COUGHS

Photo: Avoid dairy products when you have a cold

Ian
Most members of my family have coughs at the moment. Have you any ideas how to ease their hacking? Thanks. I.B By e-maiL.

Reply
I have a few suggestions; I haven’t tried all of them so be cautious. If you are in any doubt about the illness, or if it is a persistent cough then pop in to see your doctor. There are loads of ideas that I haven’t mentioned such as homeopathic and herbal remedies.

Tips
• Breathe the steam from a vaporizer, hot shower, or pan of boiling water. The moist air will soothe the airways and loosen sinus congestion. A few drops of the oil of eucalyptus will help this process.

•Stop smoking. Passive smoke or other irritants, such as chemicals, can be a cause. Household cleaners, new carpeting, paneling and mattresses are some of the many possible sources of chemical irritants.

•Drink at least eight glasses of water. This is especially important if your cough is due to an illness. Water is the best expectorant you can take and will help thin the mucus and loosen the cough.

•Try eating hot chili peppers, horseradish or other spicy foods. They will help loosen mucus.

•Cough drops or hard sweets will help stop the tickle if you have a dry cough and will moisten the throat.

•Avoid foods that increase the production of mucus, such as dairy products, meat and fried foods.

•Hot packs placed on your throat and chest are very soothing.

There is one idea that could prove to be very popular. New research has discovered an ingredient present in flavonoid rich, dark chocolate could help stop persistent coughs.

Theobromine, a derivative found in cocoa, is nearly a third more effective in stopping persistent coughs when compared with codeine, currently considered the best over the counter cough medicine. So if you want to try this method to ease the irritation, just remember……..everything in moderation!

Household.