Coughing is an immune reflex that expels foreign particles inhaled or appeared systemically, mainly through microbial infection. Although it is essentially beneficial to health, its symptoms affect the quality of life. Cough is classified based on its lasting period. For example, acute cough lasts between weeks or less, subacute between 3-8 weeks, and chronic over eight weeks. Thankfully, there is a wide range of cough treatment options. Let’s take a look at them.

Home remedies

Although acute and subacute cough can be managed with or without the help of a physician, home remedies need to be adopted for faster recovery. Here are some of the best cough remedies.

Honey

About two teaspoons (10 mL) of honey mixed in some warm tea or lemon water makes an effective cough suppressant. Studies have shown that honey is as effective as some mainstream treatments. However, it is not recommended for children younger than one year, as honey contains certain bacteria harmful to children.

Increased fluid intake

Fluids, especially water, help keep the body hydrated. Frequently drinking juices that contain cough-relieving ingredients keep the throat moist and relax the throat muscles.

Saltwater wash

Saltwater helps keep the throat moist and thins the mucus sticking at the back of the throat. It eases the clearance of phlegm from the throat. You can dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of lukewarm water, gargle your throat with it for 30-60 seconds and spit it out.

Turmeric and black pepper milk

A pinch of black pepper and turmeric powder, each boiled in a cup of milk, is one of the best home remedies for common cold and cough. The antimicrobial property of turmeric fights infection, and the anti-inflammatory property of black pepper relieves irritations.

Pineapple

Typically, pineapple does not strive to work against cough. But the fruit and stem of pineapple contain a protein-digesting enzyme called bromelain that loosens phlegm. It has an additional benefit of anti-inflammatory properties. A slice of pineapple thrice a day is suggested; however, this should be avoided for those taking blood-thinning antibiotics.

Peppermint

Peppermint has a wide range of bioactive compounds, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Drinking peppermint tea or inhaling peppermint essential oil through steam relieves cough. It also has analgesic and anesthetic effects on the throat.

Concoction of spices

A concoction of spices including cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, turmeric, peppermint, and ginger is the best home remedy for cough in adults. The mixture is strong and effective, as it has a whole combination of effects on peripheral nerves, muscles, and tissues in the throat.

Avoid acid reflux

Acid reflux is a reverse flow of acidic content from the stomach up through the food pipe. The best measure is to avoid ingredients that cause acidity and set a routine so that the symptoms don’t appear.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial microbes that augment gut microbiota. A healthy gut microbiome is a sign of a healthy body. Probiotics enrich the microbiome and help improve immunity. Some of the sources of probiotics are yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and sourdough.

Best cure for dry cough
When tissues in the throat or airways become hypersensitive, they induce a tickling sensation and cause a cough with no mucus or sputum to expel. It causes more strain on throat muscles than a wet cough does. The best way to manage dry cough is to keep your throat lubricated.

Excessive fluid intake

Increased intake of fluids, especially water, keeps the pharynx from drying. It is better if the water is warm and has honey or lemon juice.

Lozenges

These tablets are intended to dissolve slowly in the mouth, lubricating and exposing the throat to certain additives. The additives include anesthetic agents, peppermint, and honey, which are excellent ingredients for dry cough. Lozenges also remedy wet cough. Another purpose of lozenges is to decrease the irritation in the throat.

Cough drops or syrups

These contain high glycerol and glucose levels that ease the cough. Syrups also contain antihistamines and analgesic agents that are mild. These are some of the best cures for dry cough in children and elderly persons.

Mainstream treatment options

When home remedies fail to work, or if someone has a chronic cough, they may need mainstream treatments. Some of the treatments include:

Over-the-counter medicines

Decongestants and cough suppressants are taken by inhalation using a vaporizer or steamy bath. However, blunting a cough has adverse effects on the recovery of illness.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are substances that kill or inactivate microbes naturally produced. They are a common course of cough treatment for respiratory infections, and the dosing depends on the strength and spectrum of the microbes they act against.

Gastroesophageal reflux treatments

Proton pump inhibitors at maximal dosing are used to mitigate the effects of acid reflux, which can help relax the throat muscles.

All cough treatments pose minor side effects, at the minimum. Nevertheless, chronic respiratory infections require a doctor’s intervention, while home remedies are the best way to treat acute and subacute coughs.