How to Treat a Productive Cough Naturally and Medically
Coughing is a body defense mechanism that works to keep the airways clear, so that the flow of air is not disrupted. Among the many types of coughs, a productive cough is one of the more bothersome types. You can try ways to relieve a productive cough to make your body feel more comfortable.
Let's learn more about productive coughs and how to relieve them here!
Productive Cough

If you experience this condition, you will feel something stuck in your chest or throat. Sometimes, coughing will bring mucus or phlegm to the mouth.
This type of cough is often a sign of a bacterial or viral infection. If a productive cough does not go away after more than 2 weeks, consult a doctor immediately.[1]
This is because the productive cough you suffer from may be caused by pneumonia, bronchitis, or even asthma.
Effective and Easy Ways to Relieve a Productive Cough

You can relieve a productive cough with self-care at home using natural ingredients or medicine. Check out some ways you can try below:
1. Gargle
Gargling with warm salt water has long been known to effectively relieve coughs in adults with no history of hypertension.
Extra moisture can reduce mucus and ease pain. However, this method is not effective at killing viruses.[2]
2. Consume Honey
Want to try ways to cure a cough quickly without medicine? Use honey. This natural ingredient contains natural antibacterial properties and has soothing benefits.
In studies, it has been found that honey and dextromethorphan both work to suppress coughing.[3]
3. Take Medicine or Supplements
Some people are impatient with the effects of natural ingredients, so they choose to take medicine. You can use medicine containing mucolytics or expectorants to treat a productive cough.
Tolak Angin Batuk can also be the best choice as a productive cough medicine.
4. Eat Garlic
This natural ingredient is known to boost the immune system because of its antibacterial properties. A strong immune system will speed up the healing process of a productive cough.
5. Maintain Air Humidity
Dry air can trigger irritation in your nose and throat. This will cause more mucus to form because it acts as a lubricant.
You can try turning on a humidifier in your room to keep the air moist.
6. Inhale the Aroma of Eucalyptus Oil
Inhaling the aroma of eucalyptus oil can help clear your airways and make it easier for you to cough. Mix a little oil with hot water before inhaling its aroma.
7. Stay Hydrated
One of the keys to relieving a productive cough is to keep your body hydrated. When cough symptoms appear, drink more warm water immediately.
The more fluids you consume, the more it will help reduce mucus.
8. Consume Ginger
Ginger contains paradol, shogaol, and gingerol to reduce mucus production and thin it.
Meanwhile, a mixture of honey and ginger is a promising treatment for a productive cough with fewer side effects.[4]
9. Warm Water Compress
If the productive cough you experience is accompanied by a headache and a stuffy nose, apply a compress.
Soak a soft towel in warm water and use the towel to cover your face.
Inhaling the air from the warm towel will help restore moisture to your nose and throat.
10. Sleep with Your Head Elevated
Did you know that a productive cough gets worse at night? This is because phlegm accumulates at the back of your throat when you lie down.
Therefore, ways to relieve a cough at night include sleeping with your head elevated. This will help you breathe more easily.
11. Don't Suppress Your Cough
Sometimes you reflexively want to suppress your cough. However, you need to understand that coughing is the body's natural mechanism to expel something from the throat.
So, cough if you feel like coughing. Expelling phlegm when you cough will also help compared to swallowing it.
12. Consume Pineapple
This tropical fruit has mucolytic properties because it contains the enzyme bromelain. Its function is to help break down and thin mucus or phlegm.
Its anti-inflammatory content is also beneficial for treating a sore throat.
13. Steam
This is commonly known as a way to relieve a productive cough in children. However, adults can also try it.
Inhaling steam from a basin or hot water can help thin mucus and soothe your throat.
14. Warm Water Bath
Taking a warm water bath not only makes your body more relaxed. The steam from this activity can help thin phlegm and soothe your throat.
You can try taking a warm water bath before bed to sleep more soundly.
15. Get Enough Rest
Sleep time greatly affects the healing process of a productive cough. While you sleep, the immune system can work optimally to fight the viruses and bacteria that cause you to experience a productive cough.
You can try each way to relieve a productive cough above at home if possible. However, make sure you are not allergic to any of the natural ingredients used above to minimize risk.
You can also consume Tolak Angin Batuk for convenience in relieving a productive cough. When your cough worsens, make sure to visit a doctor immediately.
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