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Dry cough remedies

Are there home remedies for a very persistent, dry cough in a child?
(13 Feb 2008)

A cough is a protective reflex by which phlegm and foreign particles are expelled through the air passages. A dry cough may result in expelling air through the glottis in a sudden reaction (windpipe entrance) accompanied by a typical coughing sound. The cough may be caused due to respiratory infection, mucus in the pharynx or a common cold.


Allergies to certain irritants such as dust, pollution, chemicals or pets can also cause dry coughs among children. Dry cough can induce sudden discomfort, weakness, lack of sleep and pain. Dry cough can decrease appetite and restrict normal activity among children. A persistent dry cough in children requires medical attention if home remedies do not show favorable results.

The vaporizer is an effective way to allow steam to enter the nostrils and soothe the nasal and throat passages. A few drops of eucalyptus oil added to the water can help improve the nose and throat condition with repeated use. Honey is a good home remedy for children. Giving children a spoon of honey with warm liquids is an effective treatment for dry cough. Sugar candy is another effective treatment for children. Give the child small blocks of sugar candy to suck on until condition improves. Alternatively you can also powder sugar candy, dried ginger powder and pepper in equal quantities. Store this in an airtight container. A teaspoon of this powder eaten several times a day can help the child recover from dry cough. A ginger tea can also help the child get some relief from dry cough. Boil slices of ginger in water and let the child drink it warm if not hot. This will help soothe the sore throat and provide comfort. Sucking on chunks of raw cane sugar dipped in mustard oil is also known to help relive symptoms associated with a dry cough. Grape juice mixed with honey is also known to open up the lungs and relieve dry cough. Warm milk mixed with honey is also a favorable option to induce sleep during bedtime and reduce chances of coughing

Children may like to drink more and eat less as swallowing solid food may cause pain. Therefore, include more liquids or blended foods until throat condition improves. Hot soups such as tomato, carrot or corn soups can also help soothe the sore throat. Fruit juices and vegetable juices are also favorable options but avoid cold beverages completely until throat condition improves.
answered by G M on 15 Feb 2010, 10:32:56

 

Dry cough remedies 

Take three tablespoons of stabilized aloe vera juice and blend it with a teaspoon of honey. Keep sipping this preparation all throughout the day or as and when as you feel the cough coming on. Dry cough brings up a racking noise from the throat which tends to grate on the upper respiratory system and irritate the chest.

Keep a glass of warm water by your bedside and add to this water a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. When you feel a cough coming on or the sensation sets in initiating a cough take a sip or two of the water. The vinegar in the water has the ability to dissolve the mucus if any and reduce the inflammation. It is also effective is easing out the cough.

Another effective solution is garlic mixed with honey. Take a whole clove of garlic and crush it well. in a small vessel place the garlic in it along with a teaspoon of honey. Cover the bowl well and leave it to stand for about 12 hours. Before having breakfast or an empty stomach take a spoonful of the garlic extract and honey. Garlic cures dry cough while honey helps to soothe the inflamed throat.

answered by C B on 3 Apr 2008, 7:21:14

 

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