Coughing is a natural reaction that helps in clearing particles and secretions from the lungs. It also prevents infections. If coughing seems to be persistent and is becoming a chronic condition, then it is termed as a chronic cough.

Chronic coughs are caused by acid reflux from the stomach, asthma, postnasal drip, infections, allergies, and other respiratory diseases. Chronic coughs need care and attention since they cause irritation and discomfort in your throat and lungs. It usually lasts for about eight weeks or longer.

A chronic cough causes discomfort, physical tiredness, strains muscles, excessive sweating, loss of bladder control, and dries your throat.

Symptoms of a chronic cough

The most common symptoms of a chronic cough may include

• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Heartburn
• Blood spitting
• Hoarse voice

Chronic cough remedies
After determining the cause of the cough, the following medications can be taken aligned with the main cause of your cough.

Antihistamines, Glucocorticoids, and Decongestants

These drugs are the standard prescribed treatment for allergies and post nasal drips. Decongestants help in dissolving phlegm congestion in the lungs. However, decongestants might also increase the blood pressure in some, and one should be extremely careful while taking it.

• Inhaler asthma drugs
  The most effective chronic cough remedies for asthma-related coughs are glucocorticoids and bronchodilators, which reduce inflammation and open up your airways. They help in breathing easily and also prevent shortness of breath and wheezing.
• Antibiotics
  If a bacterial infection is causing your chronic cough, antibiotics are the best remedy. Antibiotics fight bacterial infections without causing much side effects.
• Acid blockers
  When the nature of the diet changes, acid reflux might be caused, and you may be treated with medications that block acid production. Acid reflux is caused by enzymes that help in the disintegration of food in the stomach. Some people need surgery to resolve the problem. Avoid spicy foods that increase acid reflux. This is one of the best chronic cough remedies.
• Cough suppressants
  If the reason for your cough can’t be determined and it is causing severe problems for you, such as keeping you from sleeping, you might be needing a cough suppressant. However, there is no evidence that over-the-counter cough medicines are effective.
• Extra fluids and lots of them
  Drink lots of fluids like water or juice. These fluids will loosen and thin the excessive mucus. Warm liquids like tea and broth are especially soothing to your throat and bring instant relief.
• Using humidifiers
  Humidifiers add moisture to the air, and this will help you in steady breathing. Taking a hot shower or bath will also help.
• Peppermint
  The healing properties of peppermint leaves are known throughout the medical field. The menthol in peppermint soothes the throat and acts as a decongestant. The mucus secreted by the lungs is broken down with this ingredient. You can get relief by drinking peppermint tea or by inhaling peppermint vapors from a steam bath. This is one of the best chronic cough remedies.
• Lozenges
  Medicated lozenges and cough drops are probably the most widely used cough remedies. These products contain many combinations of menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, honey, and other medical ingredients.
• Cough expectorants
  Cough expectorants are recommended when the coughing is severe and leads to chest pain and sleeplessness at nights. Like cough suppressants, expectorants should only be used during the night. When a cough is thick with phlegm, it helps to take a cough expectorant such as guaifenesin. Expectorants thin out the mucus, and it becomes easy to cough up. This is one of the best chronic cough remedies.
• Turmeric milk
  Traditionally, turmeric has been known for its tremendous anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties for centuries. It is used in various herbal preparations to treat respiratory, digestive, and skin ailments. Curcumin is found in excess in turmeric. The yellow color of the spice comes from this ingredient. Many coughs arise from an infection of the throat or the respiratory tract. Curcumin is effective in fighting the pathogens that cause these infections.
  For instant relief, follow an ancient practice. Using warm milk as a base, add a couple of spoons of turmeric to give you a drink that will fortify your strength while fighting any infection.
• Honey and lemon
  A light drink of honey and lemon can be taken just before bedtime to soothe your throat and keep the respiratory tract well hydrated throughout the night to prevent that nagging cough.
  Mix lemon juice and two tablespoons of honey in warm water and drink it. It helps lighten the mucus. Make several cups of this drink and drink it when you need relief. This is one of the best chronic cough remedies.

Using any one of the mention chronic cough remedies will result in relief of some order. Try them all to know which remedy suits you and your body best.