To stop coughing fits, some effective strategies include staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, using a humidifier to keep the air moist, and avoiding irritants like smoke, strong scents, or allergens. Holding your breath when the urge to cough comes, breathing with pursed lips or against resistance (such as coughing into your fist or a tissue), and sucking on sweets or chewing gum to keep the throat moist can also help. Additionally, practices like slow shallow breathing after breath-holding and following any relevant medical treatment plans are beneficial. If coughing fits are severe, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or coughing up blood, medical attention is necessary.
Key ways to stop coughing fits quickly:
- Drink still water or lukewarm tea to soothe the throat.
- Suck on sweets or chew gum to stimulate saliva.
- Breathe out with pursed lips or cough into your fist or tissue to reduce coughing intensity.
- Hold your breath for as long as possible when the urge to cough starts, then take slow, shallow breaths.
- Use a humidifier or take a steamy shower to moisten airways.
- Avoid irritants and allergens that trigger coughing fits.
Prevention tips include:
- Keeping mucosal membranes moist through hydration.
- Avoiding smoke, dust, heavy perfumes, or strong scents.
- Keeping hands clean to avoid infections.
- Managing any underlying conditions that cause coughing fits.
These approaches collectively help to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of coughing fits and improve breathing comfort.
