TIPS
FOR CALMING YOUR COUGH
Coughing is what you do when something bugs your throat,
whether it’s a dust or postnatal drip. Coughing also helps clear your lungs and
windpipe. Many coughs, like those from cold or flu, will go away on their own.
If yours comes from a more serious medical condition, you need to treat the
cause.
Whatever the reason, if coughing is driving you crazy,
there are ways to feel better.
Drink plenty of fluids or use a cool-mist humidifier or
vaporizer to soothe an irritated throat and loosen mucus.
Prop your head up on extra pillows at night and have a
little honey before bed.
Studies show that honey can help ease a cough. But don’t
give it to children under 12 months, and never give cough medicine to children
younger than 4yrs because it can have serious side effects.
For children 4 to 6 yrs old, ask your doctor before
giving any cough or cold medicines.
They are safer after age 6. And for children 1yr up,
try ½ to one tea spoon of honey to help them cough mucus. A hard candy can also
help tickle in the back of your throat.
Don’t give cough drops to children younger than 4yrs.
If your cough isn’t better after a week, see your doctor to make sure it’s not
caused by a bacterial illness like a sinus infection or pneumonia.
If you’re wheezing…where your breath sounds like
whistling …you may have asthma and need to see your doctor. And if you smoke,
chances are you cough, especially in the morning. But that cough may be a sign
of something serious. Sometimes smoke irritates the airways and causes inflammation
that turns into chronic bronchitis. It can also be a warning sign of cancer. If
your cough seems different than usual, or if it lasts after you quit smoking
for a month, see a doctor immediately.
By…Belinda Yeboah
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