What will stop coughing

Some other common symptoms of pneumonia include:. Common environmental allergy triggers, or allergens, include:. People who have allergic rhinitis may experience a dry cough as a result of breathing in an allergen. Some other potential symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:. A person may develop an acute cough after breathing in certain irritants from their environment. Examples of such irritants include:. Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways.

This narrowing makes it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs, resulting in breathing difficulties. There is no cure for asthma, but treatments are usually effective in managing the condition. If a person does not control the condition well, however, they may experience the following symptoms:.

The term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD refers to a group of chronic lung conditions that obstruct airflow in and out of the lungs. In COPD, the airways within the lungs become inflamed and thickened, and the lung tissue responsible for exchanging gases can become damaged. Chronic cough and shortness of breath are common symptoms of COPD. Other possible signs and symptoms of COPD include:. The most common medications to cause a cough are drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.

Doctors sometimes prescribe these to treat high blood pressure. According to a case report , the antiepileptic drug topiramate can also cause a dry cough. In order to prevent a coughing fit, a person will need to identify and treat the underlying cause of the cough. People with chronic respiratory conditions will require medical treatments to reduce the frequency and severity of coughing fits. Those who develop coughing fits in response to certain allergens or irritants should try limiting their exposure to those substances.

Another option for people with allergies is to take antihistamines. These drugs help suppress the immune system reaction to environmental allergens, thereby preventing coughing fits. Quitting smoking will also help prevent coughing episodes.

A person should see a doctor if their cough is severe, is persistent, or worsens over time. Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD is a chronic form of acid reflux and a common cause of nighttime coughing. But there are some lifestyle changes you can try to reduce a cough caused by GERD. For example:. When your immune system overreacts to an allergen, allergy symptoms such as coughing can occur. The saliva, feces, and body parts of cockroaches may cause coughing and other allergy symptoms.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America , cockroaches are a common cause of allergies and asthma attacks. You can help prevent or reduce cockroaches in your home with these strategies:. Stuffed-up sinuses or a sinus infection may cause postnasal drip, especially when lying down. Postnasal drip tickles the back of your throat and leads to coughing. You may need a prescription from your doctor for antibiotics. You can also use a neti pot to help clear sinuses. Find neti pots on Amazon.

Your coughs may be caused by the common cold. Your cough may worsen at night or when you lie down. Rest, chicken soup, fluids, and time are usually all it takes to beat a cold. Severe coughs due to a cold, however, may be treated with cough medication in adults and children older than 6 years. Decongestant sprays that help reduce postnasal drip may also be used in adults and children older than 6 years. Asthma causes airways to become narrow and inflamed. A dry cough is a common symptom of asthma.

You may need a prescription inhaler to treat asthma. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Coughs play a role in clearing irritants and infections from the body, but persistent coughing can be annoying.

The best treatment for a cough will depend on its underlying cause. There are many possible causes of coughs, including allergies, infections, and acid reflux. Some natural remedies may help to relieve a cough. However, it is important to remember that the U. Food and Drug Administration FDA do not monitor herbs and supplements, so people who use them may be at risk of using low-quality products and impurities.

People who want to use natural remedies to treat their cough should research sources and brands. They should also be aware that some herbs and supplements can interfere with medications, which may result in unwanted side effects.

If a cough is severe or persists for more than a few weeks, it is essential to seek medical advice. People use a range of natural remedies to try to treat a persistent cough. Here, we look at 12 of these remedies in more detail. A study on treatments for nighttime coughing in children compared dark honey with the cough-suppressing medication dextromethorphan and with no treatment.

The researchers reported that honey provided the most significant relief from coughing, followed by dextromethorphan. Although the benefits of honey over dextromethorphan were small, parents rated honey most favorably of all three interventions. To use honey to treat a cough, mix 2 teaspoons tsp with warm water or an herbal tea.

Drink this mixture once or twice a day. Do not give honey to children under 1 year of age. Ginger may ease a dry or asthmatic cough, as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It may also relieve nausea and pain. One study suggests that some anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger can relax membranes in the airways, which could reduce coughing. The researchers mainly studied the effects of ginger on human cells and animals, so more research is necessary.

Brew up a soothing ginger tea by adding 20—40 grams g of fresh ginger slices to a cup of hot water. Allow to steep for a few minutes before drinking.

Add honey or lemon juice to improve the taste and further soothe a cough. Be aware that, in some cases, ginger tea can cause stomach upset or heartburn.

Staying hydrated is vital for those with a cough or cold. Research indicates that drinking liquids at room temperature can alleviate a cough, runny nose, and sneezing. However, people with additional symptoms of a cold or flu may benefit from warming up their beverages. The same study reports that hot beverages alleviate even more symptoms, including a sore throat , chills, and fatigue.

The symptom relief was immediate and remained for a continued period after finishing the hot beverage. A wet cough, which is one that produces mucus or phlegm, may improve with steam. Zap your cough with a vaporizer. Using a vaporizer or a humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can moisten your airway passages, potentially reducing the likelihood that a dry, hacking cough will wake you up. This can also provide daytime cough relief; set it up wherever you spend the most time, such as in your office or family room.

Elevate your head while you rest. Sleeping with your head elevated can reduce coughing from postnasal drip. Sleeping this way also helps alleviate GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease , which can cause coughing. Apply vapor rub. The same menthol-scented balm your mother or grandmother rubbed on your chest when you were a kid can help clear nasal passages, which can help relieve nighttime coughing.

It still works great on your kids as well.