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Cough Treatment

Self-Care at Home

Home care of the cough is often directed at treating its underlying cause.

  • Acute coughing, which lasts less than three weeks, is often associated with an infection or irritation of the upper airway, either the throat or the larynx (voice box). Symptomatic treatment includes drinking plenty of fluid and humidifying air.  Coughing due to allergies or environmental irritants like smoke or fumes will respond to removing the irritant.
  • Home care of the chronic cough, lasting more than eight weeks, with a known cause is directed at treating the underlying cause of the cough. This should be done in close consultation with your doctor or with a specialist. Although not every chronic cough can be eliminated, many people can find relief of their cough by following their doctor's recommendations closely.
  • In children with cough, over-the-counter cough suppressants and other cough medications should not be used. Children may experience significant side effects from these medications and they are likely not effective.
  • In people with chronic cough because of postnasal drip, antihistamines and decongestants may help.

 

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