Coughing is a normal reflex that helps clear the airways of mucus, irritants, and foreign particles. It is usually triggered by irritation or infection in the lungs or throat. Coughing can be a sign of a respiratory infection, such as the common cold or flu, or other illnesses, such as asthma or bronchitis.
What Causes Coughing?
Coughing is often caused by an infection or irritation in the lungs or throat. Common causes of coughing include:
• Respiratory infections: These infections, such as colds and flu, can cause a dry or wet cough, depending on the severity of the infection.
• Allergies: Allergens, such as pollen, dust, and animal dander, can cause an allergic reaction, which can lead to coughing.
• Asthma: Asthma is a chronic condition that causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow, leading to coughing.
• Smoking: Smoking can irritate the lungs and throat, leading to coughing.
• Acid reflux: Acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach rises up into the esophagus, causing irritation and coughing.
How to Stop Coughing?
Coughing can be treated with over-the-counter medications or home remedies. Common treatments for coughing include:
• Drinking plenty of fluids: Drinking fluids, such as water or juice, can help thin mucus and reduce coughing.
• Taking cough suppressants: Over-the-counter cough suppressants, such as dextromethorphan, can help reduce coughing.
• Taking expectorants: Expectorants, such as guaifenesin, can help loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up.
• Taking antihistamines: Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, can help reduce coughing caused by allergies.
• Taking bronchodilators: Bronchodilators, such as albuterol, can help open the airways and reduce coughing.
• Taking steam inhalations: Inhaling steam can help reduce coughing by thinning mucus and loosening it up.
• Avoiding irritants: Avoiding irritants, such as smoke and chemical fumes, can help reduce coughing.
• Gargling with salt water: Gargling with salt water can help soothe an irritated throat and reduce coughing.
• Eating honey: Eating a teaspoon of honey can help coat the throat and reduce coughing.