Coughing can be frustrating especially when it won’t stop and you just want quick relief. It could be caused by cold, dry air, or throat irritation. However, there are simple things you can do to calm your cough fast. In this blog, you’ll learn how to get rid of a cough in 5 minutes, what helps for a dry cough, and how to soothe your throat naturally and safely.
8 Quick Home Remedies for How to Get Rid of a Cough in 5 Minutes
If you’re wondering how to get rid of a cough in 5 minutes,that too naturally at home, try these tried and tested home remedies:
1. Take Steam Inhalation
One of the fastest ways to get rid of a cough is by inhaling steam. Warm steam opens your airways and loosen mucus that’s stuck in your throat or chest.
How to do it:
- Boil water, pour it into a bowl, and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or Vicks.
- Lean over the bowl, cover your head with a towel, and breathe slowly for 5-10 minutes.
- You can also take a hot shower and inhale the steam.
- It works great for dry cough and throat irritation.
2. Gargle With Warm Salt Water
Want to know how to get rid of dry cough? Saltwater is your way to reduce throat swelling and clears mucus.
How to do it:
- Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
- Gargle for 20–30 seconds, spit it out, and repeat two to three times.
It’s one of the easiest ways to get rid of a cough in 5 minutes and works best for both wet and dry cough.
3. Have a Spoon of Honey
Honey coats your throat and eases irritation. It also fights germs that cause coughing.
How to do it:
- Take one teaspoon of pure honey.
- Mix it into warm water, green tea, or ginger tea.
- For an even better result, add a pinch of black pepper or a few drops of lemon juice.
(Note: Don’t give honey to children under one year old.)
4. Drink Ginger or Turmeric Milk
Both ginger and turmeric are powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients. They relax the throat and help your body fight infection.
How to make it:
- Boil a cup of milk.
- Add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder or fresh ginger slices.
- Sip it warm before bed.
- It’s especially useful if you want to know how to get rid of cough overnight.
5. Try Hot Tea or Soup
Warm drinks soothe sore throat and help you clear mucus. Herbal teas like peppermint, chamomile, or ginger tea are calming. Chicken soup is another great choice. It hydrates you, loosen mucus, and provides energy when you’re sick.
6. Suck on a Cough Drop or Lozenges
If you’re coughing in public or need instant relief, sucking on a lozenge or cough drop can help. It keeps your throat moist and reduces the tickling feeling that triggers coughing. Choose menthol or honey-based lozenges for the best effect.
7. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough fluids keeps your throat moist and prevents your cough from getting worse. Plain warm water, lemon water, or herbal tea every hour can make a big difference especially if your cough is dry and scratchy.
8. Use a Humidifier
Dry air makes coughing worse, especially during winter or in air-conditioned rooms. Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air. It also helps you breathe better and reduces cough frequency. If you don’t have one, place a bowl of hot water near your bed or hang a wet towel in your room.
Over-the-Counter and Medical Options
If home remedies don’t work and you’re still searching for how to get rid of a cough in 5 minutes, you can try over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines.
- Cough syrups (like those with dextromethorphan) calm your cough reflex.
- Expectorants (like guaifenesin) help loosen mucus which makes it easier to cough out.
- Decongestants (in tablets or nasal sprays) clear blocked sinuses if your cough is caused by postnasal drip.
Always check with a doctor or pharmacist before giving medicine to children or if you’re already taking other medications.
Long-Term Tips to Prevent Cough
It’s great to know how to get rid of cough fast, but it’s even smarter to stop it before it starts. As they say, “prevention is better than cure.”
Here are some daily habits that help keep your throat healthy:
1. Avoid Smoking or Secondhand Smoke
Cigarette smoke irritates your airways and causes constant coughing. Avoid smoking and stay away from smoky areas.
2. Eat Light and Healthy
Acid reflux can trigger coughing, especially at night. Avoid oily, spicy, and fried foods close to bedtime. Eat smaller meals and drink water instead of soda or coffee.
3. Keep Your Immune System Strong
Add foods like yogurt, garlic, citrus fruits, and vegetables to your diet. These help your body fight infections that cause cough and cold.
4. Get Enough Rest
Your body heals faster when you sleep well. If you’re coughing at night, prop your head up with extra pillows to help you breathe better.
When to See a Doctor
Most coughs go away on their own in a few days, but you should see a doctor if you notice:
- A cough lasting more than 2 weeks
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood or thick yellow mucus
- High fever or night sweats
- Weight loss or tiredness that doesn’t improve
You can also book an appointment with a Pulmonologist or ENT specialist through Marham. Persistent or severe coughing might indicate asthma, pneumonia, or allergies. That’s why it’s always better to get checked if symptoms don’t settle.
Bottom Line
If you’re wondering how to get rid of a cough in 5 minutes, the best quick fixes include steam inhalation, saltwater gargles, honey, warm drinks, and rest. For long-term relief, stay hydrated, avoid smoke, and support your immune system. If your cough still doesn’t go away in a few days, consult a doctor to find the real cause and get the right treatment.
