How do I stop itching in 5 minutes

How to relieve itchy skin

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What to do when you can't stop coughing

A coughing attack can happen for various reasons, and there are several things a person can do to help stop uncontrollable coughing. These include taking antihistamines, using cough medication, avoiding smoking, treating an underlying condition, and more.

Coughing is a symptom of many different health conditions. Some of these conditions are relatively harmless, while others are much more severe.

This article outlines the different types of coughs and lists the most common causes of acute and chronic coughs. It also provides information on how to stop a coughing attack, diagnose a cough, and when to see a doctor.

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There are several methods a person can try to stop a coughing attack when one begins. These include:

• drinking plenty of water
• sipping hot water with honey
• taking over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines
• taking a steamy shower
• using a humidifier in the home
• using cough drops or hard candies

Many coughs occur due to dryness or irritation in the throat. The methods listed above can all help relieve dryness and irritation if present.

A cough can also be a symptom of an underlying health condition. In these instances, treating the underlying condition should stop the cough.

How to stop infants from coughing

Children and infants who have a cough should drink plenty of water. This will help soothe the throat and minimize coughing. Placing a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier next to a childs bed can help alleviate nighttime coughing.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recommend giving OTC cough medicines to children under 2 years of age.

Additionally, people should not give honey to infants under 1 year of age, as it can lead to an illness called infant botulism.

Many different health conditions can cause a cough. It can be helpful to understand the different types of coughs to identify the condition.

According to the American Lung Association (ALA), healthcare practitioners classify coughs as follows:

• Acute cough: This cough occurs suddenly and lasts up to 3 weeks.
• Subacute cough: This cough comes on suddenly and lasts around 38 weeks.
• Chronic cough: This is a cough that lasts longer than 8 weeks.
• Productive cough: This is a cough that produces phlegm.
• Dry cough: This cough does not produce phlegm.
• Nocturnal cough: This is a cough that only occurs at night.
• Hemoptysis: This is when a person is coughing up blood or blood-stained mucus from their lungs.

The following are some common causes of acute coughs.

COVID-19

A dry cough is a common symptom of a COVID-19 infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises people to seek emergency medical treatment if they develop any of the following symptoms:

In most cases, people with COVID-19 will experience symptoms for 114 days. The body will fight the infection naturally, but OTC pain relievers and cough-soothing treatments can help to reduce discomfort during this time.

Upper respiratory tract infections

Coughs are a common symptom of an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). This is a viral or bacterial infection in the nose, sinuses, or throat.

Some examples of URTIs include:

In most cases, respiratory tract infection symptoms pass within 12 weeks. During this time, resting, drinking plenty of water, and using OTC pain relievers and cough-suppressant home treatments can help.

Lower respiratory tract infections

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) affect the lungs large airways. Some examples include bronchitis and pneumonia.

Bronchitis is an infection of the bronchi, the lungs main airways. The primary symptom of bronchitis is a dry or productive cough. A productive cough may produce green, yellow, or blood-tinged mucus.

Pneumonia is an infection in one or both of the lungs. It typically causes a dry or productive cough.

Most healthy adults can recover from mild pneumonia or bronchitis within 13 weeks. However, in cases of severe infection, prescription treatments and medical intervention may be necessary.

Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, occurs when a persons immune system overreacts to something in the environment.

Common environmental allergy triggers, or allergens, include:

Allergic rhinitis symptoms typically resolve once a person removes the irritant from their surrounding. Taking antihistamines may reduce the severity of the reaction in the first instance.

Inhaling irritants

A person may develop an acute cough after breathing in certain environmental irritants. Examples include:

Inhaling irritants can cause symptoms similar to those of allergic rhinitis, and treatment is often the same.

However, in the case of severe reactions, seek medical help.

The sections below outline some of the more common causes of a chronic cough.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This narrowing makes it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs, resulting in breathing difficulties.

There is no cure for asthma, but treatments are usually effective in managing the condition.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of chronic lung conditions that obstruct airflow in and out of the lungs.

COPD can inflame and thicken the airways within the lungs, damaging the lung tissue responsible for exchanging gases.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer type in the United States. It occurs when cells divide uncontrollably in the lungs, causing tumors to grow. Tumors can cause breathing difficulties, and spread to other parts of a persons body.

People with lung cancer may not have symptoms until the disease is at an advanced stage.

Medications

A cough can sometimes be a side effect of certain medications.

A cough is one of the most common adverse side effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs). Doctors sometimes prescribe these to treat high blood pressure.

To prevent a coughing fit, a person must identify and treat the underlying cause of the cough.

