Sip warm water or tea
Take slow sips of honey (1–2 teaspoons)
Suck on a lozenge or hard candy
Take a hot shower or inhale steam for 5–10 minutes
Use saline nasal spray or rinse, then blow your nose gently
Gargle warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water)
Breathe in slowly through your nose and out through your mouth for 1–2 minutes
Drink something warm and avoid cold drinks
Stay upright and avoid lying down
Use a humidifier if the air is dry
If you have a dry, throat-irritating cough: use a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan) as directed
If you have mucus: use an expectorant (guaifenesin) as directed and drink plenty of fluids
Avoid smoke, vaping, strong fragrances, and allergens
If post-nasal drip is likely: consider an antihistamine (if appropriate) or an OTC nasal steroid as directed
Seek urgent care if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, coughing blood, severe wheezing, blue lips, or high fever
Contact a clinician if cough lasts more than 3 weeks, keeps returning, or you have significant underlying conditions