Dry cough – causes, symptoms, treatment, home remedies

Proven content

A dry cough is when the cough does not make up any mucus. It is a very unpleasant symptom for the patient, resulting from irritation of the bronchial mucosa, throat or larynx. However, there are a number of ways to help relieve a persistent cough.

The mechanism of the formation of dry cough

Dry cough is common in viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, especially at the beginning of its duration. Viruses do not cause purulent discharge in the respiratory tract, but by multiplying in the bronchial epithelium, they damage it. Damaged epithelium overreacts to various types of stimuli. Even faster airflow when talking, laughing violently or breathing faster during exercise can irritate him.

These situations often contribute to bouts of dry, tiring cough that resolves as the epithelium of the respiratory tract rebuilds after the infection has cleared. In addition to viral infections, the causes of dry cough include: asthma (here, however, the symptoms are often chronic), drugs (e.g. used in the treatment of hypertension), and heart diseases (circulatory failure, pulmonary hypertension).

The causes of dry cough

A dry cough can be caused by a number of factors, including:

1. bronchial hypersensitivity after respiratory tract infection;
2. chronic inflammation of the airways (including allergic ones);
3. bronchial asthma (or rather its exacerbation; there are difficulties in breathing);
4. taking certain preparations (e.g. convertase inhibitors used in hypertension and heart failure – TANATRIL, ENARENAL, CAPTOPRIL);
5. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
6. allergy to animal hair or grass pollen;
7. foreign body absorption into the respiratory tract;
8. cigarette smoke;
9. gastro-oesophageal reflux (causing stomach contents to partially aspire into the airways); cough may appear when lying down after eating or in the morning after getting out of bed, and is often accompanied by heartburn;
10. air-conditioned rooms that irritate the pharyngeal mucosa;
11. lung and bronchial cancer.

If you want to find out why your child is still coughing, and other worrying symptoms also develop, you can have a genetic test for cystic fibrosis. Thanks to the results, it will be possible to implement the appropriate treatment faster.

You can support the treatment of dry cough by using Organic Quince Birch Juice.

What are the symptoms of dry cough?

Dry cough is not accompanied by the production of secretions in the respiratory tract. Although the airways are not congested, a tickling sensation in the throat is observed. As the disease progresses, a dry cough may turn into a wet cough and there is excessive discharge.

Dry cough is manifested:

1. a feeling of dry throat
2. coughing without producing mucus
3. constant cough reflex,
4. a cough that sounds hollow
5. coughing during the night that makes it difficult to fall asleep
6. tickling and scratching in the airways.

When should you see a doctor?

Patients struggling with persistent, dry cough should consult a physician who will conduct a medical history and implement appropriate treatment. A normal viral infection often lasts for about three days and then wears off. The accompanying symptoms are: runny nose, increased temperature and cough, although it is very persistent, it is relieved to drink e.g. milk with honey. We can overcome a dry cough on our own, but we should watch for anything disturbing. So when should you visit your GP?

1. when, in addition to a dry cough, vomiting appeared;
2. when the infection (cold) keeps us longer than three days;
3. when a dry cough does not want to turn into a wet cough, despite taking expectorants;
4. when a dry cough causes us to choke (laryngitis in children can even be life-threatening);
5. if there is a high fever above 39 degrees Celsius (in children, thermoregulation often fails, so you should see a doctor, even if the fever is lower).

A persistent, dry cough should prompt you to see your doctor. You can use the online consultation with a doctor and get e-Prescription and e-Release within 10 minutes. At any time of the day or night.

Home remedies for a dry cough

Home remedies for dry cough (and not only) have already been used by our grandmothers and great-grandmothers. They help to get rid of secretions remaining in the throat and bronchi.

1. Humidify the air. Rooms with warm and dry air cause severe coughing attacks, which are very troublesome. Remember to regularly moisten the apartment / house. Special humidifiers (air humidifiers, eg Vitammy Mist Therapeutic Steam Humidifier) ​​can be used for this, although doctors say that a normal A4 aquarium with water is similar. In addition to water, we can put water plants (live or artificial), stones and sand in the aquarium. In addition to being a decorative element, it also moisturizes the air. In addition, you can also put wet towels on the radiator.

2. Use warming ointments. Warming ointments that should be applied to the back and chest work very well in persistent cough. These types of agents in their composition contain natural herbal extracts and oils. We can also treat them as inhalation, because we inhale their smell during application. Warming ointments can consist of rosemary extract, thyme or pine oil; menthol; sandalwood or eucalyptus. In addition to lubricating with ointment, we can also pat the patient’s back, which also facilitates the removal of residual secretions.

