I used to do the pretzel thing until a dr. introduced me to the wonders of <b>Ginger Tea</b>. I've mentioned this several times to people with a coughing problem and when they try it they all agree that it really works. It's like a miracle thing for me. I will be coughing so hard I'll be at the point of throwing up and will sip Ginger Tea and the cough subsides nearly immediately.
I often go through the coughing at night, especially if my sinuses are worse. I will either sip the tea just before going to bed and that helps, but sometimes I forget to do that and if I start up coughing I'll sip it then. It's a pain getting up, but hey. Codeine doesn't help the cough, NOTHING HELPS...EXCEPT GINGER TEA!
Mine is <b><i>Long Life </i>Ginger Blend Tea</b>. Tastes fantastic. You can get it online or at health food stores. If you can find it instant, that works great, too, but mine has to be seeped about 4-5 min. but it's well worth it. I carry Ginger Apple Chews in my purse for cough attacks I get when out on the go.