What makes you cough? And is there a simple remedy to stop it?

kaylofgorons

Layman's version: Coughing is what your body does to clear your breathing passages. Respiratory diseases, infections, whatever cause more coughing. All the breathing passages are coated with mucous, and there are special cells with cilia in the broncioles that move this mucous and whatever gets stuck in it back up the bronchi so it can be swallowed and destroyed by the acid in the stomach. Coughing can also aid this removal, even though it will make the throat raw after a while. Anything that irritates the trachea or bronchi will make you cough. Warm moist air usually helps with breathing if you have a cough, but cold dry air makes it worse. Of course, seeing the doctor is highly recommended, because FunTrivia does NOT give medical advice. Besides, I think we just covered this... Dec 12 04, 3:25 PM

_princess_007

A cough is the body's response to inflammation or irritation in the throat, larynx, bronchial tubes or lungs. There are two basic kinds of coughs, congested and dry, with each one having different underlying causes. Causes: The obvious causes of coughing are colds, flu, bronchial infections, sinus congestion, smoking, and the need to rid the throat of foreign matter. But did you know that heartburn is one of the leading causes? For some unknown reason heartburn is the cause for about 10% of chronic coughers. See our Heartburn section for suggestions to relieve both the heartburn and coughing. Dust, pollen and chemicals are other sources of irritants. Also, some drugs, most notably ACE inhibitors used for high blood pressure, have coughing as a side effect in 21% of the people using them. Coughing is also a common symptom of asthma. Nov 21 06, 4:03 PM

_princess_007

Folk Remedies include: Aloe vera: Mix equal parts of aloe juice and honey. This is very good for a scratchy cough. Angelica: Use a tincture of the root or leaf, or make a tea. Angelica is an expectorant. Do not use if you are pregnant. Bee balm: Native Americans used bee balm to alleviate colds and coughs. Steep two teaspoons of fresh (one, dried) bee balm leaves in a cup of hot water, covered, for four minutes. Sip a cup three times a day. Bee balm has antiseptic compounds that can help heal respiratory infections and clear nasal congestion. Carrot juice: Mix with honey and a little warm water. Take a tablespoonful several times a day. Cayenne pepper: Mix ¼-½ teaspoon of pepper in a glass of water and use as a gargle, swallowing afterward. You can also use 15-20 drops of Tabasco sauce in a glass of water or juice. Pepper helps clear congestion and draws blood to the throat to fight infection. Chamomile tea: will soothe the throat. Garlic: Grate one or two cloves of garlic and mix with a teaspoon of honey. Take as needed. Ginger: Make a tea using ginger and drink 6 oz several times a day, as needed. Grape juice: Mix a cup of grape juice with a teaspoon of honey. Honey: Mix honey with juice of a fresh lemon and take as needed. Not only does honey soothe the tickle, but it has antibacterial properties, too. http://www.health911.com/remedies/rem_coughs.htm Nov 21 06, 4:05 PM