3. Inhalations. It is a method of inhaling water vapor that contains antibacterial, antiviral and secretion-thinning agents. All you need to do is add a few drops of an oil, e.g. lavender or eucalyptus oil to hot water, and then inhale the prepared infusion. Inhalations can also be made from chamomile infusion. Try Neno brand nebulizers to help treat dry cough. At Medonet Market you can buy the Neno Bene Mobile Nebulizer or the Nebulizer – Neno Sente Compressor Inhaler.

4. Syrups. Dry cough syrups inhibit the cough reflex, while home-made syrups work slightly differently, and additionally strengthen our body’s immunity. A popular syrup is onion syrup, but beetroot or thyme syrup also helps. Try syrups made from natural plant extracts by Herbapol. You can now buy on Medonet Market, for example:

1. Pine syrup with vitamin C,
2. Wild mallow syrup with vitamin C,
3. Thyme syrup and coltsfoot,
4. Marshmallow syrup with vitamin C,
5. Mullein syrup with vitamin C,
6. Lilac flower syrup with vitamin C,
7. PNEUMOPOL syrup with elderberry,
8. Thyme syrup with vitamin C,
9. Plantain syrup with vitamin C,
10. Icelandic lichen and lilac syrup.

5. Bubbles. Many people consider cupping to be a childhood nightmare. It is a centuries-old method that is used until now (come much less often). The cupping stimulates our immune system and activates the body to fight viruses and bacteria. Cupping is an ideal method for coughing, which is infectious and lasts a long time. Cups should be placed on the back or chest (avoid the spine and lower back where the kidneys are!).

6. Moisturize the mucosa. Drinking water or water with honey helps with dry cough (drinks should be at room temperature). You can also use infusions and herbal teas, e.g. based on the EKO black mallow flower, which you can buy at a favorable price on the Medonet Market.

7. Use tablets with propolis. These agents have antibacterial and antiviral properties, thanks to which the spread of infection is inhibited.

Dry vs. wet cough

To select the best treatment option, it is essential to distinguish between dry and wet cough.

1. Dry cough (needless) – usually occurs at the beginning of an infection, and is described by the patient as “scratching” in the throat. Its most important feature is the lack of expectoration. However, it may be accompanied by watery eyes and nocturnal coughing attacks, which negatively affect the patient’s well-being.

2. Wet cough (productive) – it develops as the disease progresses, when secretion accumulates in the bronchial tree. Patients with wet cough describe it as “residual” secretions in the chest. In addition, problems with sleep often occur as a result of secretions flowing down the back of the throat.

If you cannot tell whether you are tired of a dry or a wet cough, you can always use liquorice preparations that can sooth any type of cough. Try, for example, Pukka Three Licorice – a tea with licorice.

Dry cough – treatment

Dry cough can be eliminated with antitussive preparations, which usually work at the level of the brain (inhibit the cough center there). The over-the-counter cough suppressants include:

1. codeine — np. Thiocodin tablets,
2. butamirate – e.g. Supremin syrup,
3. dextromethorphan — np. tabletki Acodin i syrup Dexapini.

In dry cough, herbal syrups have a good effect. They contain: coltsfoot; marshmallow, plantain and mullein. Preparations based on primrose and common ivy also have expectorant properties. Examples of medicines are: Marshmallow syrup, Babicum syrup, Thyme and Podbiał lozenges, and Plantain labyrinth syrup.

These herbs have shielding and coating properties, thanks to which they soothe persistent attacks of dry cough. It is very important not to inhibit dry cough in any way, you should even use expectorants that facilitate the removal of secretions from the respiratory tract. Several mechanisms help in this:

1. substances that reduce the viscosity of mucus and its adhesion to the bronchial walls (eg Mucosolvan);
2. bronchial fluid liquefiers having an inorganic salt nature, e.g. sodium sulphate or enamel salt;
3. mucus disruptors, e.g. ACC (acetylcysteine);
4. agents in the form of Flegamine, which stimulate enzymes to break down mucus particles;
5. compounds irritating to some extent the gastric mucosa and stimulating the nerve endings in the bronchial tract (thus facilitating expectoration), e.g. Thiocodin syrup.

Practical advice for treating dry cough

1. Remember to take expectorant preparations no later than 17:00 pm. Avoid using them immediately before going to bed, unless you want to have trouble falling asleep due to an intense cough reflex.

2. Antitussive preparations must not be used if there is a suspicion of secretion in the respiratory tract. Taking such drugs can not only extend the duration of the disease, but also worsen the patient’s condition.

3. In the event of a persistent dry cough, make sure the pillow is placed high so that it will be easier to fall asleep.