How To Get A Cough To Go Away

A nagging cough is incredibly annoying for both the sick person and anyone who has to hear the coughing racket. Coughs make completing daily tasks difficult, and they can also make it hard to fall asleep. Luckily, there are ways to get over a cough quickly. The following article will show you how to get rid of a cough in 5 minutes.

Top 5 Ways to Get Rid of a Cough in 5 Minutes

1. Gargle with Saltwater

woman gargling with saltwater | Gargle with Saltwater | How to Get Rid of a Cough in 5 Minutes

When you were growing up, did you ever have someone recommend that you gargle saltwater for your cough? On the surface, this seems like a silly treatment for illness. After all, we have medications and therapies that are supposed to help clear up coughs in a matter of days.

As it turns out, gargling salt water may be an excellent way to get rid of a cough. In a small study from 2019, researchers found that study participants benefited greatly from saltwater treatments compared to over-the-counter medication. The reader should note, however, that these results are preliminary.

While coughs stem from various causes, they are often the result of airway inflammation caused by bacteria and viruses. Therefore, saltwater helps eliminate coughs by soothing these inflamed areas and returning the patient to baseline.

How to get rid of a cough in 5 minutes with saltwater: For every 8 oz. (250 mL) of warm water, thoroughly mix in a half-teaspoon of salt.

2. Perform Breathing Exercises

Many breathing techniques (pursed-lips breathing, for example) benefit people with respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, even if one just has a cough without any underlying chronic illness, he or she can also use these techniques to manage cough symptoms.

Depending on the nature of the cough, other exercises that may be appropriate include controlled coughing and diaphragmatic breathing. You should always check with a qualified healthcare professional before trialing any new treatment or exercise plan.

How to get rid of a cough in 5 minutes with breathing exercises: The pursed-lip breathing technique consists of taking a long, deep breath through your nose while counting to two, then exhaling slowly with pursed lips* while counting to four.

*To properly purse your lips, pretend as if you're about to whistle.

3. Stay Hydrated

woman drinking tea beside window | Stay Hydrated | How to Get Rid of a Cough in 5 Minutes

Fluids can help you eliminate the nasty mucus and phlegm associated with cough while also soothing the irritating sensation in your throat. Water washes down the mucus in your throat and makes your cough more productive.

Staying hydrated is always a good idea, not just when you're feeling under the weather. Our bodies need lots of fluids to complete daily maintenance tasks which keep us healthy.

How to get rid of a cough in 5 minutes through increased fluid intake: While water works just fine, taking in other types of liquids can also help:

Hot soups feel great when one is dealing with a sore throat and a nagging cough. Depending on the region of the world, there are many different go-to soup options. In the U.S., chicken noodle soup takes the crown as the most popular soup for recovery from a cold.
Herbal and lemon teas are great choices as they are excellent sources of antioxidants and vitamin C.

4. Invest in a Humidifier

Dry air irritates the respiratory system. For this reason, investing in a humidifier is an excellent choice. This is especially true during the evenings, as humidifiers can keep the air moist and prevent your respiratory system from drying out while you sleep.

While humidifiers may be a great option for many individuals, we must back our recommendations with research, when possible. In 2017, a study found little improvement in common cold symptoms with the use of a humidifier. The study found that humidifiers did not cause harm, but they also provided no benefit to study participants.

However, studies are not always the most important consideration. If a person firmly believes that a humidifier will help with their cough and they like the feeling it provides, he or she should use one! There is no harm in using a humidifier, and the power of belief should not be understated.

It is also vital to say that whoever uses a humidifier must clean its filters frequently (every three days) and replace its filters regularly (every three months in general or every two months if used every day). If not, the humidifier might cause allergies or even lung infections!

How to get rid of a cough in 5 minutes using a humidifier: Many people enjoy the effect of adding a couple drops of essential oil to their humidifier. A bit of eucalyptus, rosemary, or mint essential oil can provide a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect.

5. Ensure You're Breathing Clean, Fresh Air

air purifier in the living room with woman and cat | Keep the Air Clean | How to Get Rid of a Cough in 5 Minutes

Car exhaust, cigarette smoke, and even perfume may lead to a cough. In addition, any tiny particles present in dirty air can irritate the throat and lungs. Not to mention, prolonged exposure to impure air may also lead to devastating diagnoses such as lung cancer and COPD.

As much as you can, stick to areas of fresh air that promote lung health. Walking in the woods is a great way to get some exercise and ensure that you're taking in high-quality, oxygen-rich air.

How to get rid of a cough in 5 minutes by avoiding dirty air:

Wear a mask when outside of the home.
Avoid cigarette smoke.
Purchase an air purifier.

A cough is one of the first signs of disease. Therefore, having a way to keep on top of any changes when you cough can be critical, especially with the lingering threat of COVID-19 plaguing our world.

Hyfe has created a tool for you to do so by applying AI technology and machine learning. Check out the Hyfe app today to keep on top of your respiratory health!