Cough remedies?

[sunnyday]

Do any of you have any home remedies for cough? I have coughed until my chest is sore. I caught a virus my son had, complete with sore throat, sneezing, and now coughing for 2 days. I need some relief! Thanks...
I'm the one who was asking for advice last week for some fun things to do on my spring break, and I've spent it in bed sick!

[GalvestonDuck]

One question -- is your cough productive (wet, phlegm) or dry?

[sunnyday]

Somewhat productive. Sinus drainage is involved, without being too graphic.

[GalvestonDuck]

Well, I'm not really sure this is a "home" remedy. If you have Vicks Vapor Rub, that's a start. It works to clear up your nose and stop your cough.

Hot tea with some honey and lemon is good...especially for a sore throat. But also good to sip if you have a cough.

Don't drink anything too cold. And avoid milk.

Best bet is some zinc, cough drops, and something cough medicine with guaifenesin, pseudophedrine, and dextromethorphan.

[sunnyday]

I've been drinking hot tea. Thanks for the other ideas. I finally gave in and made an app't with the doctor for tomorrow. I have other health problems and can't let this go on and on.

[stormraiser]

And orange juice can make it worse too. Very mucous forming.

I gree with the hot tea with lemon and honey, or make a nice warm lemonade. I like cold lemonade with cayenne pepper. It opens me right up. But I like hot food, too.

[GalvestonDuck]

Save your money if you have to pay a co-pay or more for the doctor. If you're absolutely certain it's a virus, there's nothing the doctor can give you. The virus just needs to run its course -- mine lasted a few weeks. :o Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take the remedies that tackle the symptoms. The best relief I got was when I stayed in bed and slept all day, after taking all my medicines and drinking lots of Sprite.

If your symptoms last for too long, then, of course, go to the doctor.

I hope you feel better soon!

[sunnyday]

I love hot foods, tabasco, etc., but my throat wouldn't like them today! lol

[JQ Public]

Hmmm? Lol one time i took a shot of vodka. That numbed the throat for a little til i couldn't feel it anymore. As for a real treatment. Ever try Chloraseptic? Its a spray. Or just gargle some Listerine.

[azskyman]

Just had the same thing....Doc recommended Robitussin DM. I bought the generic version....used it for three days, and it did seem to help.

[HurricaneGirl]

Best thing for a sore throat is gargling with warm, strong salt water!
It's gross but it works. Tessalon Pearls (I call them Coughing Balls) are good too, but you need a prescription.

[Miss Mary]

Sunnyday - sorry to hear this. Lots of good advice here, what I would have said too. Ditto on the hot tea with lemon/honey. I'd sip that all day! I actually prefer a cough suppressant at night just to get sleep. But during the day you want to get the junk up and out.

FYI, one winter I had a cough for 11 weeks. It would get so bad I couldn't talk on the phone, I'd have to suddenly say goodbye and hang up. When I finally went to the doctor, I was told I have very mild asthma. I was prescribed an inhaler and either Entex or Allegra for the allergy symptoms that were making things worse. My doctor told me the next winter I got a bad cold or virus, just start up the inhaler and keep things open. That way my cough wouldn't linger so long. And it did work. This winter, knock on wood, I didn't get sick at all. But it used to be that I'd pick something up from kids and then have that lovely winter cough. The one when you are so dead tired and want sleep. The minute your head hits that pillow, the coughing starts up. And then your husband is saying, can you go sleep on the couch? So I feel for you. Been there, it's not fun.

Hope you feel better! And isn't this your Spring Break week or was that last week. What a time for you to get sick. You wanted a real break too!

Mary

[sunnyday]

Thanks so much for the advice. I was up till 1 a.m. coughing really hard last night. I woke up my husband, too, but he was very patient. I'm seeing the doctor this afternoon. Whatever this is, it has left me really weak. What a way to spend spring break!

[bfez1]

Nyquil at night is the best. Stops the cough and helps you sleep, too.

[sunnyday]

Thanks again for all the kind advice. I saw my doctor today, and he said I need medicine to get on the road to health again. So, here's hoping for a quick recovery because works starts again Monday morning. I don't think I ever had a spring break at all. lol

[JCT777]

I hope your cough goes away soon, sunnyday. I am sure you will feel fine in time to go back to work. Isn't that always the way it works?