A study revealed 40% of smokers develop a persistent cough, also called a smoker’s cough.
27% of occasional smokers tend to develop a smoker’s cough. The same study also found that a smoker’s cough is more common in long-term smokers. This cough lasts for more than 3 weeks. It begins as a dry cough and eventually, produces phlegm. Over time, it can lead to hoarseness, sore throat, chest pain, and bronchitis.
Smokers’ cough results from damage to the airways and lungs caused by the toxins in tobacco. Tobacco smoke contains formaldehyde that paralyzes the delicate cilia structures and impacts their ability to capture toxins. This results in toxins entering the lungs where they settle and spur inflammation.
Constant coughing not only increases your risk of respiratory diseases. But it can also interfere with sleep and disturb others.
A smoker’s cough may also impact your social life, work life, and personal life.
Read on to discover simple home remedies to treat a smoker’s cough.
Home remedies for smokers’ cough
Quit smoking
The most effective treatment for a smoker’s cough is quitting smoking. Smoking destroys your airways which results in a smoker’s cough. However, when you start quitting cigarettes, initially your cough may increase. But this will improve in 2 to 3 months.
Neeraj developed a smoker’s cough in his 30s. It was impacting his day-to-day life, affecting his confidence at work, and influencing his relationships negatively. After quitting smoking, his condition improved within six months.
Drink 6-8 glasses of water
Hydration can improve the irritation in your throat. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day. Water helps keep the mucus lining in the lungs and throat thin. This reduces your cough over time.
Exercise 30 minutes
Exercising is beneficial for you if you are dealing with a smoker’s cough. Increased physical activity allows you to breathe more deeply and quickly. This helps loosen the phlegm and eases the irritation in the throat.
Drink green tea
Green tea is a great antioxidant. This helps relax your body, fights free radicals, reverses the damage in your airways, and reduces the cough. You can also add half a teaspoon of honey to reduce the symptoms of a smoker’s cough. Honey adds a coat to your throat and reduces throat irritation during the day.
Sleep with an elevated head
A smoker’s cough often worsens in the morning or during the night. This can disrupt your night’s sleep and make your mornings stressful. Prop your head with a few pillows to minimize mucus in the throat.
Inhale mint or eucalyptus
Mint inhalation is an effective home remedy for a smoker’s cough. You can either get the eucalyptus essential oil or pick fresh mint leaves. Put the herb in a bowl and pour boiling water on it. Inhale the vapor to ease your cough.
Gargle with Saltwater
Gargling with salt water is another old and effective home remedy for a smoker’s cough. Saltwater has bactericidal and antiseptic properties. This can help in relieving your smoker’s cough. Gargle for 30 seconds and repeat this two to three times per day.
Garlic
Garlic is a natural antibacterial and anti-oxidant agent that can help strengthen the body’s immune system. Garlic contains many compounds that can aid in soothing a smoker’s cough.
Ginger
Ginger is an effective remedy for the common cold and cough. It has bioactive compounds that exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming raw ginger can help in soothing your sore throat and easing your cough.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which can increase the human body’s resistance to illness. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can soothe your irritated throat. It further supports recovery from flu and from coughs, including smoker’s cough.
Final Takeaway!
If you are a smoker, whether you are a chain smoker or an occasional smoker, then you are at a high risk of developing a smoker’s cough. The best and most effective remedy for a smoker’s cough is quitting smoking. Apart from quitting smoking, you can try drinking more water, taking vapor, inhaling mint, drinking green tea, or taking a spoonful of honey every day. You can also take Vitamin C supplements or eat foods high in vitamin C.
However, if you are suffering from a cough for more than 3 weeks then you must consult a doctor. Consistent cough, pain in the chest, and other symptoms of a smoker’s cough can also indicate cancer!
