How Do You Get Rid of a Cough Fast?

Between herbs, hot showers, and staying hydrated, there are plenty of options to get rid of a cough fast. Coughing is a reflex that protects your body from unwanted pathogens like bacteria and viruses.

A cough is usually from the flu, a cold, or bronchitis (inflammation of the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs). You can have a wet cough, which produces mucus and phlegm, or a dry, non-productive cough.

The first thing you may want to know is how to get relief fast when you develop a cough. You can try some of the following home remedies for quick relief. Medications, available over the counter or by prescription, can certainly also provide relief for a cough if home remedies don't work.

1. Bromelain 

Bromelain is an enzyme (protein) that's typically found in pineapples. Research has shown that bromelain can act like a mucolytic, which helps break down mucus.

You may try drinking pineapple juice to get rid of a cough, but pineapple juice might not contain enough bromelain to have a noticeable effect. Bromelain supplements are available over the counter. You'll want to talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any supplements. Bromelain can adversely interact with certain medications, including antibiotics.

2. Cough Drops

Sucking on cough drops can suppress a cough and moisten a dry, scratchy throat. Opt for cough drops made from elderberry extract or menthol.

Some evidence suggests that elderberry extract can shorten the duration of a cough. Menthol, a compound found in peppermint, opens your airways and helps you breathe easily.

3. Dietary Changes

Acid reflux is one of the most common causes of a dry cough. This condition causes stomach acid to flow backward toward the esophagus, or the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Certain foods and drinks can trigger acid reflux.

It might help to avoid or limit the following items:

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Chocolate
• Citrus
• High-fat or fried foods
• Mint
• Spicy foods
• Tomatoes 

4. Herbs 

Stock up on a few herbs before cold and flu season. Some herbs have been shown to improve cold symptoms:

• Chamomile: Research has found that chamomile has antispasmodic qualities, meaning that it stops your coughing reflex.
• Ginger: Some evidence suggests that compounds found in ginger root can help relax muscles in the airways, which can ease a cough.
• Marshmallow root: This herb contains mucilage, which is a thick substance that coats the throat. Mucilage may alleviate a cough.
• Oregon grape root: This botanical contains berberine, which is a phytochemical with anti-inflammatory properties. You can squirt it in your mouth straight or mix it in seltzer water. The fizziness can also feel nice on a scratchy throat.
• Slippery elm: This herb, like marshmallow root, contains mucilage. This substance can ease a sore throat in addition to suppressing a cough.
• Thyme: Research has shown that thyme can alleviate a cough if it's combined with ivy. However, more research is needed to fully understand this herb's efficacy.

Try adding a tablespoon of dry herbs to a tablespoon of honey and let it steep over low heat on the stove. Strain the syrup through cheesecloth. You can take the liquid straight a few times per day or stir it into a cup of tea.

5. Honey

Research has shown that honey can suppress a cough. A study published in 2021 found that honey can be as effective as dextromethorphan, which is a cough suppressant. Honey also acts like an antimicrobial, meaning it kills bacteria and viruses that make you sick.

You can enjoy a teaspoon of honey on its own or mix it into a warm tea, which helps soothe a dry, scratchy throat. Just make sure to never give honey to a child younger than 1.

6. Hot Fluids

Warm tea and other hot liquids, like soup, are inherently soothing to a sore throat. When you soothe the area, the body stops trying to expel anything. Sipping tea throughout the day can help suppress a cough.

7. Humidifier 

Humidifiers help add moisturize to the air, which can be helpful if you have a dry cough and scratchy throat. You can also put a few drops of essential oil in a humidifier. Remember to clean out the unit per the manufacturer's directions.

8. Neti Pot 

Allergies typically get all the attention in spring, but they can be just as bothersome in the fall or even year-round if you have pet or dust allergies. Avoiding allergens is the first step to effectively treating a cough caused by allergies.

One good option is a neti pot, which washes away dust, pet dander, and pollen from the mucous membranes in your nasal passages. Just make sure to use the neti pot safely. Use sterile water that's been boiled and cooled down or distilled water.

9. Probiotics 

Probiotics are helpful gut bacteria that help support the immune system. These bacteria won't suppress a cough, but a strong immune system may shorten the duration of a cough.

You can take probiotics in supplement form or consume probiotic-rich foods. These foods include:

• Kimchi
• Miso soup
• Saurerkraut
• Yogurt

10. Saltwater Gargle

Try gargling with saltwater to get rid of a cough and relieve a sore throat. Saltwater can loosen and thin mucus, making it easier to cough up. Mix 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) of salt in 1 cup of water. Gargle with your head tilted back and then spit it out. Repeat this a few times.

11. Steam

Try taking an extra-long, hot shower when a cough crops up. Let the steam soothe your breathing passages. There's no hard-and-fast rule about how long you have to stay in, but take your time. Step out and dry off when your cough starts to quiet down.

A steam treatment with eucalyptus oil can also reduce a cough. Fill your sink with hot water and a few drops of eucalyptus oil. Put your head over the sink. Breathe deeply for about 10 minutes. The eucalyptus oil will help break up nasal congestion, while the steam will moisturize a dry throat. 

12. Water 

Sipping water is a remedy you're constantly told to use when you're feeling sick. Staying hydrated helps prevent infections and thins mucus, making it easier to cough. Just like drinking tea or eating soup, water soothes a dry, scratchy throat.

When To Consult a Healthcare Provider

An acute cough typically goes away on its own within three weeks. Contact a healthcare provider if you have an infant younger than 3 months old who develops a cough. Get immediate medical attention if you develop hives and difficulty breathing alongside a cough.

Consult a healthcare provider right away if you have:

• A cough that brings up blood
• A cough that lasts longer than 10 to 14 days
• A fever
• A violent cough that begins rapidly
• Had contact with someone infected with tuberculosis
• Night sweats or unintentional weight loss
• Signs of heart failure, including heart disease, leg swelling, or a cough that gets worse when you lay down 
• Stridor, or a high-pitched sound when you breathe in
• Thick, yellowish-green phlegm that smells foul
  

A Quick Review

A cough is usually triggered by a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. Home remedies, such as cough drops, honey, and hot fluids, can get rid of a cough fast. Breathing in steam from a hot shower and staying hydrated helps loosen and thin out mucus, making it easier to cough up.

If your cough doesn't go away within 10 to 14 days, talk to a healthcare provider. They may prescribe medication to alleviate your cough. A cough that lasts three weeks or longer may be a sign of an underlying health concern, such as asthma or acid reflux. These conditions may require further treatment.