Many of us have been hit by one of the common winter bugs which are in circulation. But even when we feel we are over the worst of it there can be a lingering cough which seems to take forever to go.
Now one doctor has come up with his top tips for getting rid of that annoying cough. Dr Azmain Chowdhury says there are things you can try that can speed up the process.
Posting on TikTok the doctor said: “I’m a doctor but I’m not immune to the winter bugs going around.” And he had 5 “hacks to help your cough”.
Gargling
He advised: “Gargle with warm, salty water. This helps flush out the bugs and mucus.”
Honey and lemon
Dr Azmain said: “The NHS recommends putting honey and lemon in hot water. I suggest adding some finely grated ginger and making it into a tea. It’s like a magic potion.”
Nasal spray
“Use a saline nasal spray. Spray it all the way up and then blow to get rid of mucus and bugs,” says the doctor. “You can buy these over the counter.
“You can make your won by dissolving salt in boiling water then letting it fully cool. Do not use tap water directly or you risk a serious infection.”
Over the counter medication
Take over the counter paracetamol or ibuprofen. Dr Azmain says this will help associated issues such as pain, fever and muscle aches.
Nasal steroid spray
He says the last tip is something which is prescribed by a doctor or pharmacist. He said: “If you’ve been prescribed one use a nasal steroid spray to help reduce inflammation in your nose and make breathing easier.”
Anything else I can do?
He added: Apart from that all relevant advice still applies. Get some rest, stay at home, avoid seeing other people if you’re infectious. drink plenty of fluids.”
And he said if you had other serious symptoms such as your cough is still not improving after three week, you are struggling to breathe or you are coughing up blood you should get medical help.