What is the Best Remedy for a Cough?

Coughing is a natural reflex the body uses to clear the airways and throat. Although, it may be hard to believe while it's happening, coughing is actually a way of helping the body stay healthy. The development of a cough can be a very bothersome thing. It can essentially interfere with every aspect of everyday life, from talking to eating to sleeping. Often, it is difficult to come up with an effective remedy for a cough and, in some cases, an individual may have to try more than one remedy to get some relief.

In most cases, the remedy for a cough will depend on its cause. One of the most common causes of a cough is the common cold. Coughing is one of the usual symptoms of this condition. To get cough relief for a common cold, one could try purchasing some over-the-counter cough medicine. Staying hydrated can also suppress a cough; therefore, it will be important to drink lots of liquids as well.

An upper respiratory infection can also cause coughing. Bronchitis is a common type of upper respiratory infection. In most cases, this kind of cough will not be dry, as is commonly the case of coughs that accompany a cold. Most coughs caused by an infection will result in coughing up phlegm. The best remedy for a cough of this nature is to make an appointment with a doctor who will generally prescribe antibiotics for the condition.

Sometimes people with asthma suffer from coughing. Asthma is a condition in which the airways become inflamed. As a result of the inflammation, a person may encounter many symptoms, including tightness in the chest, coughing and shortness of breath. The symptoms of this condition may be intensified during an asthma attack. A remedy for a cough due to asthma is typically the usage of an inhaler.

Often, a person with sinus problems will experience coughing. The coughing may be a reaction to postnatal dripping. As the sinuses drain into the back of the throat, this may cause a great deal of irritation, which can cause coughing. A person with this problem may get a remedy for a cough by using over-the-counter antihistamines. The antihistamines may be helpful in stopping the postnatal dripping causing the cough.

Regardless of the cause, sleeping with the head elevated is generally a good remedy for a cough that is particularly bothersome at night. It can be hard to sleep with a pesky cough, but elevating the head may be a successful nighttime cough treatment. When in doubt, the best way to treat a cough is to be examined by a doctor. As a trained health care professional, he or she can provide the best remedy for a cough. Additionally, coughs that are long lasting and fail to improve with less invasive measures should be inspected by a medical professional, as a serious underlying condition could be the cause.