Coughs (cont.)

Medical Author:

Manuel Hernandez, MD

Coauthor:

Jacob W Ufberg, MD

Medical Editor:

Patrick Taylor, MD, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Steven L Bernstein, MD

Home care of the cough is often directed at treating its underlying cause.

If you have an acute cough and have not been to the doctor, you may attempt to use over-the-counter cold remedies to relieve your symptoms. If a common cold or flu is suspected, these may provide relief until the infection gets better on its own. Acute coughs that are caused by allergies are often relieved with allergy medication, and coughs due to environmental irritants will respond to elimination of the agent.

Home care of the chronic cough with a known cause is directed at treating the underlying cause of the cough. This should be done in close consultation with your doctor or with a specialist. Although not every chronic cough can be eliminated, many people can find relief of their cough by following their doctor's recommendations closely.

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