How to stop the unstoppable cough

Your unstoppable cough might be caused by an allergy, infection, acid reflux, smoking, lung disease or certain medications. Blood-pressure medication called ACE inhibitors often cause coughing. Your cough can be productive, where you bring up mucous, or it can be dry and hacking. Your cough also might be accompanied by nasal congestion, sneezing and sore throat. You need to determine the cause of your unstoppable cough, because if you do not, you can experience shortness of breath and respiratory distress.

Things You'll Need

• Medical checkup
• Antibiotics
• Bronchodilator
• Acid-reducing medication
• Cough lozenges

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Instructions

• 1

  Get a checkup. You need to see your doctor to determine why you have an unstoppable cough. A doctor will listen to your lung sounds to determine if you have fluid in them. Fluid in your lungs can indicate pneumonia. Your doctor might suggest a chest X-ray. Based on the findings, your doctor will provide you with treatment options for your cough.

• 2

  Take antibiotics. If your persistent cough is related to a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. If your infection is due to a virus, antibiotics are ineffective. Finish your medication to ensure complete resolution of your infection.

• 3

  Use a bronchodilator. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, bronchodilator medications will open up your airway. These medications are effective in treating unstoppable coughs due to bronchitis and asthma. Bronchodilators are either taken orally or through an inhaler.

• 4

  Take an acid-reducing medication Your cough could be related to acid-reflux disease. According to TreatHeartburn.org, when acid backs up into your esophagus, you might develop a cough. Over-the-counter acid-reducing medication will discourage stomach acids from entering your throat, easing your cough. Ask your doctor before taking an an acid reducer.

• 5

  Dissolve a cough lozenge. Cough lozenges can ease your cough by soothing your throat and preventing tickles.