Health Tip: Coping With a Chronic Cough

(HealthDay News) -- Frequent coughing is a sign of an illness, allergen or exposure to something that's irritating your lungs.

Here are suggestions to help tame the hacking, courtesy of the U.S. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute:

• Quit smoking. Your doctor can help you find a program to help you quit.
• Figure out which allergens or irritants trigger your cough. Avoid common triggers, such as cigarette smoke, mold, pollen, animal dander or dust.
• Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise and rest.