Tips on How to Get Rid of a Cough

Do you have a cough? If so, then you are probably looking for ways to get rid of it. Well, sometimes a cough is a simple thing to rectify - sometimes it isn't. It all depends on why you have it. Here are some general guidelines that will help you get rid of your cough.

1. See Your Doctor

Sometimes, it isn't necessary to see a doctor for a cough. So how do you know when it's time to go? It's hard to say. If your cough doesn't go away or if your phlegm starts changing colors that's a good indication. If your cough lasts longer than a week you should definitely see your physician for the proper diagnosis.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

If your cough comes on suddenly or is accompanied by a sore throat or your voice starts to get hoarse, the cough could be due to dehydration. In this case, making sure you drink plenty of water is the way to go.

3. Keep Yourself Healthy

If you want to prevent coughs then the best way to approach it would be to keep your body healthy. This isn't an absolute guarantee that you won't get sick, but it is a good first line of defense. You know those people who never seem to get a cold or the flu? Chances are really good that they take care of their bodies.

4. Eat Plenty of Honey

Honey is a great remedy for coughs! It soothes the throat and helps ease the cough symptoms in general. Make sure you buy raw honey because it has all the enzymes intact. Also, avoid giving honey to your children if they are two years of age and under.

5. Take Cough Syrup

I personally use this as a last resort or if my doctor says to take it. I would also take something like a cough suppressant if I needed to spend the day in public. Having coughing fits in front of people is a little embarassing.

6. Figure out why you Have your Cough

This is a very important step to getting rid of your cough. If you know why you have it, you will be better able to deal with it effectively so it can go away for good. Do you have bronchitis? Then you'll need antibiotics. Is your cough due to allergies? Regular use of an antihistamine will help. Review your options with your doctor to make sure you are diagnosed properly and that the treatment is right for you.