There are different kinds of coughs. When you feel a tickle at the back of your throat, you often cough. The tickle can come from irritants in the air, a cold virus, or even sinus drainage. These coughs are irritating and they make your throat sore. The cough itself makes the pain worse.

These kinds of coughs can be treated with a cough remedy at home. You can make an excellent soothing natural cough remedy by mixing equal parts honey and lemon juice (fresh or Real Lemon in the bottle). Take a tablespoonful every couple of hours to soothe the soreness.

If you also have a little congestion, you can add some whiskey, gin or vodka with the above mixture - usually one part alcohol with two parts of the honey and lemon mixture. Keep your natural cough remedy in the refrigerator.

When your coughing produces thick mucus that seems to come from deep inside your lungs, you may have bronchitis. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the air passages that extend from the windpipe into the lungs. It may be caused by a virus, bacteria, smoking or the inhalation of chemical pollutants or dust. When the cells of the bronchial-lining tissue are irritated the air passages become clogged by debris and the irritation increases. In response, a heavy secretion of mucus develops, which causes the characteristic cough of bronchitis.

The most effective way to deal with bronchitis is to avoid fatigue by getting proper rest, stay indoors when the weather is cold and windy, and drink large amounts of fluid to help keep the chest mucus liquefied.
Congestive mucus should be coughed up, so avoid the use of cough suppressants. Plain Robitussin (or a good generic equivalent) helps a lot. The key is to use enough and to use it frequently. Follow the instructions but try to take at least a tablespoonful every 3 to 4 hours. Drink a lot of water and avoid dairy products, as they tend to create more mucus.

A doctor should be called when sputum (the mucus mixed with saliva) produced by the coughing is greenish-yellow and thick rather than gray and watery. Also, call a doctor when there is fever and chest pains become severe. This may indicate an infection.

If you find yourself with frequent bouts of bronchitis (two or more times a year for example) you should consider taking steps to prevent the condition instead of merely treating it each time.

Here are some suggestions for preventing bronchitis

• don't smoke and avoid places where there are people who smoke
• limit the amount of dairy products
• take extra vitamin C every day (1,000 to 4,000mg)
• drink 8 to 10 glasses of clean eater every day
• sleep with your head elevated (use extra pillows or elevate the head of your bed)
• use tissue instead of handkerchiefs (handkerchiefs harbor bacteria)
• keep a bottle of PLAIN Robitussin on hand and use it at the first sign of coughing