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Gargle With Salt Water
jayk7
//
Getty Images
A simple way to ease a cough is with salt water. "Salt can kill bacteria," says
Keri Peterson, MD,
an internal medicine doctor and
WH
advisor. "It's also soothing." However, salt doesn't kill viruses, so it may not help you heal your cold or cough faster, Dr. Peterson explains.
To try this at home, mix half a teaspoon of table salt with eight ounces of warm water.
2
Sip On Ginger Tea
letty17
//
Getty Images
Ginger is well known for its power in calming an
upset stomach
. Turns out, it can also work wonders for a cough.
“
Ginger
has been found to be helpful in reducing cough and alleviating sore throat, and ginger lozenges are widely used for this purpose,” Dr. Hanak explains.
The root also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are beneficial in treating a variety of conditions, he adds. Brew some ginger tea by using a teabag or pouring hot water over some fresh slices.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
Consider Heartburn Meds
SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
//
Getty Images
Pepcid, Prilosec, or other antacids can relieve acid reflux and nix any associated coughs, notes Dr. Hanak.
If you find it to be a chronic issue, making certain dietary changes may help, such as avoiding citrus, chocolate, high-fat foods, onions, and tomato-based food products, and incorporating
high-fiber
foods into your diet, like brown rice, celery, lettuce, melon, oatmeal, and root vegetables (think: potatoes).
You may also want to drink lots of water and keep your portions small at meals if your coughs are due to reflux, says Dr. Hanak.
4
Add Honey To Your Drinks
Witthaya Prasongsin
//
Getty Images
Coughing, but also craving something sweet? You're in luck! “Honey has been found to be helpful in alleviating cough, either on its own or as part of a cup of tea,” says Dr. Hanak. In fact, honey might relieve cough symptoms better than no treatment, diphenhydramine, and a placebo, a
2018 study
found.
It's soothing to the upper airways, taking that throat tickle away, Dr. Peterson adds. "It's also anti-inflammatory so it helps with inflammation—honey's great."
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
Enjoy A Hot Bath Or Shower
ksalt
//
Getty Images
Besides helping you de-stress after a long day, soaking in a hot bath can ease common cold symptoms like congestion, coughing, and sinus pressure, says Dr. Peterson. (A shower works just as well, FYI.) "The steam opens up the airways really well and it soothes," she says.
Alternatively, you could try a
humidifier
, which adds moisture to the air around you and can work in the same way.
6
Hydrate
mikroman6
//
Getty Images
Hydration is important on any given day, but it can be especially crucial when you have a cough. “Staying well-hydrated can help thin mucus in the back of the throat, which can lead to mild improvement in a cough,” explains Dr. Hanak.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Grab A Lozenge
douglascraig
//
Getty Images
Another quick and easy at-home remedy to stop a cough in its tracks? A lozenge, like
Ricola lemon mint drops
, says Dr. Peterson.
8
Try A Nasal Spray
SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
//
Getty Images
If your cough is a result of allergies, try
Flonase
or
Nasonex
paired with a daily allergy pill such as
Allegra
,
Claritin
, or
Zyrtec
, per Dr. Hanak.
"Treating allergy symptoms is a common method of resolving postnasal drip and related cough," he says. "This is especially true when a cough is most apparent laying flat or first thing in the morning."
A cough can be seasonal or year-round, so paying attention to the timing will allow you to predict and prevent it, he adds.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
Use A Neti Pot
Razvan Chisu
//
Getty Images
To tame a cough caused by a postnasal drip, Dr. Hanak and Dr. Peterson suggest using a neti pot, which can wash out any debris or mucus from your nasal passages. “Clearing mucus from the nasal passages can be helpful in reducing post nasal drainage, thereby improving cough,” Dr. Hanak explains.
This irrigation device can provide relief for people with allergies and sinus infections, in particular, and Dr. Peterson uses one herself. "They flush out germs, the salt kills the bacteria," she says.
But remember to use a neti pot with sterile water to make sure there's no bacteria or other contaminants in it. To ensure it's safe, boil water and refrigerate it or buy distilled water, Dr. Peterson says.
10
Pick Up Cough Medicines
d3sign
//
Getty Images
You also may want to give OTC medications a shot, especially if you've already tried everything else. Antitussives are cough suppressants and can block the cough reflex, according to the
American Academy of Family Physicians
. They "inhibit the cough center in the brain," Dr. Peterson adds. Then there are expectorants, which thin mucus to help get it out, she says.