People with chronic respiratory conditions will require medical treatments to reduce the frequency and severity of coughing fits. Those who develop coughing fits in response to certain allergens or irritants should try limiting their exposure to those substances.

Another option for people with allergies is to take antihistamines. These drugs help suppress the immune systems response to environmental allergens, thereby preventing coughing fits.

Coughing is a common symptom of a variety of health conditions. According to the ALA, a person should take note of the duration, type, and features of their cough when speaking with a healthcare professional to assist with diagnosis.

If a person is experiencing other symptoms, such as chest pains, difficulty breathing, headaches, drowsiness, confusion, fever, and they are coughing up blood then a doctor may prescribe further tests.

A person should see a doctor if their cough is severe, persistent, or worsens over time. These characteristics can indicate that a person requires medical treatment.

Parents and caregivers should also speak to a doctor if their child displays any of the following symptoms:

• a fever of any kind in an infant under 3 months of age
• a fever of 102F (38.9C) or higher in a child of any age
• cyanosis of the lips
• wheezing

Here are some frequently asked questions about coughing.

How do you stop a cough attack ASAP?

If a person needs to stop coughing, a person can try drinking water, taking OTC cough medications, and using cough drops. To help prevent future cough attacks, it is also important to address any underlying conditions that may be causing coughing.

Why do cough attacks happen?

Cough attacks can happen for a number of reasons. Causes of acute coughs can include LRTIs, URTIs, COVID-19, and allergic rhinitis. Causes of chronic coughs can include asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and a side effect of medication.

How do I stop uncontrollable coughing at night?

Using a cool humidifier and taking steps to remove irritants and allergens from the room may help control coughing at night. A person may also need to treat an underlying condition.

How long does a cough attack last?

How long a cough attack lasts will be different for each person and condition. A person can take steps to reduce the duration of a cough attack. These include sipping hot water with honey, using cough drops, and taking a hot shower. If the cough does not go away or if it affects a persons ability to breathe, they should seek medical advice.

There are several steps a person can take to stop or manage a cough. These include drinking plenty of water, taking over-the-counter cough medicines, and using an indoor humidifier.

Several health conditions can cause a cough. Some are relatively harmless and tend to go away on their own. Others are much more severe and may require medical treatment.

A person should talk with a doctor if they develop a severe, persistent, or worsening cough. A person should also contact a doctor if they or their child develop any other concerning symptoms.

A doctor will work to identify the cause of the symptoms and prescribe appropriate treatments.

How to Stop Itching in Dogs

Skin allergies are the top reason for dog owners to seek veterinary care, according to data collected by Nationwide pet insurance¹.

This causes many pet parents to wonder not only how to stop itching in dogs, but also how to do it naturally.

In many cases, your veterinarian will prescribe antihistamines and/or anti-inflammatory steroids, which are usually used to treat and manage excessive itching in dogs.

While these products can indeed be wonderful and offer tremendous relief, they can also have undesirable side effects and potential impact on your dogs long-term health.

The good news is, there are simple, natural approaches to treating and managing your dogs itchy skin without resorting to medications.

Why is my dog itching like crazy?

All dogs get itchy from time to time.

This isnt always a bad sign, but something that sometimes happens without any reason, much like we might unconsciously scratch our own nose.

However, if your dog seems to be itching constantly, to the point where it causes inconvenience and continuous self-licking or chewing, this could be a sign of a skin problem that needs attention.

Here are the most common causes of excessive itching in dogs:

• Fleas
• Allergies
• Dry skin
• Infections

Fleas

While this might seem obvious, fleas are perhaps one of the primary suspects in any overly itchy dog.

Fleas are extremely common in dogs, and in some cases, even a single bite can cause a reaction, as their saliva is a classic trigger for skin irritation.

While a few fleas on your dog can make them very uncomfortable, an outright flea infestation can be terrible for their health, and overall quality of life.

Luckily, theyre very easy to spot and recognize as soon as they become a problem.

Look for tiny, seed-like dots on your dogs coat. Even if you dont see many at first, be sure to closely inspect the trouble areas, which are around the ears, tail, and tummy.

Allergies

Lets face it, your dog can be allergic to just about anything.

While fleas are one of the biggest culprits, there are many other common triggers, such as seasonal/environmental allergies and food allergies.

Some dogs have an adverse reaction to grass, pollen, mold, and dust, while others seem to itch more when exposed to certain ingredients, like wheat or corn.

These allergies usually result in dry, itchy skin around the face, belly, and paws, which can lead to infections due to constant scratching and licking.

Dry skin

Just like humans, dogs can develop dry skin.

The common reasons for dry skin in dogs are similar to ours and include things like excessive bathing, the use of harsh soaps, and dry air.

Scratching, flaky skin and oily coat are all signs that your dog has dry skin.

