<human>: my 21 year old son has been diagnosed with pneumonia.  He is taking antibiotics, steroid pills and an albuterol enhaler. He is also taking an expectorant to help make his cough productive.  However he cant sleep because of the cough.  Is there any home remedy that can help?
<bot>: Hi, Thanks for posting in Chat Doctor. I understand your concern. Your son needs to take prescribed medications which are essential to treat pneumonia completely. He is getting cough due to mucous accumulation and pharyngeal irritation. He can overcome it by doing the following: 1. Take steam inhalation twice daily. 2. Do salt water gargling with warm water twice daily. 3. Take decongestant medication if necessary. 4. Take medicated lozenges for throat smoothening effect. Gradually, with the completion of treatment and by taking above measures, his symptoms should subside, and he should be back to normal. Kindly do the follow-up with your doctor as advised. Hope the information provided helps. All the best.  Chat Doctor. S., MBBS., MD.