A coughing fit describes an intense, uncontrollable, and often forceful period of coughing. This reflex action serves as the body’s natural mechanism to clear irritants from the airways in the throat and lungs. While a cough is a beneficial protective function, these fits can be distressing and disruptive to daily life. This article provides practical strategies that can offer immediate relief and help manage a coughing fit.
Immediate Physical Techniques
The “stop cough technique” is an effective method to interrupt a coughing fit. It involves placing a hand over the mouth, swallowing once, and taking small, controlled breaths through the nose. Holding your breath for 5-10 seconds before resuming slow, careful breaths for about 30 seconds can further reduce the urge to cough. This minimizes airflow and maintains warmth and moisture around the throat.
Breathing against resistance can be beneficial by slowing the speed of exhaled air and preventing the collapse of bronchial tubes. This can be achieved through pursed-lip breathing, where air is exhaled slowly through tightly pursed lips or even against a fist. These controlled breathing patterns help to stabilize the airways and reduce the intensity of the cough.
Adjusting your posture can alleviate the strain and frequency of coughing fits. Sitting upright and leaning slightly forward helps ease breathing and makes coughing less strenuous. At night, elevating the head with extra pillows or by raising the head of the bed can prevent mucus accumulation and reduce postnasal drip. Sleeping on your side also promotes better drainage and airflow, while lying flat on your back may worsen postnasal drip.
Sipping plain water, lukewarm tea, or other non-fizzy drinks can quickly soothe an irritated throat and moisten the mucosal membranes. This helps to thin any mucus, making it easier for the body to manage. Similarly, swallowing hard instead of coughing can sometimes clear the throat and suppress the reflex.
Sucking on a lozenge or hard candy can also provide quick relief during a coughing fit. The act of sucking stimulates saliva production, which helps to keep the throat moist and can reduce dryness and irritation that often trigger a cough. Some lozenges contain ingredients like menthol, which can offer a temporary numbing sensation to further minimize the urge to cough.
Environmental Management and Hydration
Maintaining proper hydration is important for managing coughs, as dehydration can exacerbate problems and increase throat soreness. Drinking sufficient fluids like water, herbal teas, or broths helps to thin mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol, as these can contribute to dehydration.
Improving air quality can impact cough frequency and severity. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, thinning thick mucus and soothing dry, irritated tissues in the nasal passages and throat. Maintaining an optimal humidity level (30-50%) supports respiratory health. Minimize exposure to environmental irritants like cigarette smoke, dust, strong odors, and air pollutants to reduce cough triggers.
Identifying and avoiding personal cough triggers is important. Common triggers include cold air, allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Certain foods may also trigger coughs, especially for individuals with acid reflux; recognizing and limiting these can be beneficial. Reducing exposure to known irritants helps prevent coughing fits.
When to Seek Medical Help
While many coughing fits can be managed with home remedies, medical attention is sometimes necessary. Consult a healthcare professional if a cough persists for longer than three to eight weeks without improvement from self-care strategies.
Seek medical evaluation if the coughing fit is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These include shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pain, or wheezing. Other warning signs include a fever over 100.4-101.5 degrees Fahrenheit or one that lasts more than a couple of days.
Coughing up blood or discolored phlegm (yellow, green, or rust-colored), or phlegm that appears bubbly and frothy, requires medical assessment. If large amounts of blood are coughed up, immediate emergency care is necessary. If coughing fits significantly interfere with daily activities, sleep, or eating, seek medical advice. For infants and young children, severe or prolonged coughing, especially with rapid breathing or bluish skin, requires urgent medical attention.