When in doubt, ask your pharmacist or primary care physician, and always remember to check the expiration dates. Dr. Peterson recommends
Delsym
and
Mucinex DM
.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11
Get A Prescription Medication
MirageC
//
Getty Images
When in doubt, talk to your doc and see if you might need something stronger, like a prescription medication, for your cough. Benzonatate medications like Tessalon Perles, are specifically recommended by Dr. Peterson, but of course your own doctor will prescribe what's right for you. Benzonatate "anesthetizes the stretch receptors of the nerves in the airways and works very well to suppress coughs," she explains.
12
Eat Your Probiotics
wilatlak villette
//
Getty Images
Probiotics
can promote good gut health, but they have also been shown to have a marginal impact on staving off the common cold and reducing coughing, Dr. Hanak says. Great sources of probiotics include
yogurt
and
fermented foods
like miso and kimchi.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
Quit Smoking
JGI/Tom Grill
//
Getty Images
By minimizing exposure to chemicals and irritants, which are harmful to the lungs, quitting smoking can cut down on inflammation, Dr. Hanak says. A cough caused by smoking can be progressive, depending on how much someone smokes and how long they have been smoking, he adds.
14
Consider A Chloraseptic Throat Spray
anilakkus
//
Getty Images
Chloraseptic throat spray can provide temporary relief for pain, irritation, and soreness in the throat, per Dr. Peterson. "It's instant," she says. "You spray it on, it works immediately, and so it takes away the tickle in the back of the throat."
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15
Try Throat Coat Tea
Guido Mieth
//
Getty Images
Throat coat tea
has licorice and slippery elm, which is licorice-based, and it almost, well, coats the throat, creating a barrier to soothe inflammation, making it a great option for a nagging cough, says Dr. Peterson who sips on the tea daily herself.
When To See A Doctor
Women's Health
Again, if you've had a persistent cough for more than two weeks, Dr. Hanak says to contact your healthcare provider. Other signs to call your doctor for a cough include shortness of breath, wheezing, high fever, chest pain, and hemoptysis (coughing up blood), per Dr. Peterson.
Ashley Martens is a wellness writer based in Chicago. With a lifelong passion for all things health and wellness, Ashley enjoys writing about topics to help people live happier and healthier lives. With a foundation in fitness, food, and nutrition, Ashley covers it all including sexual health and travel topics. Ashley is also a NASM-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor.
 Addison Aloian is the associate health & fitness editor at Women’s Health, where she writes and edits across the health, weight loss, and fitness verticals. She’s also a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). In her free time, you can find her lifting weights at the gym, running on the West Side Highway in New York City—she recently completed her first marathon, the 2025 New York City Marathon—and watching (and critiquing!) the latest movies that have garnered Oscars buzz. In addition to Women's Health, she’s made an appearance on the Oprah Podcast and her work has also appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L'Officiel USA, V Magazine, VMAN, and more. | |||||||||
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3. [How To Get Rid Of A Cough In 5 Minutes: 15 Tips From Doctors That Can Help Soothe Your Throat Fast](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/g39629324/how-to-get-rid-of-a-cough-in-5-minutes/)
# How To Get Rid Of A Cough In 5 Minutes: 15 Tips From Doctors That Can Help Soothe Your Throat Fast
You probably already have most of these at home.
By [Ashley Martens](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/author/233129/ashley-martens/ "Ashley Martens") and [Addison Aloian, NASM-CPT](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/author/246402/addison-aloian/ "Addison Aloian, NASM-CPT")
Updated: Dec 21, 2023 3:39 PM EST
Medically reviewed by [Keri Peterson, MD](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/author/215705/keri-peterson-md/)
When it comes to [cold](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a19935911/exercise-with-a-cold/) or COVID symptoms, there's something about a cough that can be extra frustrating. A cough is uncomfortable, yes, but it can also be disruptive when it just won't quit. If you can currently relate, you might be searching for ways to get rid of a cough in five minutes, and I don’t blame you.
But just so you know, a [cough](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a34713804/honey-for-cough/) isn’t always bad, it’s a reflex that protects our airways and lungs against irritants like dust, germs, and mucus. And occasional coughing is completely normal, according to [the American Lung Association](https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/warning-signs-of-lung-disease/cough/learn-about-cough).
