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cold and flu health center/cold and flu a-z list/how to stop coughing center /how to stop coughing article
What causes coughing?
There are numerous causes for coughing. Common causes of cough include:
Allergens
Irritants
Medical conditions
Medications: ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers.
A dry cough is usually the result of
A wet cough is often caused by cold or flu viruses, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
A persistent, or chronic, cough is one that lasts more than 3 weeks and may be caused by
Not all coughs are "contagious." Knowing the type of cough you have will help in finding the underlying cause (infectious or noninfectious). Which of the following causes of a cough do you think are contagious?
19 natrual and home remedies to cure and soothe a cough
Once the cause of your cough is diagnosed and you have ruled out any serious underlying medical conditions that need to be treated, symptoms of cough often may be treated or cured with home remedies. Talk to your doctor before using any herbal remedies or natural supplements as some may interact with medications you take.
What over-the-counter (OTC) products cure and soothe a cough?
There are a number of over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines available to soothe or cure coughs. There are two main types of cough medicines, 1) cough suppressants, and 2) expectorants. These can be found in tablet or cough syrup form.
What prescription drugs cure a cough?
When the cough is severe, over-the-counter (OTC) medications and home remedies may not be enough to relieve symptoms, and prescriptions may be needed.
Your primary care provider (PCP) such as a family practitioner, internal medicine specialist, or pediatrician may diagnose and treat a cough. If the cough is severe an emergency medicine specialist may see you in a hospital's emergency department.
How can you get rid of a nighttime cough?
Many times cough symptoms will worsen at night. This may be due to postnasal drip (from a cold, bronchitis, or allergies) or acid from the stomach backing up into your throat from acid reflux. There are some strategies and home remedies you can use to help ease nighttime cough:
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When should you see a doctor for a cough?
Cough often is not serious, but in some situations, you should see a doctor and not try to treat the cough on your own. If you have a cough and the following symptoms, see your doctor:
These signs and symptoms in addition to cough may indicate a more serious condition that needs treatment by a doctor.
Chronic cough treatment is based on the cause, but may be soothed natural and home remedies.
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box (vocal cords). The most common cause of acute laryngitis is infection, which inflames the vocal cords. Symptoms may vary from degree of laryngitis and age of the person (laryngitis in infants and children is more commonly caused by croup). Common symptoms include
Chronic laryngitis generally lasts more than three weeks. Causes other than infection include smoking, excess coughing, GERD, and more. Treatment depends on the cause of laryngitis.
Sore throat (throat pain) usually is described as pain or discomfort in the throat area. A sore throat may be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, toxins, irritants, trauma, or injury to the throat area. Common symptoms of a sore throat include a fever, cough, runny nose, hoarseness, earaches, sneezing, and body aches. Home remedies for a sore throat include warm soothing liquids and throat lozenges. OTC remedies for a sore throat include OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Antibiotics may be necessary for some cases of sore throat.
©1996-2022 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Terms of Use. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.