If you’ve ever had a persistent cough, you know it can be a constant nuisance for days or even weeks. While coughing is generally a positive bodily reflex, it can leave your throat sore and is often spurred by a variety of causes. It’s important to understand them, as well as cough treatments you can try at home. These facts below will ensure you take the proper steps to prevent future flareups and get over existing ones quickly.

A Guide to Cough Causes & Treatments

1. Viruses & Bacteria

Viruses and bacteria affecting the respiratory tract and sinuses are one of the most common causes of a cough. When you cough, your body is trying to expel these from your body. A virus- and bacteria-related cough can last from a few days to a week and can be alleviated at home with warm foods and beverages like soup, green tea, lozenges, and warm honey lemon water.

2. Allergies

Airborne allergens like mold and pollen can irritate your nasal cavity and respiratory tract, resulting in a cough. Stay hydrated and take antihistamines to fight the allergens. Some over the counter cough medications are helpful for short term use. 

3. Environmental Irritants

Strong perfume in an office, cigarette smoke, and other common irritants can send you into bouts of coughing, even if you aren’t allergic to them. It’s best to distance yourself as much as possible, but if you can’t, honey and warm water, lozenges,  or a humidifier can be effective cough treatments.

Coughs associated with other symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, or wheezing should be evaluated promptly by a medical provider.  

Whether you’re looking for basic cough treatments or more extensive health care services, the Primary Care team at Access Health Clinic can help. They’re proud to provide residents of Spring, TX, and Harris County with a variety of services, including as-needed treatment in an urgent care setting, immunizations, and sports physicals. They place a major emphasis on educating patients about prevention, so call (281) 251-8700 today to schedule an appointment. You can learn more about their health clinic by visiting them online or connecting with them on Facebook.