That said, a cough isn’t necessarily something you should just shrug off. “\[A\] cough has many causes, ranging from a common viral illness to asthma or [seasonal allergies](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/g36446792/best-otc-allergy-medicine/) to more significant health problems, such as chronic lung conditions, congestive heart failure, or even cancer,” says [Michael Hanak, MD,](https://www.rushu.rush.edu/faculty/michael-hanak-md-faafp) an assistant professor of family medicine at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Now, some people may develop a cough after becoming infected with [COVID-19](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a39092784/how-to-treat-covid-19-symptoms-at-home/). A COVID cough is dry and persistent, according to [Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital](https://www.sfsh.com/blog/is-that-cough-covid-19-how-to-know-and-what-to-do#:~:text=Believe%20it%20or%20not%2C%20COVID,irritates%20the%20already-dry%20throat.). It is typically accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pains, fatigue, headaches, and shortness of breath.
**Meet the experts:** [Michael Hanak, MD,](https://www.rushu.rush.edu/faculty/michael-hanak-md-faafp) is an assistant professor of family medicine at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. [Keri Peterson, MD,](http://kerimd.com/about/) is an internal medicine doctor and *WH* advisor.
However, there are also less serious causes of coughing. Certain [medications](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a42623753/weight-loss-drugs-future-ozempic-wegovy-mounjaro/) could be to blame, says Dr. Hanak. Environmental triggers like dust, mold, or other pollutants could be a contributing factor as well, either through lung irritation or postnasal drip. [Acid reflux](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/g29344302/acid-reflux-pillow/) is another potential trigger.
If you've been coughing for more than two weeks, Dr. Hanak suggests seeing your doctor for additional testing or recommendations. But if you’ve just started hacking, you can try to soothe your throat with these remedies.
1
## Gargle With Salt Water
jayk7//Getty Images
A simple way to ease a cough is with salt water. "Salt can kill bacteria," says [Keri Peterson, MD,](http://kerimd.com/about/) an internal medicine doctor and *WH* advisor. "It's also soothing." However, salt doesn't kill viruses, so it may not help you heal your cold or cough faster, Dr. Peterson explains.
To try this at home, mix half a teaspoon of table salt with eight ounces of warm water.
2
## Sip On Ginger Tea
letty17//Getty Images
Ginger is well known for its power in calming an [upset stomach](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/g19040084/stomach-pain-cures/). Turns out, it can also work wonders for a cough.
“[Ginger](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/) has been found to be helpful in reducing cough and alleviating sore throat, and ginger lozenges are widely used for this purpose,” Dr. Hanak explains.
The root also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are beneficial in treating a variety of conditions, he adds. Brew some ginger tea by using a teabag or pouring hot water over some fresh slices.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
## Consider Heartburn Meds
SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY//Getty Images
Pepcid, Prilosec, or other antacids can relieve acid reflux and nix any associated coughs, notes Dr. Hanak.
If you find it to be a chronic issue, making certain dietary changes may help, such as avoiding citrus, chocolate, high-fat foods, onions, and tomato-based food products, and incorporating [high-fiber](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a19967218/foods-high-in-fiber/) foods into your diet, like brown rice, celery, lettuce, melon, oatmeal, and root vegetables (think: potatoes).
You may also want to drink lots of water and keep your portions small at meals if your coughs are due to reflux, says Dr. Hanak.
4
## Add Honey To Your Drinks
Witthaya Prasongsin//Getty Images
Coughing, but also craving something sweet? You're in luck! “Honey has been found to be helpful in alleviating cough, either on its own or as part of a cup of tea,” says Dr. Hanak. In fact, honey might relieve cough symptoms better than no treatment, diphenhydramine, and a placebo, a [2018 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6513626/) found.
It's soothing to the upper airways, taking that throat tickle away, Dr. Peterson adds. "It's also anti-inflammatory so it helps with inflammation—honey's great."
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
## Enjoy A Hot Bath Or Shower
ksalt//Getty Images
Besides helping you de-stress after a long day, soaking in a hot bath can ease common cold symptoms like congestion, coughing, and sinus pressure, says Dr. Peterson. (A shower works just as well, FYI.) "The steam opens up the airways really well and it soothes," she says.
