General Tips Chesty Cough

• Drink plenty of water (avoid coffee, tea, fizzy drinks, alcohol drinks) to prevent dehydration.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing.
• Consider wearing a face mask.
• One should always:
  • Wash their hands thoroughly
  • Social distancing if one has a serious infection
  • Isolate oneself if one has a serious infection

• Clean all surfaces.
• Throw all tissues in bin.
• Warm liquids may help to bring up phlegm as well as steam inhalation.
• Keep rooms cool and well ventilated. Make sure have fresh air circulating. Keep window open. Hot water bowl, vapour may help to prevent throat get dry and also help in chesty cough to bring up phlegm. One can also use a damp towel and place on radiator.

• Simple linctus SF (adults) or simple paediatric SF help to sooth throat
• Blackcurrant juice may also help (sugar-free for diabetics).
• Avoid alcohol if taking particularly drowsy medication and all syrup formulations/lozenge.
• Avoid smoky/dusty environments e.g. building sites/pubs.
• Always carry tissues with you.
• Avoid crowded areas.
• Avoid kissing.
• Avoid sharing cutlery, cups, foods and towels.
• Use extra pillows or raise the bed a few inches at night to help you breathe.
• Do not have too many blankets/clothing on.
• Cut down on alcohol consumption
• If smoking, consider to stop smoking.
• Have a good healthy diet
• Chilies/spicy food (if suitable) contains capsaicin which helps to break down and increase the flow of mucus, this may help to break down phlegm and help one to remove it from the body via a runny nose and chesty cough.
• Broths have a good source of an amino acid called cysteine that helps to thin mucus and make it easier to expel.
• Allergy tips
• Sinus tips
• Sore throat tips

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Natural treatments and tips (DR Axe)