Dry Cough

Coughing is a reflex action designed to clear the body's airways from irritants, such as dust or smoke. Fortunately, they are rarely related to anything serious.

A dry cough is typically characterised as producing little to no mucus or phlegm. This type of cough is known as non-productive and is distinctly different from a chesty cough, where mucus or phlegm is produced.

Dry coughs are usually the result of an infection from the cold or flu virus. They can also result from exposure to atmospheric irritants, such as pollution, cigarette smoke or allergens. The most common causes of dry coughs are outlined below:

• Viral infections, such as the common cold or flu. Dry coughs are more likely to occur towards the end of the infection, and in many cases can linger after all other symptoms have cleared. However, for some, a dry cough can develop in the early stages.
• Irritants in the atmosphere can cause the back of the throat to become inflamed. A good example of this is when a non-smoker enters a smoky environment, which can cause them to cough.
• Sufferers of hay fever often find their throats affected by airborne allergens, such as pollen. Allergies to other particles, such as pet hair, can also lead to the same symptoms.
• Acid reflux has recently been accepted as a trigger for dry coughs. When acid from the stomach travels up to the back of the throat, tiny amounts can enter the upper respiratory tract. This then causes inflammation, which leads to coughing. This is more likely to occur when lying down flat.
• Certain medications can cause a dry cough as a side effect. Particularly those used to treat high blood pressure.
• Psychological conditions, where coughing has become habitual. This type of dry cough doesn't relate to any infection or illness, and in many cases, the sufferer isn't even aware they are coughing. This type of cough is often referred to as a psychogenic cough.
• Anxiety or stress can cause the breathing to become shallow, which can trigger the cough reflex.
• Asthma flare-ups will cause the airways to become partially blocked and inflamed, which will likely cause a bout of dry coughing.

On rare occasions, a persistent dry cough lasting beyond three weeks can sometimes be the result of a more serious underlying condition, such as heart disease or cancer. In most cases, it will likely be harmless, but if you're worried about a persistent cough and aren't sure of its cause, it is recommended you visit your GP for advice.

A dry cough will present as either intermittent or continual bouts of coughing. The coughing itself will produce little to no mucus or phlegm hence its name, dry.

Often dry coughs are the result of viral infections, which bring with them other associated symptoms, such as

• Congestion
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• General aches and pain.

For the majority of dry cough sufferers, a visit to your GP is unnecessary. However, it is recommended to seek advice should any of the following apply:

• The cough has persisted for longer than three weeks.
• The cough seems to be getting worse or has become particularly severe.
• Your breathing has become affected.
• You start to cough up blood.
• You start to experience chest pain.
• If other unexplained symptoms develop alongside the cough. For example, weight loss, swellings or lumps, or a persistent change in voice.

If after reviewing your symptoms, your GP is still not sure as to what's causing the cough, then further investigation may be required. This will likely include chest X-rays and breathing/allergy tests.

Treating a mild short-term cough doesn't usually require treatment. In most instances, a dry cough will clear by itself within three weeks. If there is an obvious cause for the cough, treating the underlying cause will be the best chance for relief. For example, if an asthma flare-up is the cause, ensuring the asthma is controlled through the proper use of medication will help alleviate the cough.

Alternatively, if the common cold is the cause, then it is recommended to rest, keep warm and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

To help relieve the cough itself, there are several dry cough mixtures available without a prescription from most pharmacies. Dry cough formulations are known as cough suppressants. They work by suppressing the body's cough reflex, causing you to cough less and thus providing relief. Cough Suppressants include:

• Dextromethorphan
  
• Simple Linctus
• Antihistamines are also used in dry cough formulations. They work to reduce the cough reflex as well as to dry up nasal secretions.

These formulations are particularly useful if the cough is being caused by a postnasal drip (mucus running down from the nose to the back of the throat).

Homemade cough remedies are believed to be as effective as the pharmacy equivalent. Popular homemade cough remedies usually contain a mixture of glycerin, honey and lemon. Honey shouldn't be given to babies under one year as it carries the risk of infant botulism.