Drink plenty of warm fluids
Use honey if you are older than 1 year
Rest as much as possible
Use a humidifier or inhale steam
Gargle with warm salt water
Suck on lozenges or hard candy
Avoid smoke, dust, and strong odors
Sleep with your head elevated
Try over-the-counter cough medicine as directed
Use saline nasal spray if postnasal drip is present
Treat fever, congestion, or allergies if they are causing the cough
See a doctor if the cough lasts more than 3 weeks
Seek urgent care if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, coughing blood, or high fever