Coughing is a reflex that clears the airways. It can stem from various sources and may manifest as wet, dry, or even hoarse. A dry cough may transition into a wet cough, and vice versa.

HOW TO RELIEVE COUGHS NATURALLY?

Why do we cough?

Coughing is the abrupt, audible exhalation of air from the lungs. Did you know a cough is one of the most common reasons why people consult a doctor? We cough to clear material from the airways and to shield the lungs from particles that have been inhaled. Coughing can occur voluntarily or involuntarily.¹

It is a natural defense reflex that liberates the airways (bronchi, trachea, and larynx) congested by foreign bodies (dust, fine particles, foreign bodies inhaled through a false route) or mucus (infectious or allergic secretions), termed a productive cough. This protects the pulmonary alveoli, facilitating gas exchange (oxygen, carbon dioxide). A cough that doesn’t clear anything is termed a dry or nonproductive cough.²

Why is my cough stronger in the evening?

Lying down can induce coughing, making it challenging to fall asleep and stay asleep. Mucus may accumulate in the back of the throat when lying down, leading to coughing, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.

What causes coughing?

Coughs can have various origins, possibly linked to an illness like respiratory infection, chronic bronchitis, bronchiolitis, asthma, respiratory allergy, heart problems, whooping cough, or inhalation of a foreign body. Once present, many factors can influence a cough: humidity, heat, pollution, smoking, allergies, stress, etc. If concerned, consult a health professional. In the case of fever or persistent or worsening symptoms, seek advice from a healthcare practitioner.

Which easy tips can help relieve coughs?³

How do you soothe a cough? Here are a few tips.

• Improve indoor air quality
  • Air all living areas frequently, especially when suffering from dust-mite allergies.
  • Humidify the home and workplace with a humidifier or, alternatively, a container of water placed on a radiator, particularly in cases of dry, irritating, sometimes hoarse coughs, predominant in the evening and at night (acute laryngitis).
  • If coughing is stronger in the evening, raising the head of the bed or propping yourself up with pillows can sometimes help reduce bouts of coughing at night.
• Avoid smoky environments and exposure to irritants such as aerosols and dust, which can trigger and prolong coughing.
• Rest and stay hydrated (an adult with chronic bronchitis cough can expectorate more than a liter a day!).
• Drink herbal tea made with thyme, lemon juice, and hot water, sweetened with honey. Honey has a soothing effect, and this natural cough remedy can relieve a mild cough caused by irritation.

Homeopathic remedies can help!

Boiron homeopathic syrups, available for children (ages 1 to 11) as well as adults, can be a good solution to provide relief from dry or wet coughs, irritating coughs, or coughs with phlegm. Stodal Honey is a real honey-based syrup that does not contain coloring and does not cause drowsiness—a must in the family pharmacy!

If your child suffers from cold and cough simultaneously, try Stodal multi-symptoms by Boiron! For children from 1 year, it’s used for cold symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing; minor sore throat, dry or wet cough, chest congestion. This Boiron homeopathic syrup is non-drowsy and dye-free.

*This claim is based on traditional homeopathic references and not modern scientific evidence. *

What hygiene precautions should I take when coughing?

When we cough, we emit droplets containing infectious agents that are vectors of contamination. To avoid transmitting a viral infection and protect those around you, it’s important to adopt a few simple everyday gestures. Every time you cough, cover your mouth and nose. It’s also a good idea to cough into the crease of your elbow. Additionally, washing hands properly, wearing a mask if you are sick, and ventilating rooms are essential preventive measures against the spread of viruses.

References:
[1] Cough in Adults – Lung and Airway Disorders – Merck Manuals Consumer Version
[2] Cough in Children – Children’s Health Issues – Merck Manuals Consumer Version
[3] Toux: Les 20 meilleurs remèdes naturels efficaces contre la toux (selection.ca)

About the Author: The Boiron Team

Boiron is the largest manufacturer of homeopathic products in the world. Since 1932, Boiron’s vision of healthcare puts people at its very center and seeks to help them in their everyday lives. Download the free Boiron Homeopathic Medicine Guide application that helps consumers find the most appropriate homeopathic medicines to relieve their symptoms.