Alternatively, you could try a [humidifier](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/g25833785/best-humidifiers/), which adds moisture to the air around you and can work in the same way.
6
## Hydrate
mikroman6//Getty Images
Hydration is important on any given day, but it can be especially crucial when you have a cough. “Staying well-hydrated can help thin mucus in the back of the throat, which can lead to mild improvement in a cough,” explains Dr. Hanak.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
## Grab A Lozenge
douglascraig//Getty Images
Another quick and easy at-home remedy to stop a cough in its tracks? A lozenge, like [Ricola lemon mint drops](https://www.amazon.com/Ricola-Sugar-Lemon-Cough-Drops/dp/B015MKNOH8/ref=asc_df_B015MKNOH8/), says Dr. Peterson.
8
## Try A Nasal Spray
SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY//Getty Images
If your cough is a result of allergies, try [Flonase](https://www.amazon.com/Flonase-Allergy-Metered-Medicine-Tissues/dp/B09J19Q189/ref=sr_1_2_sspa) or [Nasonex](https://www.amazon.com/Nasonex-Allergy-Nasal-Drowsy-Medicine/dp/B0B5Y8PGGX/ref=sr_1_1) paired with a daily allergy pill such as [Allegra](https://www.amazon.com/Allegra-Long-Lasting-Fast-Acting-Antihistamine-Noticeable/dp/B01B5AQEYY/ref=sr_1_2_sspa), [Claritin](https://www.amazon.com/Claritin-Non-Drowsy-Medicine-Loratadine-Antihistamine/dp/B078BBYNLC/ref=sr_1_1_sspa), or [Zyrtec](https://www.amazon.com/Zyrtec-Allergy-Cetirizine-Antihistamine-Medicine/dp/B08JVPNBGM/ref=sr_1_5), per Dr. Hanak.
"Treating allergy symptoms is a common method of resolving postnasal drip and related cough," he says. "This is especially true when a cough is most apparent laying flat or first thing in the morning."
A cough can be seasonal or year-round, so paying attention to the timing will allow you to predict and prevent it, he adds.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
## Use A Neti Pot
Razvan Chisu//Getty Images
To tame a cough caused by a postnasal drip, Dr. Hanak and Dr. Peterson suggest using a neti pot, which can wash out any debris or mucus from your nasal passages. “Clearing mucus from the nasal passages can be helpful in reducing post nasal drainage, thereby improving cough,” Dr. Hanak explains.
This irrigation device can provide relief for people with allergies and sinus infections, in particular, and Dr. Peterson uses one herself. "They flush out germs, the salt kills the bacteria," she says.
But remember to use a neti pot with sterile water to make sure there's no bacteria or other contaminants in it. To ensure it's safe, boil water and refrigerate it or buy distilled water, Dr. Peterson says.
10
## Pick Up Cough Medicines
d3sign//Getty Images
You also may want to give OTC medications a shot, especially if you've already tried everything else. Antitussives are cough suppressants and can block the cough reflex, according to the [American Academy of Family Physicians](https://familydoctor.org/cough-medicine-understanding-your-otc-options/). They "inhibit the cough center in the brain," Dr. Peterson adds. Then there are expectorants, which thin mucus to help get it out, she says.
When in doubt, ask your pharmacist or primary care physician, and always remember to check the expiration dates. Dr. Peterson recommends [Delsym](https://www.amazon.com/Delsym-Adult-Hr-Cough-20Count/dp/B08YC6P76B/ref=asc_df_B08YC6P76B/) and [Mucinex DM](https://www.amazon.com/Mucinex-Extended-Bi-Layer-Expectorant-Suppressant/dp/B07H7PQ4Y4).
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11
## Get A Prescription Medication
MirageC//Getty Images
When in doubt, talk to your doc and see if you might need something stronger, like a prescription medication, for your cough. Benzonatate medications like Tessalon Perles, are specifically recommended by Dr. Peterson, but of course your own doctor will prescribe what's right for you. Benzonatate "anesthetizes the stretch receptors of the nerves in the airways and works very well to suppress coughs," she explains.
