Overview

A cough is your body's response to something that bothers your throat or airways. Many things can cause a cough. You might cough because of a cold or influenza (flu), bronchitis, or asthma. Smoking, post-nasal drip, allergies, and stomach acid that backs up into your throat also can cause coughs.

A cough is a symptom, not a disease. Most coughs stop when the cause, such as a cold, goes away. You can take a few steps at home to cough less and feel better.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Drink plenty of water and other fluids. This may help soothe a dry or sore throat. Honey or lemon juice in hot water or tea may ease a dry cough.
• Try gargling with warm salt water to help ease a sore throat caused by coughing.
• Take cough medicine as directed by your doctor.
• Prop up your head with extra pillows at night to ease a cough.
• Try cough drops or hard candy to soothe a dry or sore throat.
• Do not smoke or allow others to smoke around you. Smoke can make a cough worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Avoid exposure to smoke, dust, or other pollutants, or wear a face mask. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out which type of face mask will give you the most benefit.