Intractable Cough Remedies

A lingering, hacking cough can be painful and annoying. Doctors classify a chronic cough as one that doesn't go away after eight weeks. But for most people, they're fed up and ready to be done with a cough even after a few days. Getting a tight, dry cough to loosen up and move on can be a trick.

Types and Causes

• Some coughs are better than others. A loose cough in which a patient is coughing up mucus and sputum is both literally and figuratively productive. Why? The body is successfully removing germs and debris that is associated with an illness or condition.

  But a dry, tight, hacking cough is more of a problem. It usually means that there's congestion that isn't clearing. Causes can vary and it's very important to know what the cause is. Coughs like this can be caused by allergies, asthma, pollution, smoking or illness. How a person treats a cough will depend on the situation.

Ilnesses and Allergies

• Whether it's cold and flu or seasonal allergies, doctors typically target clearing congestion. Antihistamines and decongestants are usually the order of the day. These can be stronger, prescribed drugs or over-the-counter medications, such as Sudafed and Benadryl. Typically, the newer generation non-drowsy antihistamines, such as Claritin, don't work as well for coughs as older generation drugs, including Benadryl.

  Expectorant medications help the process of coughing up mucus and sputum. Some common over-the-counter names include Robitussin and Vicks.

  Otherwise, some of the old fashioned home treatments can also be very helpful. Menthol or camphor based chest rubs, such as Vicks Vapo-Rub, can help loosen up chest congestion that causes coughs. So can a steam humidifier while sleeping at night. And of course, hot teas--especially ones with a little kick like peppermint or ginger--can help get mucus to flow.

  For asthma sufferers, often an inhaler is required-- usually containing some variety of corticosteroid.

Tougher Coughs And Warnings

• Some coughs may not respond to traditional methods--particularly those not associated to illness or allergy. Smokers' coughs, for example, will not easily go away with Robitussin. There's one one real cure: quitting. Some people may be coughing as a response to an environmental pollutant like asbestos, poor air quality, significant dust or mold. Examining your environment may be the first step to figuring out your cough. In some cases, environmental or lifestyle changes may be required.

  But whatever the cause, seeing a physician to ensure you have the correct diagnosis and that you're using the best, most effective and safest treatment is always the best course of action.