Home-care measures to relieve cough and cold include reducing irritating stimuli (eg, cold, dry air; indoor or outdoor air pollutants) that may provoke coughing. An upright or semiupright posture, such as sleeping with the head and shoulders raised, may decrease cough related to pharyngeal secretions...do warm saline gargling twice a day with OTC medication...Avoid foods that irritate your stomach, especially those that are spicy, acidic, fried or fatty... avoid coffee,tea etc... Avoid stress,consider calming activities, such as meditation, yoga etc...sleep with head raised position and have dinner at least 2 hours before sleep..good luck.