Coughing is a common reflex action that helps clear your airways of irritants and mucus. While coughing can be a normal part of life, chronic coughing can be quite bothersome and disruptive.

If you find yourself constantly coughing and struggling to find relief, here are some easy tips that can help you overcome the issue:.

1. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids is essential to keep your respiratory system hydrated. When you’re dehydrated, the mucus in your airways can become thick and sticky, triggering coughing.

Ensure you drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day to maintain proper hydration. You can also include herbal teas, warm broths, and fresh fruit juices to avoid coughing caused by dryness.

2. Use Humidifiers or Steam

Dry air can aggravate coughing, especially during winter or when you’re in heated spaces. Consider using a humidifier or a steam inhalation technique to add moisture to the air you breathe.

The added moisture can soothe your throat and reduce coughing. Just ensure you clean your humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi.

3. Avoid Environmental Triggers

If you have a chronic cough, it’s important to identify and avoid any environmental triggers that might be aggravating your symptoms. Common triggers include cigarette smoke, air pollution, strong perfumes, and certain allergens.

Minimizing exposure to these irritants can significantly reduce your coughing episodes.

4. Honey and Warm Water

Honey has long been known for its soothing properties for coughs and sore throats. Mix a spoonful of honey in a glass of warm water and drink it to help ease your cough. Honey can provide temporary relief and reduce throat irritation.

5. Take Over-the-Counter Medications

If your cough persists despite trying home remedies, over-the-counter cough medications can provide temporary relief. Cough suppressants can help calm the urge to cough, especially during nighttime when sleep is disrupted.

Expectorants, on the other hand, can help break down mucus, making it easier to cough up.

6. Opt for Lozenges or Throat Sprays

Throat lozenges and sprays that contain soothing ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus, or benzocaine can help relieve a persistent cough. These products work by numbing the throat and suppressing cough reflexes.

However, it’s important to note that their effects are temporary, and you should read the instructions on the packaging and use them as directed.

7. Try Natural Remedies

Various natural remedies can help alleviate coughing. For example, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce throat irritation. You can make a ginger tea by boiling ginger slices in water and adding honey or lemon for flavor.

Similarly, gargling with saltwater or using a saline nasal spray can help soothe your throat and reduce coughing.

8. Manage Acid Reflux

Acid reflux can trigger a chronic cough. If you experience heartburn or indigestion along with your cough, it’s important to address the underlying acid reflux issue.

Dietary changes, avoiding trigger foods, elevating the head of your bed, and taking medication prescribed by your doctor can help manage acid reflux and subsequently reduce your coughing.

9. Practice Good Hygiene

Coughs are often contagious, especially if they are caused by viral or bacterial infections. To prevent spreading the infection to others and worsening your own symptoms, it’s crucial to practice good hygiene.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissues properly and wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

10. Seek Medical Evaluation

If your cough persists for more than a few weeks, is severe, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or coughing up blood, it’s important to seek medical evaluation.

Your healthcare provider can assess the underlying cause of your cough and recommend appropriate treatment options.