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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Paired with a daily allergy pill such as Allegra, Claritin, or Zyrtec, per Dr. Hanak."Treating allergy symptoms is a common method of resolving postnasal drip and related cough," he says. "This is especially true when a cough is most apparent laying flat or first thing in the morning."A cough can be seasonal or year-round, so paying attention to the timing will allow you to predict and prevent it, he adds. 9Use A Neti PotRazvan Chisu//Getty ImagesTo tame a cough caused by a postnasal drip, Dr. Hanak and Dr. Peterson suggest using a neti pot, which can wash out any debris or mucus from your nasal passages. “Clearing mucus from the nasal passages can be helpful in reducing post nasal drainage, thereby improving cough,” Dr. Hanak explains. This irrigation device can provide relief for people with allergies and sinus infections, in particular, and Dr. Peterson uses one herself. "They flush out germs, the salt kills the bacteria," she says. But remember to use a neti pot with sterile water to make sure there's no bacteria or other contaminants in it. To ensure it's safe, boil water and refrigerate it or buy distilled water, Dr. Peterson says.10Pick Up Cough Medicinesd3sign//Getty ImagesYou also may want to give OTC medications a shot, especially if you've already tried everything else. Antitussives are cough suppressants and can block the cough reflex, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. They "inhibit the cough center in the brain," Dr. Peterson adds. Then there are expectorants, which thin mucus to help get it out, she says.When in doubt, ask your pharmacist or primary care physician, and always remember to check the expiration dates. Dr. Peterson recommends Delsym and Mucinex DM.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Get A Prescription MedicationMirageC//Getty ImagesWhen in doubt, talk to your doc and see if you might need something stronger, like a prescription medication, for your cough. Benzonatate medications like Tessalon Perles, are specifically recommended by Dr. Peterson, but of course your own doctor will prescribe what's right for you. Benzonatate "anesthetizes the stretch receptors of the nerves in the airways and works very well to suppress coughs," she explains.12Eat Your Probioticswilatlak villette//Getty ImagesProbiotics can promote good gut health, but they have also been shown to have a marginal impact on staving off the common cold and reducing coughing, Dr. Hanak says. Great sources of probiotics include yogurt and fermented foods like miso and kimchi. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Quit SmokingJGI/Tom Grill//Getty ImagesBy minimizing exposure to chemicals and irritants, which are harmful to the lungs, quitting smoking can cut down on inflammation, Dr. Hanak says. A cough caused by smoking can be progressive, depending on how much someone smokes and how long they have been smoking, he adds.14Consider A Chloraseptic Throat Sprayanilakkus//Getty ImagesChloraseptic throat spray can provide temporary relief for pain, irritation, and soreness in the throat, per Dr. Peterson. "It's instant," she says. "You spray it on, it works immediately, and so it takes away the tickle in the back of the throat." Advertisement -
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