1. Cold & Flu Cough Relief Slideshow
2. Cold & Flu Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
3. Cold and Flu Slideshow: Treating Your Child's Cold or Fever

Medical Author:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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Medical Editor:

George Schiffman, MD, FCCP

George Schiffman, MD, FCCP

Dr. Schiffman received his B.S. degree with High Honors in biology from Hobart College in 1976. He then moved to Chicago where he studied biochemistry at the University of Illinois, Chicago Circle. He attended Rush Medical College where he received his M.D. degree in 1982 and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He completed his Internal Medicine internship and residency at the University of California, Irvine.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• What is chronic cough?
• What are causes of chronic cough?
• How is chronic cough treated?
• Are there home remedies for chronic cough?
• Can chronic cough be prevented?
• Patient Comments: Chronic Cough - Diagnosis
• Patient Comments: Chronic Cough - Remedies
• Find a local Pulmonologist in your town
• Chronic Cough Index

Chronic cough in adults can be treated with some home remedies. Consult your doctor for the home remedies that might be best for you.

• Stay hydrated. Fluids can help thin secretions.
  
  
• Gargling with hot saltwater can help cleanse the throat and rid it of mucus.
  
  
• Elevate your head with extra pillows at night to ease a chronic dry cough.
  
  
• Cough drops may soothe an irritated throat.
  
  
• Do not smoke or use tobacco products.
  
  
• Avoid inhaled irritants such as smoke, dust, or other pollutants.
  
  
• Honey is often can be an effective treatment for a persistent cough. Add honey to hot tea, or even grape juice.
  
  
• Ginger, prepared as a tea, is often used to help reduce symptoms of chronic cough and clear the nasal passages.
  
  
• Other herbs such as eucalyptus or mint are often used to relieve cough symptoms.

• Don't smoke, as smoking is the most common cause of chronic cough.
  
  
• Talk to your physician about managing your asthma, postnasal drip, or GERD to avoid cough symptoms.
  
  
• Stay away from others known to be sick with bronchitis or pneumonia.
  
  
• Eat fruit. Research suggests that diets high in fruit fiber and flavonoids may prevent chronic productive cough.

REFERENCES:

Home Remedies for You.

MedicineNet.com. Pertussis.

Medscape.com. Diet High in Fruit Fiber and Flavonoids May Prevent Chronic Productive Cough.

National Lung Health Education Program. Chronic Cough.

UpToDate. Patient information: Chronic cough in adults.

WebMD.com. Coughs Home Treatment.