How to treat cough with white sticky and frothy mucous?

Home remedies

* Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up. Water, juice, and soup are all good choices.

* Use a humidifier. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help to loosen mucus and relieve coughing.

* Take a hot shower or bath. The steam from a hot shower or bath can help to loosen mucus and relieve coughing.

* Gargle with salt water. Gargling with salt water can help to soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing.

* Eat honey. Honey has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help to fight off the infection that is causing the cough.

* Use lozenges. Lozenges can help to soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing.

* Avoid irritants. Avoid exposure to irritants such as smoke, dust, and pollen, which can worsen coughing.

Over-the-counter medications

If your cough is severe or does not improve with home remedies, you may want to try an over-the-counter medication. There are a variety of over-the-counter cough medications available, including:

* Cough suppressants: Cough suppressants help to stop coughing. They are not recommended for children under 6 years old.

* Expectorants: Expectorants help to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up.

* Combination medications: Combination medications contain both a cough suppressant and an expectorant.

Prescription medications

If your cough is very severe or does not improve with over-the-counter medications, you may need to see a doctor and get a prescription medication. There are a variety of prescription cough medications available, including:

* Codeine: Codeine is a cough suppressant that is not recommended for children under 18 years old.

* Morphine: Morphine is a cough suppressant that is only used for severe coughs.

* Guaifenesin: Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up.

* Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed if your cough is caused by a bacterial infection.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if your cough:

* Is severe or does not improve with home remedies or over-the-counter medications

* Is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills, shortness of breath, or chest pain

* Lasts for more than 2 weeks

* Is accompanied by coughing up blood

* Is accompanied by a change in voice

* Is accompanied by difficulty swallowing

* Is accompanied by wheezing

* Is accompanied by excessive fatigue

* Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss