How to Reduce Cough?
Understand what cough is and the effective strategies to reduce cough through medical treatments, lifestyle changes and home remedies. Discover when to seek professional help and the diet to follow in managing cough.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Coughing is a normal and healthy reflex that helps the body clear the airways of smoke, mucus and other irritants. However, constant coughing can take a toll on health. It may interrupt sleep, work and other activities. It can hurt the chest and tire out individuals. When infected or irritated by a cough or sore throat, the cells in the upper airways (nose and throat) can trigger the immune system to help fight back. Individuals can get relief from these symptoms by working on reducing the inflammation.
What is Cough?
Coughing is a natural defence mechanism that protects the respiratory tract. It can be voluntary or involuntary and triggered by various factors such as allergens, infections, or irritants. Coughs can be acute (lasting less than three weeks) or chronic (lasting more than eight weeks in adults and four weeks in children). A persistent cough may signal asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Types of Coughs
Several types of coughs can also be categorised by sound, such as wheezing, barking, or whooping.
Below are a few types of coughs:
1. Acute Cough
Coughing that starts suddenly and lasts up to three weeks is called acute cough. It is the least severe type of cough and can usually clear up on its own.
2. Chronic Cough
This is a type of cough that can last more than eight weeks. It could be a sign of a chronic lung disease.
3. Whooping Cough
This type of cough makes a whooping sound between coughing fits. It can be caused by a bacterial infection.
4. Productive Cough
Also known as wet cough, productive cough produces mucus or phlegm. This could be a sign of bronchitis, pneumonia, or the flu.
5. Non-productive Cough
This type of cough doesn’t produce mucus or phlegm. It could be a dry cough.
What Causes Cough?
Coughing once in a while is considered common. However, if a cough lasts for several weeks or brings up discoloured or bloody mucus, it may be a sign of a medical condition. Infections or flare-ups of chronic lung conditions can cause most acute coughs, and most chronic coughs can be related to underlying heart, lung, or sinus conditions.
1. Common Infectious Causes of Acute Cough
Common infectious causes of acute cough include the following:
Bronchitis
Common Cold
Influenza (flu)
Acute Sinusitis
Bronchiolitis (especially in young children)
Croup (especially in young children)
Pneumonia
Laryngitis
Whooping Cough
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
2. Common Lung Causes of Chronic Cough
Below mentioned are the common lung causes of chronic cough:
Chronic Bronchitis
Asthma (most common in children)
Bronchiectasis (leads to a mucus build-up that can be streaked with blood, raising the risk of infection)
Emphysema (lung condition that causes shortness of breath)
COPD (long-term lung disease causing trouble with breathing)
Sarcoidosis
Tuberculosis
Lung Cancer
Cystic Fibrosis
Pulmonary Embolism
3. Other Causes of Cough
A few other causes of cough can include:
Choking
Allergies
Inhaling irritants like dust, smoke, or chemicals
Postnasal drip, which means fluid from the nose runs down the back of the throat
Neuromuscular diseases that can weaken the coordination of upper airway and swallowing muscles
Who is More Likely to Experience a Cough?
Anyone can get a cough. However, a few individuals are more likely to get coughs than others. They include those who:
Vape
Smoke substances like tobacco
Have allergies
Have chronic illnesses, especially those involving the nervous system or the lungs
Are children, as they are more susceptible to respiratory infections.
Diagnosis
A thorough medical history and physical exam can help in giving important clues about a chronic cough.
Below are a few tests that may be recommended:
1. Imaging Tests
Imaging tests may include:
X-rays: Though a routine chest X-ray may not reveal the most common reasons for a cough, such as acid reflux, tobacco, or asthma, it may be used to check for pneumonia, lung cancer, and other lung diseases. An X-ray of the sinuses may reveal evidence of a sinus infection.
Computerised Tomography Scans: These are also called CT scans and may be used to check the lungs for conditions that may produce chronic cough.
2. Scope Tests
Special scope tests may be used to look for possible causes of cough.
These tests may include:
Rhinoscopy: The healthcare professional uses a fibre-optic scope, or rhinoscope, to view the nasal passageways, sinuses and upper airway.
Bronchoscopy: This is a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera attached. The health professional can look at the lungs and air passages. A biopsy, also known as a biopsy of the mucosa, may be taken from the inside lining of the airway to check for anything unusual. A biopsy is a procedure to remove a sample of tissue for testing in a lab.
3. Lab Tests
If the mucus a person coughs up is coloured, a healthcare professional may want to test a sample for bacteria.
4. Lung Function Tests
These are noninvasive, simple tests, such as spirometry, used to diagnose COPD and asthma. The tests help measure how much air the lungs can hold and how fast one can exhale. The healthcare professional may also request an asthma challenge test, which tests how well a person breathes before and after inhaling the drug methacholine (Provocholine). Spirometry or a chest X-ray is usually done to find the cause of chronic cough in children.
Home Remedies to Reduce Cough
Natural remedies can help soothe the throat, reduce irritation, and suppress coughing.
1. Steam Inhalation and Humidifiers
Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air and prevents dryness, which can trigger coughing. Steam inhalation with essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can help clear nasal congestion and soothe irritated airways. A hot shower can also provide similar benefits by loosening mucus and reducing throat irritation.
2. Herbal Tea and Honey
Herbal teas like ginger, chamomile, and peppermint have anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease throat irritation. Honey has antibacterial and soothing properties that help relieve cough and sore throat. A warm honey and lemon mixture can be a natural cough suppressant.
3. Over-the-Counter Options to Treat Cough
A few over-the-counter medications can relieve persistent coughs, such as:
Cough Suppressants: Cough suppressants (antitussives) help reduce the urge to cough, making them effective for dry cough. Dextromethorphan is a common ingredient in cough syrups that can help suppress coughing. Cough lozenges that contain menthol can also help provide temporary relief.
Expectorants: They help thin mucus, making it easier to expel from the airways. Guaifenesin is a widely used expectorant found in many cough medications. Drinking plenty of fluids can also enhance the effectiveness of expectorants.
Medical Treatments for Cough
Medical treatments may be necessary for chronic and severe cough.
1. Inhalers and Nebulisers for Breathing Problems
Inhalers provide fast-acting relief for conditions such as COPD or asthma. Nebulisers convert liquid medication into a mist, making it easier for patients with respiratory conditions to inhale.
2. Prescription Medications
Antihistamines can be used to manage allergen-induced cough. Corticosteroids may be prescribed for inflammation-related cough, and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) can help treat cough caused by acid reflux.
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Cough
Lifestyle modifications can help reduce the severity and frequency of coughing episodes.
1. Maintaining Proper Hydration
Drinking sufficient water helps keep mucus thin and prevent throat irritation. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine is also necessary, as they can lead to dehydration and exacerbate coughing.
2. Avoiding Irritants and Allergens
It is essential to keep indoor air clean by using air purifiers and avoiding cigarette smoke. Reducing exposure to common allergens such as pollen and dust mites can help. Wearing a mask to protect the respiratory system in high-pollution areas can also help prevent coughs.
Role of Diet in Reducing Cough
Foods that may help in relieving cough symptoms include:
Spices like turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties that help in relieving cough.
Warm broths and soups can help to soothe the throat and hydrate the respiratory system.
Foods that can exacerbate cough symptoms and must be avoided include:
Spicy and acidic foods that can aggravate throat irritation and trigger coughing.
Dairy products can increase mucus production and worsen cough in some individuals.
Conclusion
Reducing cough requires a combination of home remedies, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments. The underlying cause must be identified to determine the best treatment approach. Seeking medical advice ensures proper treatment and long-term respiratory health.
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