Rest and avoid activities that trigger more coughing
Sit upright or prop yourself up with pillows
Support your chest with a pillow when coughing
Drink warm fluids
Use a humidifier or inhale steam
Take honey if you are older than 1 year
Use over-the-counter pain relievers if safe for you
Use cough medicine only as directed
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
Avoid cold air and other irritants
Treat the cause of the cough, such as allergies or congestion
Seek urgent medical care if chest pain is severe, sudden, worsening, or comes with shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm, back, jaw, or shoulder