Drink plenty of water throughout the day
Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air
Avoid smoke, dust, and strong fumes
Suck on lozenges or hard candy to keep the throat moist
Gargle with warm salt water
Rest your voice and avoid shouting
Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth
Keep indoor air clean and well-ventilated
Avoid very cold or very dry air when possible
Treat allergies, postnasal drip, or acid reflux if present
Wash hands regularly to reduce infections
Avoid alcohol and caffeine if they worsen dryness
Sleep with your head slightly elevated if coughing at night
See a doctor if the cough lasts more than a few weeks or worsens
