This is the peak of the cough and “cold” season. Nearly everyone seems to have contracted an illness this year. No surprises, as there are more than 200 viruses that can cause the common cold. Typically, an adult will get two to four “colds” a year, a child six to 10.

A cough is among the top 10 reasons why people go in to see a doctor. This time of the year, the three most common causes of an acute cough (less than three weeks) are bacterial illness, viral, and allergies.

Americans spend more than 3.5 billion dollars on over-the-counter “cold” remedies, with little proof that they really work. So, let me share several “home treatments” that have stood the test of time.

Avoid foods and beverages that notoriously produce more phlegm, like dairy products (milk, yogurt, ice cream), fried foods, and meats. Instead, eat grapes as they can decrease a cough. Drinking a combination of honey and tea, or honey and grape juice can also help diminish a cough. A spice called Aniseed, which has a licorice-like flavor, can also reduce a cough. Certainly, sucking throat lozenges or hard candy helps as well.

Two of the best over-the-counter medications to help alleviate a cough are Robitussin DM and Mucinex-DM. Not only do these products contain a cough suppressant but also an expectorant to help break up thick secretions.

If these tips do not help alleviate your cough, or your cough lasts longer than eight weeks, be sure to see your doctor. Four common causes of a cough that last longer than eight weeks are: heartburn (GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease); asthma; allergies; and a chronic post nasal drip. Certainly, be sure to see your doctor promptly if you develop colored phlegm production, a fever, cough-up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, experience difficulty swallowing, or begin to wheeze.

Dr. Linda Petter of Auburn is a weekly feature on the ABC affiliate KOMO TV/News Radio in Seattle (1000 AM & 97.7 FM) every Sunday live 7:45 a.m., and a columnist for the Auburn Reporter. Dr. Petter is chief of the Department of Family Practice at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way. She is a consumer healthcare advocate, and her books, “Healthcare On a Budget” and “Common Medical Sense”, are available on Amazon.com. Please visit her website, www.DocForAll.com, or call her office at 253-568-0841.