Saturday, February 19, 2011

How to Effectively Eliminate Cough

You can eliminate cough fast through several ways. You can either go the natural, everyday route, or take to the popular medications to cure it. Here's some advice.

Unlike other kinds of symptom, cough can be embarrassing. It doesn’t only annoy you but also the people around you as well. Cough is not a disease but a manifestation of a present one. It is the normal action of the body to clear the lower respiratory tract of mucus, dust particles and other irritants. It’s actually a defense mechanism so learn how to work with it.

Cough can be productive or non-productive. The former includes phlegm and mucus which generally traps particles to be cleared out during coughing episodes. The latter doesn’t involve any mucus and takes faster to recover. You will basically feel an itch in your throat before you cough which signifies that something is irritating your respiratory tract. Here’s how to effectively eliminate cough.

1. Water.

Proper hydration can sufficiently flush and rid your throat of excess mucus and food particles that may be stuck. It also softens hardened phlegm which will be delivered straight for digestion. Increase your fluid intake when you have a cough. Aim for at least ten glasses per day.

2. Lozenges.

These sweet tablets are very effective in treating dry cough. Their mechanism of action is to generally coat the throat and preventing dryness. Dryness can irritate the respiratory tract so suck on lozenges for ten to fifteen minutes. Keep the tablet in your mouth or under your tongue. Do not bite, chew or swallow it for maximum results.

3. Salt.

Salt or sodium tends to retain water which can be very effective in treating a dry throat. Fill three-fourths of a glass with water as warm as you can tolerate to put inside your mouth. Add two tablespoons of salt and mix until the granules completely dissolve. Gargle thoroughly and try to reach the farthest area down your throat. You’ll expel mucus and phlegm as you spit between gargles. Continue gargling until all the mix has been consumed.

4. Posture.

Proper posture can help facilitate drainage of extra mucus. Maintain an upright position to keep a constant gravitational pull inside your throat. If you’re going to sleep, it may help to keep your head tilted or maintain a twenty five degree angle at least.

5. Cough.

Help your body get rid of excess phlegm and mucus by doing coughing exercises. Cup two hands over your mouth and slowly give small coughs to move the mucus upward. Expel it out with a big ending cough.

6. Medication.

Cough syrup basically coats your throat, loosens phlegm and mucus and soothes the respiratory tract by eliminating irritants. If your cough stems from an infection, you may also need to take antibiotics. Always ask your physician for the right medication and dosage to avoid side effects and overdose. A lot of herbal plants are also effective in treating your cough like thyme, green tea and eucalyptus.

Immediately seek medical attention if you observe something unusual with your coughing episodes. Presence of blood, cough lasting more than one month and a variety of associated symptoms with the cough is not normal.

Author: Julieta Chin. All rights reserved.

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