Calming a Cough

It’s officially winter on December 21. A bonus day!  It’s the shortest day of the year—but the very next day, the days start getting longer. It’s such a hopeful feeling!  

As you gratefully tuck yourself in and are close with your family, it’s also a happy season of sharing. Magical as it is, you also share an abundance of germs. And thanks to the heated dry air, those cough and sneeze droplets travel more easily from person to person. COVID taught us a lot about how to stop the transmission of germs, like sneezing in the crook of your elbow, and not your hands, disinfecting high-touch areas like doorknobs—and staying home when you are sick. But it may be inevitable. You end up sick.  

The cause of your cough. There’s no louder announcement than a cough that you may be carrying bad germs. Coughing is a natural reflex your body does to help keep your airways clear of irritants and invaders—but it’s annoying, especially if it won’t stop. What to do? Don’t just grab the first bottle of cough medicine you can get your hands on. It’s helpful to remember that coughing is a symptom of a problem, and it’s best to consider the cause.  

If you can rule out many of the common causes of a cough, such as allergies, asthma, acid reflux, or a medication—a virus, like a cold, flu, COVID or RSV might be the cause. Coughs from viruses can last a long time—even two to three weeks after all other symptoms are gone. Once you know the cause, then you can focus on a remedy.  

The Cleveland Clinic—always a great resource for valid health information, makes some natural recommendations to calm a cough fast.  

• Try ginger. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with a cough caused by a cold or allergies. Ginger tea can soothe an irritated throat and calm a mild cough. You can even cook it in a hot soup.  

• Honey works well, maybe even better than some over-the-counter cough medications for a mild cough. Try a spoonful of honey right before bed or add it to hot water or tea. There are cough drops made with honey but limit those with menthol. Menthol may help, but there is research that suggests menthol can make a cough worse if used too much. Always follow package instructions. Don’t give honey to babies under one year old. It may contain bacteria that will make them sick.  

• Humidity and steam can help combat dry, irritating indoor air. Coughs from allergies, asthma, and colds tend to get worse in a dry environment. A humidifier calms your airways and helps break up mucous. Inhaling steam in a hot shower or from a simmering pot of water may also be helpful.  

• Medications can help stop a cough, but you need to know what kind to use. For over-the-counter medications, always look at the active ingredients to find out what kind of medication you are getting. Don’t give cough medications to children unless your health care provider says it’s okay. There are two main medications on the market shelves: 

• Dextromethorphan (like Robitussin®) can quiet the part of your brain that tells your body to cough. If your cough is keeping you awake, this is a good choice.  

• Guaifenesin (like Mucinex®) helps thin out your mucous and make your cough more productive. If you take this medication, drink a lot of water—it works best when you are well-hydrated.  

• Sleep with your head elevated. Lying down causes mucous to pool in your throat, making you cough. Being flat can also make acid reflux worse.  

• Stay hydrated. You’ll get over your cold quicker. Water helps flush out mucous and helps your body recover. Sometimes water is all you need to get rid of the annoying throat tickle that causes a cough.  

Remedies like honey or cough drops won’t work if you have asthma or GERD, or another chronic condition. Tell your provider if you are coughing. It may be a sign that your condition is not well-managed. Nearly everyone will experience a cough now and then. Prevent the causes by following a healthy diet, getting quality sleep, and washing your hands often.  

When should you see a provider? Listen to your body. Most coughs from a virus will resolve on their own, but if your cough sounds unusual or is really bothering you, don’t hesitate to contact your health care provider—particularly if you have any of the following: 

• A barky cough that sounds like a seal 

• Blood or bloody mucous when you cough 

• Coughing that interferes with breathing 

• A cough that lasts longer than three weeks 

• A fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius that lasts more than two days 

• Shortness of breath or wheezing  

Colds and coughing will come and go in your household. Taking some time to dig into the cause and focusing on a remedy can help get you through this season of giving and sharing. Be well! 

Teresa Pulvermacher, FNP-C 

President, Viarohealth 

For questions or comments, contact wellness@viarohealth.com