Lifestyle and home remedies

Follow the plan your doctor gives you for treating the cause of your cough. In the meantime, you can also try these tips to ease your cough:

• Drink fluids. Liquid helps thin the mucus in your throat. Warm liquids, such as broth, tea or juice, can soothe your throat.
• Suck on cough drops or hard candies. They may ease a dry cough and soothe an irritated throat.
• Consider taking honey. A teaspoon of honey may help loosen a cough. Don't give honey to children younger than 1 year old because honey can contain bacteria harmful to infants.
• Moisturize the air. Use a cool-mist humidifier or take a steamy shower.
• Avoid tobacco smoke. Smoking or breathing secondhand smoke irritates your lungs and can worsen coughs caused by other factors. If you smoke, talk with your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit.