Stay properly hydrated - this includes using plenty of water AND salt.
Every function in the body is tied to water and salt has almost as many functions.
The lungs are 90% water. When they become dehydrated, mucus forms to keep them moistened, preventing them from completely drying out.
Salt breaks up mucus and congestion, but you have to drink plenty of water to maintain the proper hydration.
Try taking a tablespoon of 100 percent honey..this helps
I forgot to mention what B5 does. It is an anti-inflammatory and a mucus thinner. Vitamin C is also anti-inflammatory. Take about 500 mg. of that daily. Even if you don't have a mucus problem you should still take B5, but maybe a smaller dosage.
Is the cough producing mucus? If so, is it easily expelled, or tenacious. If tenacious, take 500 mg. of vitamin B5 daily. (I take 1000 mg.) No side effects.
inhaler, nebulizer. Especially nebulizer.