How to remedy a cough depends on what's causing it

By Sandee LaMotte, CNN

Updated 0903 GMT (1703 HKT) January 5, 2018

The bone broth in chicken soup contains collagen, which can help boost your immune system, in addition to amino acids and nutrients that help prevent inflammation.
Photos: Eight superfoods to boost your immune system
The bone broth in chicken soup contains collagen, which can help boost your immune system, in addition to amino acids and nutrients that help prevent inflammation.
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Yogurt is a natural source of probiotics, also known as "good bacteria" that live in your gut. Studies have linked good gut health to boosting immunity, better sleep and good digestion.
Photos: Eight superfoods to boost your immune system
Yogurt is a natural source of probiotics, also known as "good bacteria" that live in your gut. Studies have linked good gut health to boosting immunity, better sleep and good digestion.
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"Fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help control inflammation in your body," dietitian Maxine Yeung says.
Photos: Eight superfoods to boost your immune system
"Fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help control inflammation in your body," dietitian Maxine Yeung says.
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"Garlic contains allicin, a compound that can help fight infection and bacteria," dietitian Alissa Rumsey says.
Photos: Eight superfoods to boost your immune system
"Garlic contains allicin, a compound that can help fight infection and bacteria," dietitian Alissa Rumsey says.
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Oysters are high in zinc, which helps regulate the immune system and heal wounds.
Photos: Eight superfoods to boost your immune system
Oysters are high in zinc, which helps regulate the immune system and heal wounds.
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Turmeric is rich in antioxidants and has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Photos: Eight superfoods to boost your immune system
Turmeric is rich in antioxidants and has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
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Fruits and vegetables are some of the best sources of vitamins A, C and E, particularly useful in building immunity.
Photos: Eight superfoods to boost your immune system
Fruits and vegetables are some of the best sources of vitamins A, C and E, particularly useful in building immunity.
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Drink lots of water or hot tea to help keep your airways clear. Try to avoid sweetened beverages such as sports drinks and juices.
Photos: Eight superfoods to boost your immune system
Drink lots of water or hot tea to help keep your airways clear. Try to avoid sweetened beverages such as sports drinks and juices.
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chicken noodle soupgreek yogurtsuperfoods grilled salmongarlic bulbsoystersturmeric STOCKfruits vegetablesexercise drinking water STOCK

Story highlights

  • Coughing is your body's way of expelling an irritant
  • To eliminate the cough, help your body rid itself of the invader

(CNN)Is a cough making your life miserable? Don't blame your body; coughing is the only way your lungs can expel an irritant. The key is to figure what's causing it and then to get your lungs the help they need.

A cough that appears suddenly is usually triggered by an infectious disease, such as cold or flu.
    Laid up with 'man flu'? It's real, researcher says
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    "A majority of coughs actually resolve with just rest and home remedies," said Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist, an internist at the Emory Clinic in Atlanta. "So that's the place to start unless there are warning signs of something more serious."
      Red flags include coughing up blood-tinged phlegm, a great deal of phlegm or phlegm that is turning thicker and darker; fever; shortness of breath; and wheezing.