Learn How to Stop a Cough
Cough Medications
Not all medications that claim to stop a cough work as well as they should. In a study published in the British Medical Journal, researchers found that most over-the-counter cough medications were no better than a placebo for stopping a cough. In addition, many drugstore cough preparations are unsafe for children, particularly children under the age of two. Sometimes a cough is due to post-nasal drainage. In this case, an over-the-counter decongestant may help relieve cough that occurs at night when secretions drain into the back of the throat.
The FDA has approved prescription cough suppressants that contain hydrocodone for adults and children over the age of six. Because hydrocodone is an opiate, it is addictive and can interact with other drugs including alcohol. Although quite effective for suppressing cough, hydrocodone can cause constipation, vomiting, disorientation, dizziness, sedation and euphoria. Not surprisingly, teens sometimes use it as a recreational drug because of its euphoric effects. Hydrocodone also lowers testosterone levels in men and causes irregular periods in women.
How to Stop a Cough Naturally
If a cough is caused by a bacterial infection, you may need antibiotics to stop coughing even though the cough sometimes persists after the infection has cleared due to post-infection inflammation. If it does, there are some simple ways to stop a cough that don’t involve medications.
First, make sure there’s enough humidity in the air where you live and sleep. Dry air makes a cough worse and can even cause coughing in healthy people. Cut off any fans that blow air in your direction while you sleep. Think about running a humidifier to increase the humidity in your bedroom since most coughing occurs when you lie down to sleep. Before bedtime, sip a cup of hot tea sweetened with a tablespoon of honey and a generous squirt of lemon. According to studies, buckwheat honey is a better cough suppressant than over-the-counter cough medications. Children under the age of one should never use honey to stop a cough since it can contain botulism spores.
What you chew on can help stop a cough too. Try sucking on a peppermint, lemon drop, or some fresh ginger. These tasty treats are all quite effective for stopping a cough.
Finally, stay well-hydrated by drinking lots of water throughout the day. Standing in a hot shower and inhaling the steam is another effective method for taming a cough.
The Bottom Line
It’s always a good idea to get a cough evaluated by a doctor to find out the cause. Once you know it is not serious, natural remedies are safer than most prescription and over-the-counter cough suppressants.
References
Medscape.com. “Over-the-Counter Cough Medicines Are Unproved”
Medscape.com. “Potential Dangers of Cough and Cold Medications in Children”
PrescriptionDrugInfo.com. “Hydrocodone”
Science Daily website. “Honey A Better Option For Childhood Cough Than Over The Counter Medications”
