Dry cough: what it could be (and what to do)

A dry cough can be caused by viral infections such as the flu or cold, smoke inhalation due to air pollution or smoking, or respiratory allergies, but it can also indicate asthma or gastroesophageal reflux.

Depending on the cause of the dry cough, in addition to coughing, other symptoms may appear such as a runny nose, hoarseness, discomfort in the throat, wheezing, heartburn or burning in the neck.

If you suspect a dry cough, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner, especially if other symptoms appear. Treatment must be specific to its cause, and specific medications may be indicated to relieve dry cough.

6 main causes

The main causes of dry cough are:

1. Viral infections

Viral infections, such as COVID-19, flu or colds, can cause a persistent dry cough, especially during the recovery period, due to inflammation of the airways and nasal secretions still present, which can stimulate the cough reflex. Learn how to differentiate COVID-19, flu and cold.

2. Smoke inhalation

Smoke inhalation, due to smoking or air pollution, for example, can also cause a dry cough due to irritation of the airways caused by the contact of smoke with the mucous membrane. In addition to coughing, there may also be hoarseness and discomfort in the throat.

3. Allergies

Allergies can cause a dry cough due to irritation of the airways due to contact with specific substances and increased production of nasal secretions, which can reach the throat and stimulate the cough reflex.

In addition to a dry cough, it is common for other symptoms to appear, such as the sensation of secretions falling into the throat, a runny nose and frequent clearing of the throat. Know the main allergy symptoms.

4. Asma

Asthma can cause recurrent episodes of dry cough, which is usually associated with other symptoms such as wheezing, a feeling of tightness in the chest or shortness of breath. Furthermore, symptoms tend to be caused by allergies, cold or physical exercise, for example. Check out more details on the main symptoms of asthma.

5. Use of medications

Some medications, especially antihypertensives such as captopril or enalapril, can cause a dry cough in some people, in addition to an itchy or uncomfortable sensation in the throat.

6. Gastroesophageal reflux

The dry cough caused by gastroesophageal reflux is caused by the acidic contents of the stomach which, when rising through the esophagus, can reach the airways and stimulate the cough reflex. In addition to a dry cough, symptoms such as hoarseness, burning in the throat and heartburn may also appear. See other symptoms of reflux.

What to do

It is recommended to consult a general practitioner especially if the dry cough is intense, persistent or is associated with other symptoms, such as burning in the throat, wheezing or low fever, because the treatment of dry cough depends on its cause.

Thus, treatment may involve changing the antihypertensive medication, the use of medications such as antacids, antiallergics or inhaled corticosteroids, and measures such as washing the nose with saline solution or avoiding meals close to bedtime.

Furthermore, in some cases, the doctor may prescribe medications, such as dextromethorphan or levodropropizine, which are specific for dry cough and can help alleviate the symptom. Discover more remedies for dry cough.

Natural treatment for dry cough

The natural treatment for dry cough can include home remedies, such as mint, marshmallow or pansy tea, which have calming or analgesic properties, for example, and can help relieve dry cough, complementing the treatment recommended by the doctor. Check out the main home remedies for dry cough.