To immediately stop coughing, especially if it's sudden or persistent, you can try the following strategies:

1. Drink Water

• Sip water slowly to hydrate your throat and reduce irritation that may be triggering the cough reflex.

2. Cough Drops or Hard Candy

• Use a cough drop, lozenge, or hard candy to help soothe the throat and suppress the urge to cough.

3. Honey

• Take a spoonful of honey, which has natural soothing properties for the throat and can help calm a coughing fit.

4. Warm Saltwater Gargle

• Gargle with warm saltwater (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water) to reduce throat irritation and suppress coughing.

5. Peppermint Tea

• Drink warm peppermint tea, as peppermint has menthol that can help numb the throat and reduce cough reflex sensitivity.

6. Steam Inhalation

• Inhale steam from a bowl of hot water or a hot shower. This can help moisten the airways and soothe throat irritation.

7. Breathing Exercises

• Practice slow, deep breathing techniques to relax the respiratory muscles and calm the urge to cough.

8. Cough Suppressants

• Use over-the-counter cough suppressants (antitussives) containing dextromethorphan to temporarily reduce the urge to cough.

9. Avoid Triggers

• If possible, remove yourself from environments with smoke, strong odors, or other irritants that may be triggering the cough.

10. Stay Calm

• Anxiety and stress can exacerbate coughing. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to help calm your body and reduce coughing.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you have a persistent or severe cough, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, fever, or coughing up blood, it's important to seek medical attention promptly. These could be signs of a more serious underlying condition that requires proper evaluation and treatment.

These immediate strategies can help provide relief from coughing episodes. However, for persistent or chronic coughs, identifying and addressing the underlying cause is crucial for effective long-term management.