A cough can be both annoying and uncomfortable when you’re trying to get things done during the day, and coughing at night can disrupt your rest. Dealing with that itchiness in your throat is difficult, but here is how to get rid of a cough in 5 minutes.
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5 Useful Tips on How to Get Rid of a Cough in 5 Minutes
Gargle with Saltwater
A cough has various causes, but mainly it’s due to the inflammation of the throat or airway caused by infectious diseases such as the flu or the common cough. In those particular cases, salt water is your best solution.
How to get rid of a cough in 5 minutes tip: For every 8 oz. of water, use a quarter to half a teaspoon of salt and remember to use warm water because it will help soothe your sore throat.
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Breathing Exercises
While most breathing techniques are aimed at people with chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, they can also be applied to anyone who has a cough.
How to get rid of a cough in 5 minutes tip: You can try the pursed-lip breathing technique by taking a long deep breath through your nose while counting to two, then exhaling slowly while counting to four as you’re pursing your lips as if you’re about to whistle.
Stay Hydrated
Fluids can help you eliminate the nasty mucus and phlegm associated with a cough while also soothing the irritating sensation in your throat. Water can wash down the mucus in your throat and make your cough productive.
How to get rid of a cough in 5 minutes tip: While water works just fine, having other kinds of beverages can have different effects such as:
- Herbal tea with honey is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which is more effective than certain medicines for suppressing cough, according to research.
- Lemon tea is also a great choice as it is an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamin C.
Invest in a Humidifier
Dry air can cause and irritate a cough. That’s why investing in a humidifier is an excellent choice, especially at night, as it can keep the air moist and prevent your respiratory system from drying out due to inactivity.
How to get rid of a cough in 5 minutes tip: For a better result, you can combine it with aromatherapy by adding a couple of drops of essential oil to the machine. A drop of eucalyptus, rosemary, or mint essential oil will make all the difference as they contain anti-inflammatory properties.
Keep the Air Clean
Stay as far away as you can from dirty air. Though pollution such as exhaust from vehicles or cigarette smoke can be the cause of your cough, strong fragrances such as perfume or cologne can also make you cough.
How to get rid of a cough in 5 minutes tip:
- Try to put on a mask when you go out.
- Keep your distance from cigarette smoke.
- Get yourself an air purifier to see the difference.
A cough is one first sign your body gives you when something is wrong with it. Therefore, having a way to keep an eye for any changes when you cough can be critical, especially when the pandemic is still around. Hyfe created a tool for you to do so by applying AI technology and machine learning.
Have you ever experienced a lingering cough, and what do you do to get rid of it? Share your treatment with us in the comment below!
Hyfe applies artificial intelligence to identify and record coughs, giving you better insights into your cough and help you monitor your health in the context of pollution, the flu, or even COVID-19. Try it out now and stay on top of your health!
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