Cough Remedies to Get Through Your Day

No one want to be “that person” at work or school, hacking away in a middle cubicle, coughing through a lecture, or trying to cover their mouth and work on an assembly line at the same time. Having a cough is annoying enough to us when we have one, but we know it’s just as or even more annoying to everyone around us, wondering what they could catch from the “cougher in the corner.”

Coughs can sometimes take days, even weeks to go away after you’ve been sick or if you have allergies. The good news is there are some simple steps you can take to cough less during the day no matter what the cause.

Simple Steps for Cough Relief

Being prepared with multiple cough remedy options no matter what your schedule looks like is key. We have a variety here that nearly everyone can use. 

Carry a reusable water bottle with you.

Fluids are a must when you have a cough. To keep your throat from drying out and feeling irritated, especially if you have post-nasal drip, you will want to drink fluids throughout the day. Fill up a reusable water bottle at home with the drink you want to start with—water, tea or juice, etc. Then rinse out and refill with another drink once you’re finished.

Drink hot tea instead of coffee.

Tea with honey, ginger tea and chamomile tea are all good choices when you feel sick or have a cough. The hot liquid and steam out of the cup help reduce congestion, and the honey, chamomile or ginger have a calming, soothing effect on your throat. Bring tea bags with you or keep them at your workstation so you’re always prepared.

Gargle with warm salt water. 

Before you leave your house, add a half teaspoon of table salt to a six ounce glass of warm water, stir so it dissolves, and then gargle with it. Let it sit in the back of your throat for a few seconds while gargling and then spit it out. Repeat until you finish that glass, then repeat several times during the day, where possible. Gargling with salt water helps clear mucus from the back of your throat, lessening the urge to cough.

Bring throat lozenges with you.

Keep some throat lozenges (cough drops) in your purse, briefcase or desk at work or school so that you always have some on hand. These are great for bringing into meetings or classes where you can discreetly suck on one to keep your throat from getting dry. They’re also great for situations where you are not able to bring a drink with you.

Skip the perfume or cologne.

Fragrance can be an irritant when you have allergies, a sore throat or respiratory cold or infection. Do not wear perfume or cologne if you have a sore throat or cough, and try to avoid sitting near anyone who is wearing a strong scent.

Eat broth or a clear soup for lunch.

Instead of eating a sandwich, pasta or a salad that might irritate your throat, choose or bring a clear soup or broth with you to heat and eat at lunch. The key is to choose things that soothe all throughout your day, and lunch is one spot that could trip you up if you’re not prepared. Do not choose a thick, creamy soup, however, because that could make your cough worse.

Have cough medicine nearby.

Keep your favorite cough and cold medicine in your purse, briefcase or desk at work so when you need extra help for cough relief, it’s there for you. BC® Cough & Cold  is formulated to act quickly. It contains a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan) and a nasal decongestant, which combined help lessen your urge to cough. It also comes in convenient, on-the-go stick packs you can slip in your pocket to keep ready for when you need a fast-acting cough remedy.