How to Get Rid of a Nagging Cough

Erica Williams
Having a persistent cough is a miserable feeling. Coughs are often accompanied by a cold or other type of upper respitory infection. These infections usually go away by themselves in two to three weeks, but the time in between that can be very frustrating. Its an involuntary reaction in your body and it doesnt stop rather it's day or night time. It used to be a day when regular cough syrup would work. But now a days it seems as if the persistent cough is more stubborn. However, there are prescription, over the counter, and home remedies out there than can still help ease your cough.

If you're finding that over the counter medicines not helping your nagging cough, your doctor may prescribe to you codeine cough medicine. Even though their are lower dosages of codeine cough medicine that is over the counter, it is becoming increasingly harder to find these drugs in the stores. The reason for this is to help control drug abuse. Be aware though that codeine can lead to constipation, long time users can become dependent, and also it is not advised to operate any type of machinery while on this medication.

For non prescription cough medications, medicines that contain dextromethorphan may work well for many. It is considered to be a safe drug because it is classified as a non narcotic unlike codeine. Dextromethorphan is likey to be found in cough syrups such as Robitussin DM.

Try home remedies to help ease a cough. An over the counter medication that can be turned into an old fashioned home remedy is Vicks vapo rub. It hasn't been evaluated by the FDA, but many have found putting vicks on the botton of your feet and putting socks on can help promote smoother breathing for airways and coughing to let up. The common usage for vicks is rubbed on the chest and throat area.

Try herbs to get rid of a cough. Thyme or ginger in chicken noodle soup is a remedy that has been used for countless amount of years. There is even research that demonstrates its value for relieving congestion from colds. If you don't feel like eating anything at the moment, try making some thyme tea. Regular thyme out of your cupboard works just fine. Just place 1/2 teaspoon into a cup of hot water and allow it to steep for 5-10 minutes. It may also help to buy a humidifier for your home. Dry air can contribute to a dry cough.

Non of these treatments are for long term usage. If you have a cough that last for more than a few weeks and is acceompanied by other symptoms, it is strongly reccommended to see a doctor.

http://healthmad.com/conditions-and-diseases/how-to-stop-a-dry-cough/
http://healthmad.com/conditions-and-diseases/how-to-stop-a-dry-cough/

Published by Erica Williams

A native of Detroit Michigan, is married and is goal oriented. I have extensive experience in writing web content articles for companies, and have various poetry published in anthology books.  View profile

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