Health Tip: Help Calm a Cough

Here's what you can do

January 23, 2012 RSS Feed Print

(HealthDay News) -- If you're plagued with a cold or another respiratory illness that's causing a cough, there are things you can do to help tame the beast.

The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute offers these suggestions to help calm a cough:

Quit smoking.
Steer clear of substances that can irritate the lungs and worsen a cough, such as air pollution, tobacco smoke, allergens and strong odors.
Take all medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Follow your doctor's treatment plan.
Take cough medicine, if recommended by your doctor.
Run a cool-mist humidifier or steam vaporizer.