How to manage chronic cough

M ost coughs are short lived. You might catch the flu or a cold, cough for a couple of weeks or days and then you'll begin to feel better. A cough that lasts eights or more weeks is a chronic cough. Chronic coughs frequently have a treatable cause and they can develop from conditions such as allergies or postnasal drip. Here's how to manage it. Remain hydrated An infection of the upper respiration tract like flu or cold generates postnasal drip. Additional secretions trickle down the back of the throat, causing irritation and at times a cough. Drinking fluids aids in thinning out the mucus in postnasal drip. Moreover, fluids help maintain moist mucous membranes. Steamy showers and a humidifier A hot shower can aid a cough by loosening nose secretions. The strategy can help alleviate coughs from colds and allergies. Humidifiers might help as well. In a dry home, nasal secretions could become dry and uncomfortable. However, putting back atmospheric moisture can aid your cough. However, take care not to overdo it. Eliminate atmospheric irritants Scented bathroom sprays and perfumes might seem benign. However, they could cause chronic sinus irritation for some people, generating extra mucus that results in a chronic cough. The worst atmospheric irritant is smoke. Nearly all smokers ultimately develop "smoker's cough." Beware that severe chronic cough could be an indication of lung cancer or emphysema in smokers. Your outlook will depend on the causes and the treatment it requires. With the appropriate treatment, coughs will go away.