What is Good for Dry Cough? How to Cure Dry Cough?

Dry cough, also known as nonproductive cough, is a type of cough that does not contain mucus. Infectious diseases such as cold and flu, as well as exposure to allergens such as dust and pollen, can cause dry cough. In some cases, a dry cough can also be an indication of a more serious health problem such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung). “How to cure dry cough?”, “What is good for dry cough?” Frequently asked questions about nonproductive cough are discussed in detail in the following sections of the article.

What is Dry Cough?

Dry cough is a type of cough that does not contain mucus and is usually accompanied by discomfort in the throat. Wet cough containing mucus usually occurs during infectious diseases that affect the respiratory tract, such as colds or flu. According to experts, wet cough, in other words, phlegmy cough, helps clear phlegm from the respiratory tract. This is the most important reason why it is called productive. In dry cough, since there is no mucus production, there is no phlegm coming out of the respiratory tract. For this reason, dry cough is referred to as nonproductive cough (1).

What Causes Dry Cough?

Cough is an important reflex that helps clear and protect the airways. Occasional cough is considered harmless. However, a persistent dry cough may be a sign of another health problem such as reflux, heart failure, lung cancer, or pneumothorax (lung collapse). Dry cough is divided into two classes, acute and chronic, according to its duration. While acute dry cough usually occurs during the recovery period of infectious diseases such as colds and flu, chronic dry cough may be caused by another health problem such as asthma, allergies, or heart failure. The main causes of dry cough are as follows (1):

• Infections affecting the respiratory tract: Cold and flu are viral infectious diseases that affect the upper respiratory tract. During the disease process, infectious diseases usually progress with a phlegmy cough. However, it may take some time for inflammation in the respiratory tract to heal completely. This condition may increase the sensitivity of the respiratory tract to irritants such as various chemicals and a dry cough may occur.
• COVID-19: Covid-19 disease, caused by the new type of coronavirus, is a viral infection disease like flu and cold. However, in Covid-19, a dry cough, not a phlegmy cough, is usually seen during the disease process.
• Allergic rhinitis: In some cases, the immune system may respond abnormally to allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. Allergic rhinitis is a health problem that develops as a result of the abnormal response of the immune system to various allergens. One of the main symptoms of allergic rhinitis is dry cough.
• Asthma: Asthma, a health problem characterized by inflammation of the respiratory tract, is one of the most common causes of dry cough.
• Exposure to irritants: Inhalation of various chemicals can irritate the respiratory tract and cause a dry cough.
• Gastro-esophageal reflux: In some cases, dry cough may increase at night or during meals. This may be a symptom of reflux, which occurs as a result of stomach fluid leaking back into the esophagus.
• Pneumothorax (lung collapse): Lung collapse, also known as pneumothorax in the medical literature, can be defined as the accumulation of air in the pleural space (the space between the membrane layer surrounding the lungs) due to various reasons such as injury or trauma. The accumulation of air in this space compresses the lungs, causing them to shrink. Lung collapse may cause dry cough (2).
• Pulmonary embolism: Embolism, also known as clot expulsion, is a blood clot that breaks off from any vessel in the body and moves to organs such as the lungs and brain through the circulation. A blood clot in the lungs can cause blockage in the vessels that feed the lungs. Due to this, symptoms such as shortness of breath and dry cough may be observed.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD is a lung disease that develops as a result of the air sacs in the lungs becoming blocked over time due to various reasons. COPD can cause dry cough (3).
• Heart diseases: Heart diseases such as heart failure can cause dry cough (4).

In addition to the ones listed above, health problems such as lung cancer, tuberculosis, and sleep apnea can also cause dry cough.

What is Good for Dry Cough?

Treatment of dry cough varies depending on its cause. Cough is not a disease in itself, it is a symptom of another disease. Therefore, for treatment, the underlying cause must first be determined and treated. Experts may recommend medication or some non-drug medical supplements for dry cough in adults. Suggestions that may help relieve dry cough are as follows (1):

• Increasing fluid consumption, especially water,
• Using products that can help soothe the throat by increasing saliva production, such as lozenges,
• Eating honey (it is not appropriate to give it to children under 1 year of age),
• Humidifying the air in the environment,
• Taking a warm shower or steam bath,
• Eating a balanced and healthy diet,
• Limiting exposure to allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander.

In cases where the methods listed above do not work and the cough is accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, high fever, and chest pain, it is important to consult the nearest health institution without delay.

What is Good for Dry Cough in Babies and Children?

Babies and children may be more vulnerable to infectious diseases such as colds and flu. For this reason, cough is common in babies and children. Health problems such as infectious diseases, allergies, asthma, as well as irritants such as chemicals are the main causes of dry cough in children and babies. Although there are some medical products that may help soothe cough in adults, these products are not recommended for use in children, especially those under 4 years of age. For this reason, parents often look for ways to relieve dry cough in babies and children naturally. Some methods that may be good for dry cough in babies and children are as follows (5):

• If the cause of the cough is allergy, take care to avoid exposure to allergens,
• taking a steam bath,
• Breastfeeding babies frequently,
• Increasing fluid consumption, especially water, in children
• Humidifying the air of the environment,
• Ventilate the room frequently,
• Feeding children the amount of honey recommended by the doctor (It is not appropriate for babies to consume honey. It may have serious consequences.).

The above mentioned are methods that can be applied at home in case of dry cough in babies and children. However, if the cough continues for a long time and is accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and high fever, it is important to consult the nearest health institution without delay.

What are the home remedies for dry cough?

If there is no serious health problem underlying the dry cough, some methods that can be applied at home can help relieve the cough. Accordingly, the methods that can be applied at home for dry cough are as follows (6):

• Honey: Honey can be good for cough in adults and children over 1 year of age, thanks to its antibacterial properties.
• Turmeric: Turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties, can be good for dry cough.
• Eight: Thanks to the menthol contained in mint, it can help relieve dry cough by relaxing the throat. Mint can be consumed as tea.
• Ginger: Ginger, known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, can be consumed as tea or with honey.

Additionally, taking a steam bath, eating a healthy and balanced diet, and drinking plenty of fluids can also help relieve cough. However, it should not be forgotten that in some cases, dry cough may be a sign of a serious health problem. Therefore, if you have a dry cough complaint, do not forget to make an appointment with a specialist doctor and have your check-ups.