If your dogs dry skin is caused by allergies or another medical condition, youll need to speak with your vet before treating it.

Infections

Yeast and bacteria can cause a dog to become itchy, leading to more licking and biting.

Yeast infections usually occur in the dogs paws, neck, armpits, and even ears. Some of the common symptoms to be aware of include excessively oily skin that has a bit of odor, or if your dog is constantly licking a specific area.

Bacterial infections can be caused by skin damage, poor diet, and/or antibiotics, which disrupt the bacterial balance within the dogs body.

Itching, scabs or crusting, and hair loss are the most common symptoms of bacterial infections.

How to stop itching in dogs

With that out of the way, lets talk about how to stop itching in dogs.

Use a flea treatment

The best way to prevent a flea infestation is to use a high-quality flea treatment product.

This also helps guard against mosquitos and black flies, which can irritate your dogs skin, as well as ticks, which can cause Lymes disease and other health problems.

If you prefer a more natural approach, there are many flea repellents you can use such as diatomaceous earth, coconut oil, and essential oils. However, these natural remedies arent always as effective as chemical treatments.

To get rid of fleas completely, make sure to also mow your lawn regularly, and avoid wooded areas, tall grass, or bushes while walking your dog outside.

Feed a hypoallergenic diet

Food allergies are a common reason for itchy skin that many owners tend to overlook.

Things like corn, wheat, and soy are all common food allergens, and some dogs can even be sensitive to chicken and eggs.

Switching to a hypoallergenic diet with limited ingredients has shown to be effective for many dogs. These are diets that have ingredients that most dogs dont react to, such as fish, lamb, bison, or venison.

Fish and sweet potato recipes generally work best. The added benefit of fish for dogs is that they have a higher omega-3 content, which can help with skin inflammation.

However, you should always consult with your vet before making any changes to your dogs diet.

Bathe and groom your dog regularly

While you dont want to bathe your dog too often, bathing them on a weekly or biweekly schedule is perfectly fine.

In fact, if your dog suffers from allergies, washing away the dust and other allergens from their coat on a regular basis is perhaps what they need.

In order to avoid removing the natural oils from your dogs skin and coat, you should use a shampoo thats specifically formulated for sensitive skin.

Some of the ingredients you want to look for are aloe vera, oatmeal, and honey.

If your dog doesnt like baths, you can try a dry shampoo instead.

Sometimes, even just a simple thing like brushing your dog every day can have a large impact on their skin condition.

Not only does regular grooming help keep your dogs coat healthy by removing dead hair, but it also removes dirt and other allergens, prevents tangles and mats which can irritate the skin, and stimulates blood flow to the skin and hair follicles.

What home remedy can I use to stop itching?

No article about itchy dogs would be complete without mentioning a few natural remedies.

Heres a list of things you can try:

Coconut oil

Coconut oil can be used for a lot of things, including alleviating allergic reactions and even itchy flea bites.

It has antibacterial and antifungal properties and makes for an excellent natural moisturizer and shedding treatment.

The oil can be used by itself on the dogs coat, or as a carrier oil with a little bit of essential oil, such as lavender. For lavender coconut massage oil, simply mix 2 tbsp. of coconut oil with 10 drops of lavender essential oil.

You can also mix coconut oil into your dogs food to help improve the appearance of their coat and reduce the bodys anti-inflammatory response.

Fish oil

Omega-3 is probably a good supplement to include even if your dog doesnt experience skin issues.

It has anti-inflammatory properties, so it can keep allergies under control, as well as reduce itchy skin, and its also simply good for your dogs health overall.

Omega-3 can be found in salmon, sardines, and mackerel. There are also supplements and chewable tablets that you can give your dog to fight against dryness and flakiness from the inside out.

You can also take the oil out of the capsule, and rub it onto your dogs dry and itchy spots for fast relief.

Liquid fish oil can be easily added to your dogs food and is especially helpful if your pup is a picky eater.

Honey

Honey is well known for its medicinal uses and its also a great way to soothe your dogs skin.

Manuka honey, in particular, has antibacterial properties that can help fight infections and relieve inflammation. Its also full of antioxidants that can be beneficial to your dogs overall health.

The easiest and less messy way to use honey for your dog is with a spray bottle. Add one teaspoon of honey per eight ounces of warm water and youll get a nice, soothing spray that wont leave any sticky residue on your dogs fur.

When buying a shampoo for your dog, look for one with honey in it. You can also give your dog a little bit of raw, local honey to help with allergies.

Turmeric

Turmeric has been used for centuries as a natural medicine.

It contains curcumin, which can help reduce inflammation and skin irritation and in addition, it has antibacterial properties that can help fight infections.

