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 is one of California’s largest academic health systems and the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. Established on July 1, 1976, UCI Health has grown into a 1,461-bed health system that includes UCI Health — Orange, UCI Health — Irvine, four Community Network hospitals and a growing network of ambulatory care centers across Orange and Los Angeles counties. As Orange County’s only academic health systems, UCI Health is home to the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center based in the county, the region’s only American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, American College of Emergency Physicians Gold Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department and a nationally recognized regional burn center verified by the American Burn Association. Powered by UC Irvine, UCI Health serves 5.6 million people across Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County through excellence in patient care, research and medical education. Follow UCI Health on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.