12
## Eat Your Probiotics
wilatlak villette//Getty Images
[Probiotics](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3560336/) can promote good gut health, but they have also been shown to have a marginal impact on staving off the common cold and reducing coughing, Dr. Hanak says. Great sources of probiotics include [yogurt](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a34221461/is-greek-yogurt-good-for-you/) and [fermented foods](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/g39041683/fermented-food/) like miso and kimchi.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
## Quit Smoking
JGI/Tom Grill//Getty Images
By minimizing exposure to chemicals and irritants, which are harmful to the lungs, quitting smoking can cut down on inflammation, Dr. Hanak says. A cough caused by smoking can be progressive, depending on how much someone smokes and how long they have been smoking, he adds.
14
## Consider A Chloraseptic Throat Spray
anilakkus//Getty Images
Chloraseptic throat spray can provide temporary relief for pain, irritation, and soreness in the throat, per Dr. Peterson. "It's instant," she says. "You spray it on, it works immediately, and so it takes away the tickle in the back of the throat."
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15
## Try Throat Coat Tea
Guido Mieth//Getty Images
[Throat coat tea](https://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Medicinals-Organic-Throat-Seasonal/dp/B0009F3POO/ref=sr_1_5) has licorice and slippery elm, which is licorice-based, and it almost, well, coats the throat, creating a barrier to soothe inflammation, making it a great option for a nagging cough, says Dr. Peterson who sips on the tea daily herself.
## When To See A Doctor
Women's Health
Again, if you've had a persistent cough for more than two weeks, Dr. Hanak says to contact your healthcare provider. Other signs to call your doctor for a cough include shortness of breath, wheezing, high fever, chest pain, and hemoptysis (coughing up blood), per Dr. Peterson.
[Ashley Martens](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/author/233129/ashley-martens/)
Journalist
*Ashley Martens is a wellness writer based in Chicago. With a lifelong passion for all things health and wellness, Ashley enjoys writing about topics to help people live happier and healthier lives. With a foundation in fitness, food, and nutrition, Ashley covers it all including sexual health and travel topics. Ashley is also a NASM-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor.*
[Addison Aloian, NASM-CPT](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/author/246402/addison-aloian/)
Associate Health & Fitness Editor, NASM-CPT
Addison Aloian is the associate health & fitness editor at Women’s Health, where she writes and edits across the health, weight loss, and fitness verticals. She’s also a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). In her free time, you can find her lifting weights at the gym, running on the West Side Highway in New York City—she recently completed her first marathon, the 2025 New York City Marathon—and watching (and critiquing!) the latest movies that have garnered Oscars buzz. In addition to Women's Health, she’s made an appearance on the Oprah Podcast and her work has also appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L'Officiel USA, V Magazine, VMAN, and more.
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## [Cold And Flu](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/cold-and-flu/)
[10 Ways to Get Rid of a Stuffy Nose ASAP](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a40850827/how-to-get-rid-of-a-stuffy-nose/)
[What Doctors Want You to Know About HMPV](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a70734600/human-metapneumovirus-rising-cases/)
[20 Foods That Will Help You Get Over A Cold Or Flu](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/g19922804/foods-that-fight-cold-and-flu/)
[Is It Okay To Exercise While Sick?](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a70305708/exercise-with-a-cold-when-is-it-safe/)
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[How Healthy People Can Avoid the Flu, Per Study](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a70020637/healthy-people-flu-patients-study/)
[Can Working Out Make You Sick?](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a69811022/runners-flu/)
[8 Natural Remedies For A Cough That Won't Go Away](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a69698780/natural-remedies-for-cough/)
[Can I Work Out With A Cold?](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a64631439/can-i-workout-with-a-cold-illness/)
[Are Wellness Shots Actually Good For You?](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a64222820/are-ginger-tumeric-shots-good-for-you/)
[Largest TB Outbreak In U.S. History Is Happening](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a63590123/tuberculosis-outbreak-kansas/)
[New Strain Of Bird Flu Detected In U.S.](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a63589092/h5n9-bird-flu-poultry/)
[Can I Get Bird Flu From Eggs, Poultry, Or Dairy?](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a63383151/bird-flu-food-safety-eggs-dairy-poultry/)
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| Readable Markdown | 1
## Gargle With Salt Water
jayk7//Getty Images
A simple way to ease a cough is with salt water. "Salt can kill bacteria," says [Keri Peterson, MD,](http://kerimd.com/about/) an internal medicine doctor and *WH* advisor. "It's also soothing." However, salt doesn't kill viruses, so it may not help you heal your cold or cough faster, Dr. Peterson explains.
To try this at home, mix half a teaspoon of table salt with eight ounces of warm water.
