Drink warm water frequently
Gargle with warm salt water
Use honey if you are not allergic and are over 1 year old
Suck on lozenges or hard candies
Keep your throat moist with warm tea or broth
Use a humidifier or inhale steam
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
Avoid very cold, spicy, or acidic foods if they irritate your throat
Rest your voice
Stay hydrated throughout the day
Try over-the-counter cough medicine if appropriate for you
Use a saline nasal rinse if postnasal drip is causing throat irritation
See a doctor if the cough lasts more than 3 weeks
See a doctor if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, high fever, or coughing up blood