Home Remedies and Herbs for Dry Cough

Dry cough is a symptom that typically indicates another underlying health condition. Dry cough is an especially common symptom that may persist after a cold. Dry cough can be acute, meaning it lasts less than three weeks. Or, dry cough can be chronic, which means it persists longer than eight weeks. Dry cough is considered chronic in children if it lasts longer than four weeks.^1,2
 
What Causes Dry Cough?

Dry cough is typically caused by the common cold. However, there may be other underlying causes. There are different possible dry cough causes depending on whether it’s acute or chronic.^1,2 Possible causes of acute dry cough include:

• Breathing in very dry, hot air
• A change in climate
• Inhaling allergens
• Being sick with influenza
• Whooping cough

When a dry cough persists, it may be caused by any of the following:

• Cigarette smoke
• Long-term exposure to environmental irritants
• Allergies
• Postnasal drip
• Asthma

These are simply the most common causes of dry cough. However, dry cough is sometimes a symptom of a chronic illness or severe condition. Dry cough is often associated with emphysema, lung cancer, COPD, laryngitis and other serious respiratory illnesses.¹

Dry Cough Symptoms

Common dry cough symptoms can also be accompanied by any of the following:

• Hacking cough
• Frequent urge to clear your throat
• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Difficulty breathing
• Acid reflux

References

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/cough/basics/causes/sym-20050846
2. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/tc/dry-coughs-topic-overview