Dry Cough Treatment

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About dry cough

A dry cough is a persistent, irritating cough that doesn’t produce mucus or phlegm. Unlike a chesty cough, it often feels like a tickle in the throat and can be triggered by viral infections, allergies, asthma, irritants like smoke, or underlying conditions such as acid reflux. Common with colds, flu, COVID-19, or after recovering from an infection, a dry cough can linger for weeks. It may worsen at night or in dry, dusty environments. While most dry coughs resolve on their own, if it lasts longer than 3–4 weeks or comes with other symptoms like shortness of breath, fever, or weight loss, it’s important to see a doctor.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ammar AL-ANI, MBChB, CCBST, AMC

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Most dry coughs are harmless and clear up on their own, but there are times when it’s important to see a doctor. You should seek medical advice if:

  • Your dry cough lasts more than 3–4 weeks
  • It’s severe, persistent, or worsening over time
  • You experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or wheezing
  • The cough is accompanied by fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss
  • You cough up blood or unusual secretions
  • It disrupts your sleep or daily activities
  • You have a history of asthma, heart disease, or chronic lung conditions

Here are the common types of dry cough based on their triggers and underlying causes:

  • Post-viral cough: Lingers for weeks after a cold, flu, or COVID-19 infection.
  • Allergic cough: Triggered by allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, or mould, usually worse in certain environments.
  • Asthma-related cough: Often comes with wheezing, chest tightness, and breathlessness.
  • Reflux-related cough (GORD): Caused by stomach acid irritating the throat, often worse after meals or lying down.
  • Medication-induced cough: Common with certain medications, like the ones for blood pressure.
  • Chronic dry cough: Lasts more than 8 weeks, often linked to underlying conditions like asthma, post-nasal drip, or lung disease.

Some of the common causes for dry cough include viral infections, allergies, acid reflux, asthma, environmental irritants, acid reflux, certain medications, post-nasal drip, whooping cough or certain lung conditions.

A dry cough can linger for weeks due to several underlying reasons. Often, it’s a leftover irritation from a recent viral infection like the flu or COVID-19, where the airways remain sensitive even after other symptoms clear. Post-nasal drip, asthma, or acid reflux can also keep triggering the cough reflex. If a dry cough lingers post 3 to 4 weeks, it is important to consult a health practitioner.

A GORD dry cough is a persistent, non-productive cough caused by gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), a condition where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. This acid can irritate the throat and airway, triggering a dry cough, especially after eating, when lying down, or during sleep. Unlike a typical cold-related cough, it’s often not accompanied by other respiratory symptoms.

A dry cough can affect anyone, certain groups are more at risk due to their environment, health conditions, or lifestyle. Here’s who’s more likely to experience it:

  • Children and the elderly: More vulnerable to infections and respiratory irritants.
  • Asthma sufferers: Prone to dry, wheezy coughs, especially at night or after exercise.
  • People with allergies: Constant exposure to pollen, dust, pet dander, or mould can trigger coughing.
  • Those with GORD (acid reflux): Stomach acid irritating the throat can cause a persistent dry cough.
  • Smokers and people exposed to second hand smoke: Smoke irritates airways, leading to chronic cough.
  • People working in dusty, polluted, or chemical-heavy environments

Here are some gentle, natural home remedies for dry cough that many people find helpful:

Home remedies for dry cough:

  • Warm saltwater gargle: Soothes throat irritation and reduces coughing.
  • Honey in warm water or herbal tea: Natural anti-inflammatory and cough suppressant.
  • Steam inhalation: Loosens airway irritation and soothes dry throat.
  • Turmeric milk: Warm milk with turmeric can help reduce throat inflammation.
  • Ginger tea: Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may calm coughing.
  • Throat lozenges or herbal candies: Keep the throat moist and reduce tickling.
  • Elevating your head while sleeping: Reduces night-time coughing, especially with GORD.
  • Avoiding irritants: Keep away from smoke, dust, strong scents, and cold, dry air.
  • Stay well-hydrated: Warm fluids like broths, teas, and soups help soothe the throat.

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