A smoker’s cough occurs in long-term smokers. It is an obstinate cough which is present for more than 3 weeks. Initially, the cough may be dry, however, over time it produces phlegm. The phlegm may be clear, white, yellow, or green. The cough is worst on waking, and improves gradually.
The airways are lined with cilia which capture inhaled toxins and move them towards the mouth.
This results in coughing as the body tries to get rid of the toxins from the lungs. During the night, cilia start repairing themselves as they are no longer exposed to smoke. As the cilia get rid of the accumulated toxins, there is increased coughing in the morning.
Symptoms Of Smoker’s Cough
- Chronic persistent cough, worse every morning on rising.
- The cough may be dry or productive.
- Occasionally, the person may cough up blood.
- There will be associated breathlessness.
- Some smokers suffer from wheezing.
- Hoarseness of the voice.
- Unexplained weight loss is another accompanying feature.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Smoker’s Cough
- Make sure you are well hydrated; drink 3 liters of water daily. Water lubricates the throat so that the bruising caused from constantly and persistently coughing will be less painful. Water also keeps the body hydrated, whilst cigarette smoke dries it out.
- Boost your intake of vitamin C. Step up your consumption of limes, lemons, oranges, guavas, mangoes and bell peppers. Smoking gets rid of vitamin C and calcium in the body. Consume loads of vitamin C rich foods every day to reinstate the lost vitamin C. You could also confer with your health care provider and start a vitamin C supplement on a daily basis.
- Honey is an excellent remedy for smokers cough. Have 3 to 5 spoons of honey every day. You could also add generous amounts of honey to your tea. Honey is a lubricant and will soothe an inflamed and irritated throat.
- Gargle with hot saline water several times in the day to clear the phlegm in your throat. You could also add a spoon of powdered turmeric to the hot water.
- Fill a pot with water and boil it. Add a few drops of tea tree essential oil to it. Inhale the vapors, taking deep breaths, whilst you cover your head. This calms cough and releases phlegm. Instead of tea tree oil, you could also use caraway seeds. These are exceedingly effective too. Make sure you follow this ritual every night before you go to bed.
- Boil mint leaves and ginger in water. Inhale the vapors as well as drink up the concoction, 3 to 4 times daily. It will yield quick and wonderful results.
- Garlic is another excellent home remedy for smoker’s cough. Chop 2 flakes of garlic and add to some milk. Boil this for about 15 minutes. Strain and drink this blend at least 5 times every day.
These natural remedies are decidedly beneficial and will help allay your cough; nonetheless, for complete and permanent cure, you need to quit smoking. Try these remedies for about a fortnight; if there’s no amelioration, go for doctor’s opinion.