Take a sick day from work or school to rest your body as well as keep yourself from spreading your infection.
If you take a hot shower, close the bathroom door to trap the steam inside. This can help you breathe better because it helps loosen congestion.
You can also drink juice, clear chicken or vegetable broth, or brothy chicken soup. [2] X Research source
Eat quality proteins, like fish and poultry, as well as eggs and complex carbohydrates.
Rub a small amount onto your chest and around your nose. The smell and exposure to the menthol will help loosen your cough.
If your phlegm is a greenish-yellow, you are wheezing, or you hear a whistling sound, you may want to see a doctor. If you experience these symptoms along with a fever, you need immediate treatment. These treatments can be used along with pain relievers, antibiotics, and other treatments. If you are already seeing a physician, continue with those treatments along with steam treatments.
Eucalyptus Elecampane (Inula) Slippery Elm Fennel seed Camphor Garlic Hyssop Lobelia Mullein Thyme Spearmint and Peppermint Ginger Cayenne pepper and black pepper Mustard seed
Drink four to six cups a day. Add honey and lemon to taste. They both have antiviral and antibacterial properties that can also help soothe your cough. Do not give honey to children under one year old. Cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic, onions, and mustard seed tend to be strong and can be irritating. If you make teas with these herbs, drink them slowly. If you are giving these teas to a child, cut the amount of herb by ½ or increase to two cups of water.
Add one to two drops of any essential oils made from expectorant herbs or one to two teaspoons of the dried herb to boiling water. Start with one drop per one quart of water. Once you add the herbs, boil for another minute, turn off the heat and move the pot to a comfortable area. Drape a cotton towel over your head and hold your head over the steaming pot. Keep your face at least 12 inches away from the water to avoid scalding yourself. Close your eyes, and breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth for five counts, and then in and out through your mouth for two counts. Repeat for 10 minutes or as long as the water is still steaming. You can do this every two hours. To any herbal steam treatment listed, you can add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or black pepper. Make sure to only add a very small amount because they may be too irritating for your respiratory system.
Breathe in again through your nose so the mucus will not move back down your throat. Rest a moment, then repeat the process if you still have mucus. [5] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
It usually takes three to five cycles of huff breathing to clear enough mucus. The stronger the breath, the more mucus you will push out. Don’t overtire yourself. [6] X Research source
Over the shoulder blade on the left and right side of the back, after moving to a seated position leaning over a pillow in your lap On the front sides on the left and right while lying flat on the back On the sides on the left and right, while alternating lying on both sides with the arms over the head On the upper back above the edge of the ribs on both sides, while lying flat on the stomach You will cough during and for up to two hours after CPT. This is common and lets you know it’s working. This technique is often used with children and adult with cystic fibrosis.
