Gregory Hillman's Educational Content

The fall and winter seasons bring a need for treatments of dry cough.  Many sites offer a variety of home remedies including honey, Vic’s, hot lemon water, and teas but after spending years in very cold dry climates during the winter there are a few things that I have found really work.

• Humidify your living and sleeping area.  You can use a store bought humidifier or just boil water on the stove top but be sure your area is humid to help with dry cough.
• Use a baking soda and salt (only a dash) solution about once a day to help clear excess mucus and anything from the back of your throat.  If you have sinus problems with the cough be sure to read the article on curing sinus pressure with this solution.
• Be sure to rest.  Some people have been known to cough more when they are stressed and have not had the rest they need.
• Clear the environment of dust and smoke.

Dry Cough can also treated by drinking plenty of fluids but do not drink excess water because this may deplete you of the electrolytes your body needs to heal.

Getting water out of your ear is very easy in most cases but there are some very important safety factors that you should be aware of before putting anything into your ear.  Water and moisture can enter your ear in a number of ways including pool/spa use, swimming, diving, bathing, and even car washing.

First Step To Removing Water From Ear

Before putting anything into your ear try simply tilting you head to the side for around 30 seconds.  This will normally allow any water or liquid to leave your ear easily.  If the liquid does not come out of your ear there could be a number of other problems.

Ruptured Eardrum May Feel Like Water

One problem may be that your ear drum is ruptured.  I have ruptured ear drums while diving and hitting the water at various angles.  This will feel and sound like there is water in your ear but really it just seems this way because the ear has been ripped.  I made the mistake of putting a solution for swimmers ear into my ear.  This cause an extreme amount of pain and a seizure.  For this reason do not put anything in your ear that may cause additional pain or discomfort.  Instead, seek additional help from a medical professional.

Divers Solution for Water In Ear

Many divers also use a solution of 1/2 50% Isopropyl alcohol and 1/2 distilled water solution.  Just put a few drops in your ear and it should try out in less than a day.  Some divers repeat this after getting out of the water but most divers that I am aware of typically do not need to use any solution to clear the water from their ears.  Many of them do hold their nose and blow to relieve pressure.