Coughing is your body’s way of clearing your airways of mucus, germs and irritants. It’s a helpful reflex that’s there to protect you.

But coughing can also be downright annoying, especially when it keeps you from falling asleep or hits while you’re on an important call.

Pulmonary medicine physician Rose Paccione, MD, offers advice to stop a cough — from home remedies and over-the-counter medications to when it’s time to call a provider.

Home remedies for a cough

When you have a cough that won’t quit, it’s natural to want to find a solution fast. Dr. Paccione recommends these strategies to ease mild coughs from allergies and viral illnesses, like colds.

Suck on cough drops

Cough drops are often the quickest way to relieve an annoying cough. But before you pop them like candy, know that following the directions on the package is important. Most brands recommend no more than one cough drop every two hours — and for good reason.

“Cough drops with menthol can calm a cough for a few minutes,” Dr. Paccione says. “But some research suggests menthol could make your cough worse if you use too much.”

Try ginger

Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help manage a cough. It can also soothe a sore throat.

Try:

• Drinking ginger tea
• Adding fresh or ground ginger to soup
• Sucking on ginger-flavored hard candies or ginger chews
• Chewing raw ginger
• Sipping a ginger spice smoothie
• Having a ginger shot

Have some honey

Honey can work as well as some over-the-counter medicines for mild coughs. Honey helps thin out mucus that makes you cough. It can also relieve a sore throat and calm the nerves that keep you coughing.

“Try a spoonful of honey before bed to quiet a cough,” Dr. Paccione suggests. “You can also add it to tea or hot water for a soothing drink.”

Remember not to give honey to babies under 1 year old. It can contain bacteria that can cause infant botulism, which is very dangerous.

Use humidity and steam

Dry air can make coughing worse. Adding some moisture to the mix can soothe your airways and break up mucus.

You can try:

• Running a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom (and cleaning it regularly so it doesn’t grow mold)
• Taking a warm shower and breathing in the steam
• Leaning over a bowl of hot (not boiling) water with a towel over your head and inhaling the steam

Change your sleep position

If your cough is worse at night, your sleeping position could be part of the problem.

“When you lie down, mucus can pool in the back of your throat and cause coughing,” Dr. Paccione explains. “Lying flat can also make acid reflux worse. Raising your head slightly can prevent both issues.”

Try:

• Sleeping on a wedge pillow
• Stacking an extra pillow or two under your head
• Raising the head of your bed a few inches

Drink lots of water

Staying hydrated helps thin mucus and can calm that tickly feeling in your throat that makes you cough. Staying hydrated also helps your body fight off viruses that cause coughs, colds and other illnesses.

Plain water will do the trick, but warm teas or broths can help, too.

Avoid irritants

Even a mild cough can hang around if your airways keep getting irritated. Common triggers to avoid include:

• Cigarette or vape smoke
• Strong perfumes or fragrances
• Cleaning products and chemicals
• Dust, mold and pet dander
• Cold air

Using an air purifier or high-quality furnace filter at home can also help remove irritants from the air.

Try a ‘stop cough’ technique

Sometimes, you can break the cycle of coughing with a simple technique that can help relax the muscles in your throat.

When you feel a cough coming on, try this:

1. Place your hand gently over your mouth as soon as you feel that tickle or urge to cough.
2. Swallow once.
3. Keep your hand over your mouth and hold your breath for a few seconds.
4. Take slow, smooth breaths for about 30 seconds.
5. Tell yourself, “I’m not going to cough.”
6. Breathe in normally through your nose.
7. Take your hand away from your mouth.
8. Repeat as needed if the urge comes back.

Choose over-the-counter medications wisely

OTC cough medicines can help, but it’s important to pick the right type for your cough. Look at the active ingredients on the label.

There are two main types:

• Dextromethorphan (like Robitussin®) helps quiet the part of your brain that tells your body to cough. It can be most useful for a dry cough — the kind that has you hacking away without bringing up any mucus.
• Guaifenesin (like Mucinex®) is best used for a wet cough because it thins mucus and makes it easier to cough up.

Don’t give cough medicine to kids under the age of 4 unless your child’s provider says it’s OK. These medicines can be unsafe for young children. Even for older kids, they may not be effective.

Be careful when using combination “cold and flu” products, too. Check labels thoroughly so you don’t accidentally double up on ingredients.

Know when to see a doctor about a cough

Coughing can be a real annoyance, but it’s usually harmless and will go away on its own. But sometimes, a cough is a sign that something more serious is going on.

Call a healthcare provider if you have:

• A barky cough that sounds like a seal
• Blood or bloody mucus when you cough
• Coughing fits that make it hard to breathe or talk
• A cough that lasts longer than three weeks
• Shortness of breath, wheezing or chest tightness

Seek emergency care if:

• You’re struggling to breathe
• Your lips or face look blue or gray
• You feel like you might pass out

Bottom line: Listen to your body (and your cough)

Most coughs result from a virus or allergies and will clear up on their own. But don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare provider if your cough sounds unusual or is really bugging you. They can help you determine the cause and possible treatments so you can breathe easier.