How to Get Rid of a Cough ASAP: 15 Tips From Doctors That Can Help Soothe Your Throat Fast

Ginger is well known for its power in calming an upset stomach. Turns out, it can also work wonders for a cough.

“Ginger has been found to be helpful in reducing cough and alleviating sore throat, and ginger lozenges are widely used for this purpose,” Dr. Hanak explains.

The root also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are beneficial in treating a variety of conditions, he adds. Brew some ginger tea by using a teabag or pouring hot water over some fresh slices.

Coughing, but also craving something sweet? You're in luck! “Honey has been found to be helpful in alleviating cough, either on its own or as part of a cup of tea,” says Dr. Hanak.

It's soothing to the upper airways, taking that throat tickle away, Dr. Peterson adds. "It's also anti-inflammatory so it helps with inflammation—honey's great."

Besides helping you de-stress after a long day, soaking in a hot bath can ease common cold symptoms like congestion, coughing, and sinus pressure, says Dr. Peterson. (A shower works just as well, FYI.) "The steam opens up the airways really well and it soothes," she says.

Alternatively, you could try a humidifier, which adds moisture to the air around you and can work in the same way.

Another quick and easy at-home remedy to stop a cough in its tracks? A lozenge, like Ricola lemon mint drops, for example.

If your cough is a result of allergies, try Flonase or Nasonex paired with a daily allergy pill such as Allegra, Claritin, or Zyrtec, per Dr. Hanak.

“Treating allergy symptoms is a common method of resolving postnasal drip and related cough," he says. "This is especially true when a cough is most apparent laying flat or first thing in the morning."

A cough can be seasonal or year-round, so paying attention to the timing will allow you to predict and prevent it, he adds.

You also may want to give OTC medications a shot, especially if you've already tried everything else. Antitussives are cough suppressants and can block the cough reflex, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. They "inhibit the cough center in the brain," Dr. Peterson adds. Then there are expectorants, which thin mucus to help get it out, she says.

When in doubt, ask your pharmacist or primary care physician, and always remember to check the expiration dates. Dr. Peterson recommends Delsym and Mucinex DM.

When in doubt, talk to your doc and see if you might need something stronger, like a prescription medication, for your cough. Benzonatate medications like Tessalon Perles, are specifically recommended by Dr. Peterson, but of course your own doctor will prescribe what’s right for you. Benzonatate "anesthetizes the stretch receptors of the nerves in the airways and works very well to suppress coughs," she explains.

By minimizing exposure to chemicals and irritants, which are harmful to the lungs, quitting smoking can cut down on inflammation, Dr. Hanak says. A cough caused by smoking can be progressive, depending on how much someone smokes and how long they have been smoking, he adds.

Chloraseptic throat spray can provide temporary relief for pain, irritation, and soreness in the throat, per Dr. Peterson. "It's instant," she says. "You spray it on, it works immediately, and so it takes away the tickle in the back of the throat."