Dry Cough Remedy
If you are suffering from a hacking, painful cough, you might be in need of a dry cough remedy. There are a few differences between productive coughs and dry coughs. Productive coughs tend to release fluids (in the form of phlegm) and therefore, should not be suppressed. This is your body’s way of getting rid of infection.
However, a dry cough is typically not the same. Dry coughs can be caused by asthma, allergies, smoking, virus infections, and inhalation of chemicals. Since a dry cough can be quite painful and even damage your throat, it is acceptable to try a dry cough remedy to get some relief. There are many options available for quieting coughs from cough medications to natural cough remedies and even lifestyle considerations.
Check out these cough syrups:
With cough medications that you might purchase over the counter, it is necessary to take some precautions. These can be dangerous in some cases so it is important to be careful. There are basically two types of cough medications. They are expectorants and suppressants. If you have a dry cough but feel like maybe there is mucus that needs to be coughed up, you can try an expectorant. It is always helpful to release mucus as this can help to inhibit bacterial infections. Expectorants may help make it easier to bring the mucus up. This is more likely for a productive cough.
Most with dry coughs tend to use suppressants. These types of cough syrups work to control the cough so you can sleep or get through work meetings without hacking. There are many scientific studies that debate the effectiveness of these medications so be sure to not overuse them if you think they are not working. More is not better and you will not get additional relief by doubling the dose. Extra care should definitely be taken when giving cough medicines to children or the elderly.
If you would like a dry cough remedy that is natural, there are many options available. Many of these possibilities can be made from items you probably already have in your kitchen. For instance, vinegar has long been purported to have healing properties. By mixing it with a little water and drinking it, it can help to reduce inflammation and calm a smokers cough.
Another option might be hot tea with honey. Steep two to three bags of caffeine-free tea in about two cups of hot water. Add honey and stir until it is dissolved. Sip this before bedtime to help you fall asleep. You might have to get up in the middle of the night and repeat the process but at least you will get some relief.
Many homes tend to get very dry especially during the cold winters. It might be a good idea to invest in a quality humidifier. A humidifier reintroduces humid, moist air back into your home. The best types are those that allow you to adjust the flow of moist air so that it does not become too damp. You can even get humidifiers now that have temperature controlled warm air. Breathing in this warm air is much like the old remedy of boiling water and sitting over the pot with a towel over your head. The humidifier is much more convenient and safer.
The last cough remedy we will discuss is one of the most important and most often overlooked. You should drink lots of water to reduce that scratchy throat and keep it moist and soothed. Water is the body’s natural cleanser. It helps to reduce bacteria and helps your body to fight infection. Start with one dry cough remedy to try and experiment with what works best for you.
Lung detoxification
Honestly, the image below isn't a very nice sight but far too often a reality. Learn how to detox your lungs successfully and get rid of those coughs!
