To treat a cough, its underlying cause must be identified and the correct medication administered. But this will take some time. When you’re in a hurry and have to give a speech or go to a job interview, all you want is quick relief from your cough. Although the results are temporary at best, quick relief should save you from extreme situations. So to help you out, here is a list of some quick cough remedies:
Saline solution
Coughing is often the result of a bacterial infection in the throat. The presence of bacteria results in inflammation which in turn leads to itchiness. Your body will try to relieve the itch by coughing. The saline solution helps in this situation because salt has been known for years for its germicidal properties. For this to work most effectively, you need to gargle with saline solution for several seconds. You should also avoid swallowing and spitting for a while. This will expose your swollen throat to the saline solution longer.
Menthol medicated candy
Medicated menthol candies like Strepsils can be easily purchased as an over the counter medication. Although they are not actually designed to cure some underlying causes of coughing, they can be used as quick relief. Regular extra-strength menthol flavored menthol candies can also provide temporary relief. However, in some conditions, such as a sore throat, the sugars in common sweets can aggravate the situation.
Regular Mouthwash
Mouthwash can also be used to relieve sudden bouts of coughing. The menthol content of most mouthwash products is good for a sore throat. Additionally, mouthwash products often contain antibacterial ingredients. This is good for disinfecting the bacteria buildup in the throat area. In most cases, a quick gargle with mouthwash will provide instant relief from a cough.
lemon drops
Dropping fresh lemon directly into the throat is also a good way to provide quick relief from a cough. The natural ingredients found in lemon juice can disinfect the bacteria buildup in the throat. Also, the rich vitamin C content of lemon juice can remedy throat inflammation. Of course, you can also slowly sip on a glass of lemon juice for a more pleasant way to treat your cough. However, you should avoid the use of sugar. Use honey instead.
Rub Vicks
Vicks vapor rub and similar menthol products can be rubbed on the chest, throat, nape of the neck, and back to provide instant relief from coughing. You can also put some Vicks in your nostrils to relieve any blockage along the nasal tract. And as ridiculous as it sounds, some people claim that rubbing Vicks on the soles of your feet can help relieve a cough.
scotch whiskey and honey
The alcohol content of Scotch whiskey can act as a good germicide. Therefore, drinking Scotch whiskey can relieve a cough caused by a bacterial infection. And you can double the effect by adding a little honey. Honey is known for its multiple medicinal properties. Also, honey is good for relieving inflammation.
water therapy
Sometimes all it takes is water. Just drink plenty of fluids to flush out the irritants that caused the cough in the first place. You may also want to drink water in large gulps. This will better remove irritants from your throat.