2
## Sip On Ginger Tea
letty17//Getty Images
Ginger is well known for its power in calming an [upset stomach](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/g19040084/stomach-pain-cures/). Turns out, it can also work wonders for a cough.
“[Ginger](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/) has been found to be helpful in reducing cough and alleviating sore throat, and ginger lozenges are widely used for this purpose,” Dr. Hanak explains.
The root also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are beneficial in treating a variety of conditions, he adds. Brew some ginger tea by using a teabag or pouring hot water over some fresh slices.
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3
## Consider Heartburn Meds
SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY//Getty Images
Pepcid, Prilosec, or other antacids can relieve acid reflux and nix any associated coughs, notes Dr. Hanak.
If you find it to be a chronic issue, making certain dietary changes may help, such as avoiding citrus, chocolate, high-fat foods, onions, and tomato-based food products, and incorporating [high-fiber](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a19967218/foods-high-in-fiber/) foods into your diet, like brown rice, celery, lettuce, melon, oatmeal, and root vegetables (think: potatoes).
You may also want to drink lots of water and keep your portions small at meals if your coughs are due to reflux, says Dr. Hanak.
4
## Add Honey To Your Drinks
Witthaya Prasongsin//Getty Images
Coughing, but also craving something sweet? You're in luck! “Honey has been found to be helpful in alleviating cough, either on its own or as part of a cup of tea,” says Dr. Hanak. In fact, honey might relieve cough symptoms better than no treatment, diphenhydramine, and a placebo, a [2018 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6513626/) found.
It's soothing to the upper airways, taking that throat tickle away, Dr. Peterson adds. "It's also anti-inflammatory so it helps with inflammation—honey's great."
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5
## Enjoy A Hot Bath Or Shower
ksalt//Getty Images
Besides helping you de-stress after a long day, soaking in a hot bath can ease common cold symptoms like congestion, coughing, and sinus pressure, says Dr. Peterson. (A shower works just as well, FYI.) "The steam opens up the airways really well and it soothes," she says.
Alternatively, you could try a [humidifier](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/g25833785/best-humidifiers/), which adds moisture to the air around you and can work in the same way.
6
## Hydrate
mikroman6//Getty Images
Hydration is important on any given day, but it can be especially crucial when you have a cough. “Staying well-hydrated can help thin mucus in the back of the throat, which can lead to mild improvement in a cough,” explains Dr. Hanak.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
## Grab A Lozenge
douglascraig//Getty Images
Another quick and easy at-home remedy to stop a cough in its tracks? A lozenge, like [Ricola lemon mint drops](https://www.amazon.com/Ricola-Sugar-Lemon-Cough-Drops/dp/B015MKNOH8/ref=asc_df_B015MKNOH8/), says Dr. Peterson.
8
## Try A Nasal Spray
SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY//Getty Images
If your cough is a result of allergies, try [Flonase](https://www.amazon.com/Flonase-Allergy-Metered-Medicine-Tissues/dp/B09J19Q189/ref=sr_1_2_sspa) or [Nasonex](https://www.amazon.com/Nasonex-Allergy-Nasal-Drowsy-Medicine/dp/B0B5Y8PGGX/ref=sr_1_1) paired with a daily allergy pill such as [Allegra](https://www.amazon.com/Allegra-Long-Lasting-Fast-Acting-Antihistamine-Noticeable/dp/B01B5AQEYY/ref=sr_1_2_sspa), [Claritin](https://www.amazon.com/Claritin-Non-Drowsy-Medicine-Loratadine-Antihistamine/dp/B078BBYNLC/ref=sr_1_1_sspa), or [Zyrtec](https://www.amazon.com/Zyrtec-Allergy-Cetirizine-Antihistamine-Medicine/dp/B08JVPNBGM/ref=sr_1_5), per Dr. Hanak.
"Treating allergy symptoms is a common method of resolving postnasal drip and related cough," he says. "This is especially true when a cough is most apparent laying flat or first thing in the morning."
A cough can be seasonal or year-round, so paying attention to the timing will allow you to predict and prevent it, he adds.
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9
## Use A Neti Pot
Razvan Chisu//Getty Images
To tame a cough caused by a postnasal drip, Dr. Hanak and Dr. Peterson suggest using a neti pot, which can wash out any debris or mucus from your nasal passages. “Clearing mucus from the nasal passages can be helpful in reducing post nasal drainage, thereby improving cough,” Dr. Hanak explains.
