To get rid of a severe cough, it is important to get healthy. Many experts recommend boosting your immune system to overcome a problem cough. Always cover your mouth when you cough, to prevent spreading the virus that caused the cough. Check with your physician to determine if the cough is the result of a virus or bacteria, or if it might be attributed to another condition.
Instructions
1. Consult with a physician for expert medical advice on the cause of your cough. Severe coughs are not always the result of viral or bacterial infection. You could be experiencing asthma, sinus problems, allergies or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
2. Purchase vitamin supplements from a reputable source. Health-food stores carry many types of supplements, and online sources like Puritan's Pride offer an excellent selection at reasonable prices. Pharmacists can also recommend top brands of supplements. You might want to try the "alphabet," or A-B-C-D, vitamin approach to better health and less coughing. Taking Vitamin A will strengthen your mucous membranes, helping fortify against viruses. Vitamin B, especially that found in food, is a great line of defense in the battle against the infections that result in severe coughing. Vitamin C will strengthen the cell membranes and help you fight off viruses, and Vitamin D, which you can get free from sunlight, strengthens the immune system and reduces inflammation.
3. Add foods to your diet with naturally occurring vitamins. Whole grains, unsweetened yogurt, molasses, beans, organ meats and raw sunflower seeds are all excellent sources of vitamin B. Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges contain high concentrations of vitamin C, while vitamin A is found in healthy amounts in cold-water fish like bream and cod.
4. Avoid adding sugar to anything you eat. Extra and processed sugar can irritate your respiratory system.
5. Get 15 minutes of sunlight daily if possible. This will give you a natural boost of Vitamin D without risking sun damage to the skin. You can wear SPF 15 sunscreen if you like.
6. Drink water throughout the day. Generally, you should drink at least eight glasses each day.
7. Practice slow, controlled breathing after a coughing spell to help calm your body. Inhaling through your nose and out through your mouth will help.
8. Add honey and lemon to a glass of water and sip throughout the day. Many people find that warming this mixture soothes their throat and alleviates their cough.
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