Natural ways to relieve a cough
UCI Health physician shares what she tells patients
IN THE NEWS: It’s cold and flu season and for many, that may include a cough.
UCI Health family medicine physician Dr. Roxann Engle spoke with Women’s Health about the natural remedies she suggests for her patients before they turn to medications.
A neti pot can help flush out the sinuses, she said.
“The saltwater lowers the swelling in the mucous membranes of your nose and helps pull it out. In turn, this may provide short-term relief of symptoms.”
Steam showers also feel good, with a caveat.
“From an anecdotal standpoint, many people find breathing in the steam from a hot shower to be very soothing. The research on steam as a cough remedy is a bit mixed, though. While some studies show positive results, others have concluded there is no benefit.”
Engle’s clinical interests include women’s health, skin care and pediatrics. She is also the medical director of UCI Health Primary Care Associates. She sees patients at UCI Health — Yorba Linda. Call 714-790-8600 for an appointment.
About UCI Health
UCI Health, one of California’s largest academic health systems, is the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. The 1,461-bed system comprises its main campus UCI Health — Orange, its flagship hospital, the UCI Health — Irvine acute care hospital and medical campus, four hospitals and affiliated physicians of the UCI Health Community Network in Orange and Los Angeles counties and a network of ambulatory care centers across the region. UCI Health — Orange provides tertiary and quaternary care and is home to the only Orange County-based National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, high-risk perinatal/neonatal program and American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, gold level 1 geriatric emergency department and regional burn center. Powered by UC Irvine, UCI Health serves 5.6 million people in Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).