This irrigation device can provide relief for people with allergies and sinus infections, in particular, and Dr. Peterson uses one herself. "They flush out germs, the salt kills the bacteria," she says.
But remember to use a neti pot with sterile water to make sure there's no bacteria or other contaminants in it. To ensure it's safe, boil water and refrigerate it or buy distilled water, Dr. Peterson says.
10
## Pick Up Cough Medicines
d3sign//Getty Images
You also may want to give OTC medications a shot, especially if you've already tried everything else. Antitussives are cough suppressants and can block the cough reflex, according to the [American Academy of Family Physicians](https://familydoctor.org/cough-medicine-understanding-your-otc-options/). They "inhibit the cough center in the brain," Dr. Peterson adds. Then there are expectorants, which thin mucus to help get it out, she says.
When in doubt, ask your pharmacist or primary care physician, and always remember to check the expiration dates. Dr. Peterson recommends [Delsym](https://www.amazon.com/Delsym-Adult-Hr-Cough-20Count/dp/B08YC6P76B/ref=asc_df_B08YC6P76B/) and [Mucinex DM](https://www.amazon.com/Mucinex-Extended-Bi-Layer-Expectorant-Suppressant/dp/B07H7PQ4Y4).
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11
## Get A Prescription Medication
MirageC//Getty Images
When in doubt, talk to your doc and see if you might need something stronger, like a prescription medication, for your cough. Benzonatate medications like Tessalon Perles, are specifically recommended by Dr. Peterson, but of course your own doctor will prescribe what's right for you. Benzonatate "anesthetizes the stretch receptors of the nerves in the airways and works very well to suppress coughs," she explains.
12
## Eat Your Probiotics
wilatlak villette//Getty Images
[Probiotics](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3560336/) can promote good gut health, but they have also been shown to have a marginal impact on staving off the common cold and reducing coughing, Dr. Hanak says. Great sources of probiotics include [yogurt](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a34221461/is-greek-yogurt-good-for-you/) and [fermented foods](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/g39041683/fermented-food/) like miso and kimchi.
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13
## Quit Smoking
JGI/Tom Grill//Getty Images
By minimizing exposure to chemicals and irritants, which are harmful to the lungs, quitting smoking can cut down on inflammation, Dr. Hanak says. A cough caused by smoking can be progressive, depending on how much someone smokes and how long they have been smoking, he adds.
14
## Consider A Chloraseptic Throat Spray
anilakkus//Getty Images
Chloraseptic throat spray can provide temporary relief for pain, irritation, and soreness in the throat, per Dr. Peterson. "It's instant," she says. "You spray it on, it works immediately, and so it takes away the tickle in the back of the throat."
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15
## Try Throat Coat Tea
Guido Mieth//Getty Images
[Throat coat tea](https://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Medicinals-Organic-Throat-Seasonal/dp/B0009F3POO/ref=sr_1_5) has licorice and slippery elm, which is licorice-based, and it almost, well, coats the throat, creating a barrier to soothe inflammation, making it a great option for a nagging cough, says Dr. Peterson who sips on the tea daily herself.
## When To See A Doctor
Women's Health
Again, if you've had a persistent cough for more than two weeks, Dr. Hanak says to contact your healthcare provider. Other signs to call your doctor for a cough include shortness of breath, wheezing, high fever, chest pain, and hemoptysis (coughing up blood), per Dr. Peterson.
*Ashley Martens is a wellness writer based in Chicago. With a lifelong passion for all things health and wellness, Ashley enjoys writing about topics to help people live happier and healthier lives. With a foundation in fitness, food, and nutrition, Ashley covers it all including sexual health and travel topics. Ashley is also a NASM-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor.*
Addison Aloian is the associate health & fitness editor at Women’s Health, where she writes and edits across the health, weight loss, and fitness verticals. She’s also a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). In her free time, you can find her lifting weights at the gym, running on the West Side Highway in New York City—she recently completed her first marathon, the 2025 New York City Marathon—and watching (and critiquing!) the latest movies that have garnered Oscars buzz. In addition to Women's Health, she’s made an appearance on the Oprah Podcast and her work has also appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L'Officiel USA, V Magazine, VMAN, and more. | |||||||||
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