Certain medicines and home remedies like ginger, honey and thyme can help calm a cough

Coughing is a natural reflex that helps clear your airways of unwanted irritants and invaders. But helpful as it may be, coughing can also be really annoying — especially when it just won’t stop.

Fortunately, you can usually halt the hacking with a few remedies. Pulmonary medicine physician Rose Paccione, MD, explains what works when you need to stop coughing.

First, find the cause of coughing

If your cough won’t quit, it’s tempting to pick up the first bottle of cough syrup you find. But hang on: That might not be the right answer.

“Coughing is a symptom of another issue, not a disease,” Dr. Paccione clarifies. “So, the best way to treat a cough is to treat whatever’s causing it. Using the wrong treatment won’t work and could be harmful.”

The most common causes of a cough include:

  • Viral infections. Have you recently had a cold, the flu, RSV or COVID-19? Then, you might have a cough that you can’t seem to kick. A cough can linger for two to three weeks after having a respiratory virus, even if all of your other symptoms are gone.
  • Asthma. Coughing can be a sign of asthma. “Some people have cough-variant asthma, which causes a dry cough without other symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath,” Dr. Paccione shares.
  • Allergies. Seasonal allergies can cause postnasal drip, which may trigger a cough. Things in your environment, like chemicals, dust and pets, also cause allergy-related coughing. “Some people develop a cough after moving into a new home or area,” Dr. Paccione notes. “They may be exposed to allergens that weren’t present in their old location.”
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acid reflux and GERD can cause a chronic cough. “A GERD cough is more likely to happen when you’re lying down because gravity can encourage stomach acid to move into your esophagus,” Dr. Paccione says. “It irritates your airway and triggers a cough.”
  • Medications. Coughing is a possible side effect of many medications, like ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers. Some people develop a cough right after they start a new medication. But this side effect can also occur after you’ve been taking the same medicine for years.

Cough remedies

Once you know the cause of your cough, you can focus on getting rid of it. To calm a cough fast, try these remedies:

Cough drops

A cough drop is probably the quickest way to quiet an annoying cough, but it’s only temporary relief.

“Cough drops with menthol can calm a cough for a few minutes,” Dr. Paccione says. “However, some research suggests menthol could make your cough worse if you use too much.”

Don’t take more than the package recommends — usually no more than one cough drop every two hours.

Ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that could help with a cough caused by a cold or allergies.

Ginger tea can soothe an irritated throat and may calm a mild cough. You can also use ginger in cooking, such as in a hot soup.

Honey

Honey may work as well as some over-the-counter medications for mild coughs, according to some research.

“Try a spoonful of honey before bed to quiet a cough,” Dr. Paccione recommends. “You can also add it to tea or hot water for a soothing drink.”

That’s good advice from toddlerhood on. But don’t give honey to babies under 1 year old, as it may contain bacteria that could make them sick.

Humidity and steam

Dry, indoor air is irritating — and coughs from allergies, asthma and colds often get worse in a dry environment.

“A humidifier helps calm your airways and break up mucus,” Dr. Paccione explains. “Inhaling steam from a hot shower or a boiling pot of water can also be helpful.”

Medications

Over-the-counter cough medications can help stop a cough, but you need to know what kind to use. Look at the active ingredients on the medication label to find out which type of cough medicine you’re getting.

There are two main cough medications on pharmacy shelves:

  • Dextromethorphan (like Robitussin®). Dextromethorphan can quiet the part of your brain that tells your body to cough. It can help you get some sleep if a cough is keeping you awake.
  • Guaifenesin (like Mucinex®).Guaifenesin helps thin out mucus, which can make your cough more productive. Pro tip: If you take this medication, it’s important to drink a lot of water. Guaifenesin works best if you’re well-hydrated.

Don’t give cough medicine to kids unless your provider gives the go-ahead: They can be unsafe for children.

Elevated sleeping position

If you cough more at night, use a wedge pillow to elevate your head.

“When you lie down, mucus can pool in the back of your throat and cause coughing,” Dr. Paccione explains. “Being flat can also make acid reflux worse. Raising your head slightly can prevent both of these issues.”

Water

Staying hydrated can help you kick a cold to the curb quicker.

“When you’re sick, drink plenty of water to flush out mucus and help your body recover,” advises Dr. Paccione. “Sometimes, a drink of water is all you need to get rid of a tickly cough.”

Control chronic conditions

If you have asthma or GERD, a chronic cough may be a sign that the condition isn’t well-managed.

“Remedies like cough drops and honey won’t work for coughs caused by asthma or acid reflux,” Dr. Paccione states. “Skip the cough remedies and see your provider to determine why you can’t stop coughing.”

How to prevent a cough

Nearly everyone will experience a cough now and then. But you can help prevent the viruses that cause coughs if you:

  • Follow a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy during respiratory season. “A diet rich in whole foods and lower in processed foods can help you get the nutrients you need to stay healthy,” Dr. Paccione says.
  • Get sleep. Your immune system needs enough rest to function at its best. Most adults need at least seven hours of quality sleep each night.
  • Wash your hands. Clean hands keep you from catching germs and spreading them to others. Wash up after using the bathroom, before eating or preparing food and after blowing your nose.

When to see a provider

A cough is usually a temporary annoyance, but sometimes, it’s a sign of a condition that needs medical care. Call a healthcare provider if you have:

  • A barky cough that sounds like a seal
  • Blood or bloody mucus when you cough
  • Coughing fits that interfere with breathing
  • A cough that lasts longer than three weeks
  • Fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) that lasts more than two days
  • Shortness of breath or wheezing

Listen to your body (and your cough)

Most coughs result from a virus or allergies and will resolve on their own. But don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare provider if your cough sounds unusual or is really bugging you. They can help you determine the cause and possible treatments so you can breathe easier.