If you have symptoms of a cough and nasal congestion, it may be caused by the common cold or the flu, which, in most cases, does not require medical treatment, says the Mayo Clinic. A cough with congestion may also be caused by pneumonia, a potentially serious illness. If it’s OK with your doctor, you can use home remedies to help reduce the symptoms of your cough and nose congestion.
Water With Lemon And Honey
Drinking a mixture of warm water with lemon and honey may help clear congestion and soothe a sore throat that is dry and irritated from coughing, says the Mayo Clinic. Heat a pot of warm water over the stove, and when it boils, pour the water into a mug or cup. Add 1 to 2 tbsp. of lemon and honey to taste, and stir until the honey is completely mixed. While the liquid cools, breathe in the steam rising from the cup to help loosen mucus in the nose and chest. When the mixture is cool enough to drink, sip it slowly. Repeat as necessary to soothe a cough and clear congestion.
Chicken Soup
Drinking chicken soup may help speed up the recovery of a cough and nasal congestion. Chicken soup will help dilute and loosen the mucus in the nose and chest, and acts as an anti-inflammatory, says the Mayo Clinic. Prepare chicken soup from scratch, order it from a restaurant or make it from a can. Store-bought and restaurant soup may contain high levels of sodium that will dehydrate the body. Drink water and other liquids after eating canned chicken soup to prevent dehydration.
Hot Shower
Taking a hot shower may help loosen tightness in the chest due to coughing and help clear congestion in the nasal passages, says Dr. Alexander C. Chester, M.D., clinical professor of medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Step into the shower, then slowly breathe in the steam from the warm water through your mouth and your nose. If you don’t have time to take a shower, pour hot water into a pot and breathe in the steam.
Fluids
Drinking fluids will help loosen mucus that collects in the chest and in the sinuses, making it harder to breathe and creating the urge to cough. Drink fluids, including water, which will also help soothe an irritated throat, says Chester. Drinking herbal tea and diluted juice will also help hydrate the body and loosen mucus. Stay away from sugary sodas and milk. Milk will create additional phlegm in the body, which may make coughing and congestion worse.
