Introduction

When you’re in the middle of a coughing fit, it can feel like there’s no end in sight. Not only is it uncomfortable and irritating, but it can also be embarrassing and disruptive to your daily routine. Thankfully, there are a variety of natural remedies and breathing techniques that can help you stop a coughing fit in its tracks.

7 Natural Remedies for Stopping a Coughing Fit

If you’re looking for a natural way to stop a coughing fit, try one of these remedies:

Honey

Try having a spoonful of honey or adding it to your tea. Honey has natural antibacterial properties and can soothe your throat, helping to calm your cough.

Ginger

Boil fresh ginger root in water and drink as a tea. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve cough and throat irritation.

Turmeric

Add a teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of warm milk. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help ease cough and sore throat.

Saltwater Gargle

Mix a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and gargle with it. Saltwater can help reduce inflammation and clear mucus, helping to ease your cough.

Steam Inhilation

Inhale steam from a pot of hot water or a humidifier. Steam helps to loosen mucus and soothe your throat, making it easier to breathe and stop coughing.

Licorice Root

Drink licorice root tea or chew on a licorice root lozenge. Licorice root has natural cough-relieving properties that can help calm a cough.

Thyme

Make thyme tea by steeping fresh or dried leaves in hot water for several minutes. Thyme has compounds that can help reduce cough and throat inflammation.

Effective Breathing Techniques to Stop Coughing Fits

Besides natural remedies, there are also several breathing techniques that you can try to stop a coughing fit:

Diaphragmatic Breathing

Breathe in through your nose and let your stomach expand, then exhale through your mouth, letting your stomach relax. This type of breathing can help calm your nervous system and reduce coughing.

Pursed-Lip Breathing

Inhale through your nose, then exhale through pursed lips, like you’re blowing out a candle. This helps to increase the air pressure in your lungs, making it easier to breathe and stop coughing.

Controlled Coughing

Breathe in deeply, then cough forcefully twice, pushing out as much air as you can. This helps to clear mucus from your airways and reduce coughing.

Alternate Nostril Breathing

Close one nostril and inhale through the other, then close that nostril and exhale through the other nostril. Repeat this pattern for several breaths, switching nostrils each time. This helps to balance your breathing and calm your nervous system, reducing coughing.

Stop Coughing Fits with These Easy Home Remedies

Here are a few more home remedies that you can try to stop a coughing fit:

Chicken Soup

Chicken soup can help reduce inflammation and irritation in your throat, making it easier to breathe and stop coughing.

Hot Beverages

Drinking hot water, tea, or a warm broth can help soothe your throat and reduce coughing.

Eucalyptus Oil

Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a hot bath or to a bowl of steaming water and inhale the steam. Eucalyptus oil has natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help ease a cough.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of warm water and honey, and drink it to help soothe your throat and reduce coughing.

Marshmallow Root Tea

Marshmallow root tea can help reduce inflammation and irritation in your throat, making it easier to breathe and stop coughing.

Dealing with a Persistent Cough: Tips and Tricks

If your cough persists, try these tips to help manage it:

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids to help keep your airways moist and reduce coughing.

Use a Humidifier

A humidifier can help add moisture to the air, reducing coughing and throat irritation.

Avoid Irritants

Avoid exposure to smoke, pollutants, and other irritants that can aggravate your cough.

Get Enough Rest

Resting and getting enough sleep can help reduce stress and upper respiratory congestion, easing your cough.

Use Over-the-Counter Medications

If your cough is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, you may want to try over-the-counter cough suppressants or expectorants, as recommended by your healthcare provider.

What to Do When Nothing Seems to Stop Your Coughing Fit

If your cough persists despite trying natural remedies and breathing techniques, it may be time to see a healthcare provider. They may recommend prescription medications or further testing if an underlying condition is suspected.

Seek Medical Attention

If your cough is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood, seek medical attention immediately.

Check for Underlying Conditions

Your healthcare provider may want to perform tests to check for underlying conditions, such as asthma, allergies, or lung disease, which can cause chronic coughing.

Try Prescription Medications

Your healthcare provider may recommend prescription medications, such as inhalers, steroids, or antibiotics, to help manage your cough.

Stress-Relief Techniques to Halt Coughing Fits

Stress can exacerbate coughing fits. Try these stress-relief techniques to help reduce your cough:

Yoga

Practicing yoga can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, easing your cough.

Meditation

Meditation can help calm your mind and reduce stress, helping to alleviate coughing.

Breathing Exercises

Practicing deep breathing exercises can help calm your nervous system and reduce coughing.

Mindfulness Techniques

Practicing mindfulness techniques, such as focusing on the present moment and cultivating gratitude, can help reduce stress and alleviate coughing.

Preventing Coughing Fits: Lifestyle Changes to Consider

There are several lifestyle changes that you can make to help prevent coughing fits:

Quit Smoking

Smoking can irritate your airways and exacerbate coughing. Consider quitting smoking to improve your lung health.

Avoid Exposure to Pollutants

Avoid exposure to air pollutants, such as smoke and chemicals, that can aggravate your cough.

Stay Away from Allergens

Avoid exposure to allergens, such as pollen, dust, and animal dander, that can trigger coughing and other respiratory symptoms.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods can help support your respiratory and overall health.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can help improve your lung capacity and overall health, reducing the risk of coughing fits.

Conclusion

Stopping a coughing fit can be challenging, but with natural remedies, breathing techniques, and stress relief, it’s possible to alleviate your symptoms. Remember to take care of your respiratory and overall health by taking preventative measures and seeking medical attention when necessary.