Home remedies are tips that can help to relief a dry cough and sore throat. They canbe sourced locally at home for the treatment of cough. Trying home remedies on how to get rid of cough or heartburn canbe easy and fun, you don't have to visit any physician or doctor,you can just get a remedy for your cough at the comfort of your home. Cough is usually associated with cold and it is caused when there is an irritant inthe, lung, trachea, larynx, and nasal passage,these causes a reaction inthe brain that result in constant Coughing. You need to consult your doctor or better still try some home remedy,if the cough persists for more than 4 weeks, it is now considered chronic. Cough occurs when when you need to expel an irritant or cope with a symptoms of respiratory infection.

    



              Causes of cough

    Coughing is the body natural Reflex for eliminating any foreign invaders causing irritation in the lungs. Some of the common cause of cough includes
 

Asthma 

   When the patient upper airways are especially sensitive to cold air. Irritant or exercise. One type of asthma cough  is known as cough variants, asthma specifically causes a cough.

 Gastroesophageal reflux disease (Gerd)     

      Gerd occurs when acids comes up back from a person stomach and into the throat. The result can be chronic irritation  inthe throat leads to cough.

Lingering after efforts 

      At times people develop cough after a severe cough related sickness or infection such as pneumonia and flu, they may still experience some Lingering effects that includes a chronic cough. Even though most of their symptoms have gone away. The airway may still remain inflamed for sometime.

Post nasal drip 

   Also known as Upper airway cough syndrome, a post nasal drip is the result of mucus dripping down the back of the throat. This irritate the throat and trigger a cough Reflex.

Aspiration 

    Aspiration is a term commonly used when food and saliva goes down the airway instead of the food pipe. The excess fluid can collect bacteria and virus and may lead to irritation of the airway. Sometimes aspirations may lead to pneumonia.

Heart diseases 

   Frequent cough and Shortness of breath, canbe as a result of heart failure or heart disease. A patient with this condition may notice that their cough worsen when they are lying completely flat. This is often called hard cough. 

Lung cancer 

   A rare persistent cough can be a sign of lung cancer. The patients may also experience chest pain as well as blood inthe sputum.

Allergy 

   Our body system maybe allergic to some substance such as, pepper, onions, dust, and more of dry substance,which may cause our body system to react by Coughing and sneezing. Allergy can lead to swelling inthe airway and resultant Coughing. 

Pulmonary fibrosis 


Respiratory tract infection 


               Symptoms of cough 

 A chronic cough maybe accompanied by  other cold symptoms, consult a doctor immediately if you notice or experience any  of these symptoms. 

  • Have difficulty breathing 
  • Finding it hard to swallow foods 
  • Are choking and cannot speak
  • Notice blood in your Phlegm 
  • Cough up Phlegm that is either yellow or green. 
  • Starts wheezing 
  • Fractured ribs
  • Passing out (syncope) 
  • Sleep disruption 
  • Loss of bladder 
  • Chest pain
    Some other mild symptoms of cough includes 

  • Headache 
  • Dizziness 
  • Vomiting 
  • Excessive sweating 
  • Fever 
  • Runny and stuffy nose 
  • Sore throat 
  • Heartburn 
  • A bad taste inthe mouth  

      Home remedies for cough treatment 


Avoid staying in a polluted environment 

  You can get rid of cough by breathing, clean, fresh, air, that is void of dust, hay, smoke, which are the most common cause of cough. Stay in a fresh and dust free environment, this will help you to stay free from cough, it can even help cure it if you have contacted it. 

Abstain from infected patients 

Most cough are contacted from air droplet of infected patients, stay away from infected patients, incase there's a need to stay close to them, wear a protective mask. This method will help you to stay healthy and cough free. 

Salt water gargle 

  This is a traditional method of treating cough, sore throat, and chesty cough. Add half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water, stir it until its completely dissolved, if its in a room state you can gargle it for about 30 minutes three times a day,but if its too hot allow it to cool down before drinking. Don't swallow the salt water, avoid administering the salt water to children below 6 years, try an alternative treatment. 