To make a golden paste, mix turmeric powder with a little bit of water or coconut oil and apply it directly to your dogs itchy skin.

You can also add it to your dogs food for extra benefits, but make sure to talk to your vet first.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a great healing agent for cooling and relieving itchy skin and redness thats found in many dog shampoos.

It has antibacterial and antifungal properties, both of which are great for taking care of infections. Additionally, this green plant is a great natural moisturizer.

For best results, use fresh aloe vera leaves from the plant and apply the gel to the itchy area a few times a day.

If you buy store-bought aloe vera gel, avoid alcohol-based products and keep in mind that some gels may contain added ingredients that can be harmful to your dog, so use it only as a topical treatment, and make sure they dont lick it.

Calendula

Calendula is one of the safest herbs to use on dogs, which is why its used in so many pet products.

It has antimicrobial properties, which not only soothe the skin from itchiness and insect bites, but also treat cuts and wounds.

Fill a bathtub with warm water and add a couple of tea bags to the water for a couple of minutes. Let your dog soak in the bath for three to five minutes and pat dry.

If they have especially itchy skin, you can soak the tea up with a towel, and leave it on their trouble spots for a few more minutes.

Chamomile

Chamomile is similar to calendula, in that its also known to temporarily help with calming dry and irritated skin.

It has antimicrobial properties and can help heal skin infections, as well as ease any skin issues or bug bites when applied topically.

Use the same way as calendula or prepare a cup of chamomile tea, let it cool down, and pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Use this on your dogs coat whenever needed.

For itchy paws, soak and massage a bit of the tea into them to relieve any discomfort.

Green tea

Green tea has many great benefits for the skin, and it can be very effective in treating hot and itchy skin conditions.

It has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as tannins, which can reduce discomfort and itching from allergic skin reactions.

Steep a few green tea bags in warm water and let your dog soak in the bath or make a green tea rinse and use it after you shampoo your dog.

You can also use the cool tea bags directly on your dogs itchy spots.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural remedy for dogs with flaky, itchy skin, and it can even deter fleas.

It has antiseptic and antifungal properties, which can treat infections and reduce dryness and irritation in the skin.

You can mix a solution of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water inside a spray bottle, and spritz it on your dog. Alternatively, use the same blend to rinse your dogs body after bathing.

Just make sure that its raw, organic vinegar, and dont use it on open wounds or cuts.

Baking soda

Baking soda is another common household ingredient for treating skin rashes and itchy skin.

It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which makes it ideal for healing skin conditions.

Use a 50/50 mix of baking soda and water to make a paste, and apply it to your dogs affected skin. Leave it on for 10-20 minutes, then be sure to thoroughly rinse it off.

You can also add one cup of baking soda to your dogs bath water to help relieve itchiness.

Oatmeal

An oatmeal bath is a time-tested, soothing treatment for itchy dogs.

It softens the skin and helps to lock moisture while protecting it from external irritants, plus its non-toxic so you dont have to worry about your dog ingesting it.

Youll have to use colloidal oatmeal, which are oats that have been grind into a fine powder (you can also make your own at home²), and add it to your dogs bath water or make an oatmeal paste and apply it to your dogs troubled areas.

You can also find hypoallergenic oatmeal shampoos that you can use if you dont have colloidal oatmeal or want an easier option.

Plain yogurt

Plain, unsweetened yogurt has many health benefits for dogs, mostly due to its probiotic content.

Even though they arent necessarily anti-itch remedy, probiotics can help your dogs infections tremendously.

About 70% of a dogs immune system resides in their gastrointestinal tract³. This means that if your dog has a healthy gut, then theyre going to be healthier overall.

You can feed your dog plain yogurt as a snack or add it to their food, however, be sure that it doesnt contain any added sugar or artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Epsom salt

Epsom salt is a natural exfoliant that helps fight skin disorders like allergic dermatitis.

It contains minerals such as magnesium and sulfate to reduce inflammation and help treat dry skin and open sores.

Youll need to fill up a bath with lukewarm water, add the Epsom salt inside, and scrub your dog gently. You can also soak a washcloth inside and apply it directly to your dogs skin.

In summary

There are several ways to stop itching in dogs, from flea treatments and food elimination diets to natural remedies like giving them an oatmeal bath, applying herbal teas on their itchy spots, and feeding them probiotic foods such as yogurt.

If the issue persists its best to consult a vet, as this could be a sign of an allergic reaction or another underlying medical condition.

Sources

1. Nationwide Reveals the 10 Most Common Medical Conditions for Dogs and Cats Nationwide
2. Oatmeal Baths for Eczema Relief Healthline
3. The power of probiotics Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine