What are the Home Remedies for Viral Cough?

March 14, 2024 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's

What are the Home Remedies for Viral Cough?

Viral coughs are often caused by respiratory viruses such as the common cold or the flu. While viral coughs typically resolve on their own within a week or two, there are several home remedies that may help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery:

  1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, clear broths, and warm lemon water with honey, to help soothe the throat, thin mucus, and prevent dehydration.
  2. Use honey: Honey has natural cough-suppressant and throat-soothing properties. Add a teaspoon of honey to herbal tea or warm water, or consume it directly. Note: Do not give honey to children under the age of one due to the risk of botulism.
  3. Steam inhalation: Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or taking a hot shower can help loosen mucus, relieve congestion, and soothe a cough. You can also add essential oils such as eucalyptus or peppermint to the water for added benefits.
  4. Gargle with saltwater: Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat and reduce irritation. Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
  5. Use a humidifier: Using a humidifier or vaporizer in the bedroom can help add moisture to the air and alleviate dryness in the throat and nasal passages, which can worsen coughing.
  6. Elevate the head: Sleeping with the head elevated can help reduce postnasal drip and alleviate coughing at night. Use extra pillows or raise the head of the bed to achieve a comfortable elevation.
  7. Herbal teas: Drink herbal teas containing ingredients such as ginger, licorice root, chamomile, or peppermint, which have soothing properties and may help relieve coughing and congestion.
  8. Avoid irritants: Avoid exposure to smoke, dust, pollutants, and other irritants that can exacerbate coughing and irritation in the throat and airways.
  9. Rest: Get plenty of rest and avoid overexertion, as rest helps the body recover from illness and strengthens the immune system.
  10. Over-the-counter remedies: Consider using over-the-counter cough syrups or lozenges containing ingredients such as dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, or menthol to help suppress coughing and soothe the throat. However, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

While these home remedies may help alleviate symptoms of a viral cough, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional if the cough persists, worsens, or is accompanied by severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or high fever. These could be signs of a more serious respiratory infection that requires medical attention.

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