Not to mention, an aggressive side-eye may be thrown your way if you do it in public.

A cough is a protective mechanism to get irritants out of your airways.

And a cough can last a while.

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Thats a long time to hold onto a hack.

So it makes sense that youre looking for effective home remedies for a cough.

Coughing can beget coughing by causing more airway hypersensitivity, says Dr. Husain.

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otolaryngologist affiliated with Community Hospital in Munster, Indiana

Meaning: The more you cough…the more you cough.

So, better do something about it now.

Keep the air moist

Your airways prefer to be hydrated, says Dr. Husain.

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A cool-misthumidifierwill add moisture to the air to relieve some of the dryness that can contribute to coughing.

If youve been sick, you probably know firsthand how comforting this natural cough remedy is.

Pairing it with hot herbal tea may just be the best home remedy for a cough out there.

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One important thing to remember: Honey isnt safe for babies under age 1, according to theNemours Foundation.

(And honestly, she might still give you this advice, even as an adult.)

Fluids tend to be very helpful because they help thin mucus, says Dr. Caudle.

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otolaryngologist affiliated with Community Hospital in Munster, Indiana

Fluids also keep your tissues moist, helping them feel better when theyve been irritated from coughing a lot.

If youre dealing with a cough with phlegm, check that to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

Its Amazing How Its All Connected.

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Focus your efforts on a nasal regimen to decrease the drip, says Dr. Husain.

Try NeilMeds NasaFlo Neti Pot ($14.99,Target).

Food & Drug Administration.

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Tap water can contain harmful organisms that may cause infections if they get caught in your nasal passages.

Do a nasal rinse one to three times per day, according toUCLA Health.

One of the best home remedies for a cough at night is elevating your head.

Sleeping on an elevation can get to the source of the cough in two ways.

Ideally, use awedge pillow, which looks like a ramp.

Smoke and tobacco smoke are airway irritants, too, so avoid these as well.

Can you prevent a cough?

But, really, you dont have to wait this long.

As doctors, we want to look for the underlying cause of the cough, says Dr. Caudle.

Make an appointment with your doctor so you could get on your way to breathing easy again.

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