How to Stop Coughing After a Cold

Sometimes a cough can last for weeks after you have a cold. Coughing is one of the ways that your body protects your lungs and throat, but a persistent cough can quickly become irritating. Airways are extra sensitive after a cold, which means that something as simple as dust can trigger a coughing fit. While a cough will go away on its own after a cold, waiting can be frustrating. There are many home remedies and over-the-counter medications available to treat a cough.

Things You'll Need

• Air purifier
• Herbal tea
• Throat lozenges
• Cough suppressant
• Eucalyptus leaves

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Drink herbal tea sweetened with honey. Fluids, warm beverages and honey are all helpful in getting rid of a cough. Sip tea throughout the day or keep a water bottle nearby.

• 2

  Inhale steam. Boiling water and carefully inhaling the steam will help reduce your coughing. Try adding eucalyptus leaves to the water for additional relief.

• 3

  Put an air purifier in your room. Because your airways are especially sensitive, protecting them from irritants will help get rid of your cough faster. Purchase an air purifier with a HEPA filter for the strongest relief.

• 4

  Purchase a cough suppressant made with dextromethorphan. It is important to check the label for this ingredient, which inhibits the cough reflex.

• 5

  Suck on throat lozenges to temporarily relieve the problem. Try lozenges made with lemon or ginger root, both of which help relieve coughing.