is to try to elevate your head more while sleeping, as lying flat can make coughing worse...or try taking a steamy shower to open up and moisturize your airway (also helps to make coughs more productive). Robitussin DM is a good OTC cough suppressant as well, though not as strong as the ones mentioned above.

Answer 4

Keep some halls or hard candy nearby for when you fell that tickle start. Always have a drink handy too. It's usually because your throat gets dry that causes these little attacks. Just clear your throat, say excuse me, and calmly walk out of the room. When you to return to the meeting, just smile and say "allergies." Most people have been there, and will understand.

Answer 5

hot water with sniffing crystals in it, these clear your sinuses witch can be a big part of the problem
Hang on im Irish, too sensible an answer for me!...... Whiskey!
Hot water, whiskey an a bit of sugar.
I suffer bad with my throaght an this normally helps,
hops it works for u too X

Answer 6

Put the spice Ginger into your hot tea.It something in the Ginger that makes you stop coughing! Hope you feel better. :)

Answer 7

Anything that coats the throat. Hot tea with some honey in it usually works well.

Answer 8

For stopping a cough, nothing better than a loud fart! (or was it viceversa?)
:-)

Answer 9

well if your old enough a shot of whisky will help try tylenol liquid its blue tastes gross but works great