Steam 

   Taking, a hot, steamy, shower when you have cold can relax your muscles and leave you feeling comforted. You can also pour some amount of hot water into a bowl, add some eucalyptus oil to the water, bend over it, cover your head with a tea towel and inhale the hot water, this relief cough, by loosing mucus in your chest, making it easier to get rid of the cough. It can also be used to clear block nose.

Stay hydrated 

    Keep your fluid up while you have cough or cold. Drink room temperature water, this can help relief cough and Runny nose. Drink hot tea regularly, avoid alcohol and caffeine, milk and other dairy products can cause your Phlegm to be thick, so it should be avoided.

Chew ginger and garlic 

    This herb have medicinal values that cures many sickness, which cough is one of it. Ginger helps you to be relieved of cough and cold, as it have anti inflammatory properties, it also relief you of nausea and pain. Ginger also reduces inflammation and irritation inthe throat when it's sore. You can chew it raw, or grind and drink as tea. 

Raw honey 

   Raw honey's immune boosting antioxidants and antimicrobial effects are perfect when it comes to finding a home remedy for Coughing. Mix 2 teaspoons of honey in a cup of warm water with a few drops of lemon juice. However raw honey must not be given to children below 1 year.

Drink hot tea with lemon juice  

    This will help you in reducing the symptoms of cough. If your cough is dry or due to irritation or allergy, try drinking lemon juice.

Use of humidifier 

 The use of humidifier helps in warming and moisturizing the air, this helps in soothing the airway and reducing Coughing spasm. 

Cough suppressants 

    You can use some cough suppressants like dextromethorphan(an over the counter cough syrup),and hydrocodone syrup(which is prescribed) can be used for treatment. However, there are some natural suppressants like, kola nut, bitter kola, alligator pepper, these are natural herb for the treatment of cough. 

Herbal tea

    A warm mug of herbal tea before bed is a great way to try and have a relaxing sleep in spite of a cough. Warm liquid or herbal tea can help to clear your airways, helping you to breath without interruption, while you sleep. Herbal tea, like, garlic, ginger, lemon, can be added to your tea, it will provide additional mucus clearing benefits. 

Black pepper 

     Black pepper is also enriched with vitamin C, which naturally boost immunity and work as an excellent antibiotics. Black pepper is the simplest home remedy for cough. Black pepper has expectorant properties that helps reduce symptoms associated with cough and cold.you can brew black pepper tea for a wet cough and cold.

                     Heartburn

 Heartburn is a sensation of burning in the chest caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus (food pipe). The burning is usually inthe central part of the chest, just behind the sternum (breast bone). The burning can worsen or canbe brought up by lying flat or on the right side. Pregnancy and cough tends to aggravate heartburn. If heartburn is severe or the pain is associated with additional symptoms such as, Shortness of breath, radiation into your arm or neck, you will need to visit your doctor for adequate treatment.
    

                Causes of heartburn  

 Dietary choices

    Acidic or fatty meals, eating close to bed time, 
  •  Obesity
  • Pregnancy 
  • Constant chronic cough 
  • Smoking and alcohol use

        Common symptoms of heartburn

    You may experience heartburn on a daily basis or once in a while. At times any of these common symptoms may be severe. 
  • Abdominal burning 
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Indigestion 
  • Pain inthe upper chest 
  • Burning feeling inthe upper chest
  • Chest pains 
  • Chest tightness 
  • Chest pressure 
  • Palpitations 

            Prevention of heartburn

Maintaining a healthy weight 

   Excessive weight Place pressure on the stomach, causing stomach acid to back up into the esophagus.

Quit smoking 

   Smoking impairs the normal functioning of the esophageal sphincter, so it's adviced to avoid smoking  to prevent heartburn. 

Diet control 

   Avoid foods that triggers your heart and stomach acids, and also reduce the amount of foods you eat. 

    Avoid lying down immediately after meals, wait at least three hours after you have eaten before lying down or going to bed. 
    Liquids, lozenges, cough drop, vaporiser and steamy shower may help to soothe cough. Cough medicine may also help, but it's best to check with a doctor, before administering to children below six. 
     Maintain a good lifestyle, so as to live a healthy and better life. We at Zion health brings the best of health tips to you, we love and care for you. Your health is our priority, do use the comment box for any suggestions or comments.