If your cough is making it hard to function during the day or affecting your focus at work, you can try one of these remedies to help improve it.
Take an Expectorant
Over-the-counter (OTC) expectorants, such as Mucinex or Robitussin 12 Hour Cough & Mucus Relief, contain guaifenesin, which thins mucus or phlegm in your lungs.
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Keep in mind that an expectorant won’t stop your cough; it instead makes your cough more productive, meaning it’ll help you get rid of mucus more effectively so you can get back to breathing easier.
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One precaution: Don’t give cough medication to children younger than age 4. For kids age 4 to 6, use cough medication only if it’s recommended by your child’s doctor.
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Even then, be sure to follow the dosing directions exactly as outlined.
Reach for a Cough Suppressant
For temporary relief of a dry, hacking cough, try taking an OTC cough medication that contains dextromethorphan, which blocks the cough reflex. It doesn’t address the underlying cause of your cough, though, or help you heal faster.
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As with expectorant medications, you should avoid giving cough suppressants to children under age 4 and get a doctor’s recommendation for kids age 4 to 6.
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Sip a Warm Beverage
The warmth of a drink like tea or water with lemon can soothe a throat that feels raw or sore from coughing. Warm fluids also help to loosen mucus, making it easier to cough it up.
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If you prefer cold beverages, that’s OK — they can help, too. Cold liquids may help relieve throat pain or inflammation.
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Step Up Your Fluid Intake
Getting enough fluid is always a good idea, even more so when you have a cold or cough. Staying hydrated helps thin mucus, which may prevent buildup and infection. Dehydration, on the other hand, thickens mucus and makes it harder to get rid of.
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You can stay hydrated by drinking enough water and eating plenty of hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables. Watch out for signs of dehydration, like thirst or dark urine, and up your fluid intake if needed.
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Suck on Hard Candy
Cough drops may help soothe a dry, irritated throat and can reduce the constant urge to cough.
In fact, any hard candy will promote saliva production and provide the moisture you need to relieve a dry cough. (And sometimes the ingredients in cough drops, like menthol, can actually dry out your throat too much.)
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But aim for sugar-free candies, since sugar can increase chronic inflammation in your body,
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which likely won’t help your cough.
Don’t try this one with young children, since hard candies can be a choking hazard.
