(HealthDay News) -- If you're plagued with a cold or another respiratory illness that's causing a cough, there are things you can do to help tame the beast.

The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute offers these suggestions to help calm a cough:

• Quit smoking.
• Steer clear of substances that can irritate the lungs and worsen a cough, such as air pollution, tobacco smoke, allergens and strong odors.
• Take all medications as prescribed by your doctor.
• Follow your doctor's treatment plan.
• Take cough medicine, if recommended by your doctor.
• Run a cool-mist humidifier or steam vaporizer.