Normally, a cough starts with the intake of a deep breath, which is followed by the compression of air in the lungs and the sudden expulsion of this air in a crackling burst as the air escapes in a fraction of a second.
Coughing can be categorized as wet (productive or chesty) cough and dry cough. Interestingly, in a comparative dry cough vs wet cough study(1), it was discovered that dry cough is more prevalent in women while wet cough is more common in men (25.4% versus 17.2%).
If you or your loved ones suffer from a persistent wet cough, follow the below remedies which are known to fight cough in an effective manner.
Say goodbye to phlegmy cough with these tried and tested wet cough home remedy:
Steam is one of the most well-known go-to cure for colds and coughs. Let’s see how it fares against wet cough.
Steam moistens the upper respiratory tract. It is particularly helpful when your throat dries out at night. As a moist throat is less likely to be irritated and inflamed, it prevents coughing. Additionally, the heat in the steam breaks down phlegm, which makes it easier for the mucus to move out of the airways.
Alternatively, you can take a hot, steamy shower or make use of a humidifier.
Do this twice a day for best results.
[ Read: Treat Cough Naturally ]
The health benefits of turmeric milk are no old-man’s tales.
The warmth of the milk not only soothe the inflammation but it also hydrates the throat. The antibacterial and antiviral(2) properties of turmeric add healing value to this drink.
Drink turmeric milk every night before going to bed.
[Read: Health Benefits of Guava Seeds]
Tea prepared from guava leaves could be a potent wet cough treatment. Learn how:
Guava leaves are loaded with Vitamin C and possess antibiotic properties(3). As a result, guava leaves tea not only combats wet cough but also boosts immunity. Further, the warmth of the tea brings down inflammation.
Drink this decoction daily until you gain relief from cough.
[ Read: Home Remedies to Cough ]
Wet cough at home?” Can foods really help in treating cough? Yes, they can, and here are a few that are proven to give quick results
Honey is singularly the most useful pantry item if you wish to get rid of loose cough.
Honey is a highly effective decongestant and a cough reliever(4). Due to its soothing and demulcent properties(5), honey can get rid of incessant coughing almost immediately. Studies(6) indicate consuming about 1.5 teaspoons of honey 30 minutes prior to sleeping at night can reduce wet cough in kids.
NOTE: While you can use honey to treat wet coughs in toddlers, babies younger than 12 months should not be given honey as it can cause infant botulism(7).
Consume honey about 2-3 times a day.
Lemon is a rich source of Vitamin C and, as such, can bolster your immunity.
The vitamin C in lemon juice helps the body to recover from infections and heal at a rapid pace.
Follow this routine twice a day.
When dealing with a wet cough, the tarty and tropical taste of pineapples can give your body a much-needed push.
Pineapple contains the compound bromelain(8), which has the capacity to bring down cough frequency and the inflammation(9) in the respiratory tract. It is also capable of loosening mucus.
NOTE: You can add spices such as pepper and ginger to the pineapple juice to increase its efficacy.
Drink the pineapple juice twice a day.
[ Read: Pineapple Juice for Cough ]
A number of herbs can help in suppressing a wet cough. These include:
This wonder spice can help you control your wet cough.
Ginger(10) possesses potent antibiotic properties, which can help to address the root cause of cough. When ginger is combined with honey, the mixture acts as a natural cough reliever (and painkiller).
Have this herbal cough syrup 3-4 times a day.
[ Read: Ginger for Cough Treatment ]
Cinnamon sticks can help in getting rid of wet cough.
Cinnamon possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help bring down the inflammation of the respiratory passages, while also clearing out the sinuses.
Have this tea 2-3 times a day.
These useful natural remedies can positively help you in getting rid of a phlegmy cough. Along with these remedies, try gargling with saline water to bring down the inflammation. Avoid spicy, fried, or high-calorie foods as they can hamper your recovery.
[ Read: Herbal Remedies for Cough ]
The geranium extract plays a vital role in fighting cough and other infections in the upper respiratory tract. It augments the body’s natural healing properties. It also helps in fighting symptoms of cough, including fever, fatigue, chest pain, headache, and nasal dripping.
Thyme contains expectorant properties that help in treating cough, congestion, and other respiratory illnesses. The components of thyme break up mucus, which alleviates cough and its related conditions.
Cloves are one of the best natural remedies for cold, cough, and sore throat. They are rich in phenolic compounds and are loaded with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. In addition to treating cough, it also helps in relieving the pain and itchiness related to sore throat and clearing the respiratory passage. Besides, it also boosts immunity and cleanses toxins from the body.
The primary causes of wet cough include:
Normally, a wet cough could last a week or two.
While wet cough could be a symptom of pneumonia, not every incident is a case of pneumonia.
The home remedies for the treatment of wet cough have been highlighted above. However, consult your physician if the cough lasts longer than 2 weeks.
Cough, in general, is contagious a day or two before the symptoms are visible. It is contagious as long as the person is infectious.