Persistent Dry Cough? Here Are 5 Remedies to Try

Persistent Dry Cough? Here Are 5 Remedies to Try

Tooba Pasha Waqar |Apr 8, 2021

What Are Dry Cough Remedies?

If your dry cough wakes you up in the middle of the night one more time, you’ll scream, then probably cough some more! Due to this, you may be wondering what some dry cough remedies are.

A rare, occasional dry cough is a natural reflex that clears your lungs or throat of any irritant. But, if you have a persistent dry cough that doesn’t go away, it can indicate something more serious.

So, what causes it? And how do you get rid of dry cough? In this article we will look at how to diagnose your cough, and some home remedies you can try to soothe the pain.

Diagnosing Your Cough

Before we begin, do you know exactly what a dry cough is?

A dry cough is like a tickle in the back of your throat. It does not bring up mucus or phlegm and is typically caused by an irritant in your throat.

Unlike a wet cough, which brings up mucus that cleans the irritant away, dry coughs are more annoying than anything, since it does nothing to expel the irritant.

Dry coughs usually occur at the tail-end of an infection. It could be a cold, or the flu, or the result of a sinus infection. Moreover, a dry cough could also occur if you are exposed to an irritant, such as dust, chemical fumes from cars, smoke, or cigarette smoke. Asthma and allergies can also trigger a dry cough.

Some serious health issues can also result in you experiencing constant dry coughing, such as:

  • Sinusitis
  • Chronic bronchitis or emphysema (Also known as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Lung infections (acute bronchitis or pneumonia)

Nevertheless, if you get yourself tested and don’t find any such cause, there are unfortunately dozens of more conditions that can cause chronic dry cough.

5 Natural Home Remedies for a Dry Cough

Luckily, there are some things you can try at home to help soothe your dry cough. However, if your symptoms do not go away, or get worse, be sure to make an appointment with your doctor.

Honey

A teaspoon of honey in warm water or tea is the best remedy for a temporary dry cough. Additionally, you could have a teaspoon of honey and sprinkle some black pepper flakes on top. This reduces the nagging tickle in your throat and works more effectively than your average cough medication.

Drink Turmeric

Turmeric is a classic cough remedy and has been used to treat bronchitis and other upper respiratory conditions in Ayurvedic medicine for a long time. Turmeric in warm milk serves as an antiviral and anti-inflammatory remedy. And to top it off, it tastes good too and warms you from the inside.

Chew on Peppermint

Peppermint is widely used to obtain a chemical compound known as menthol naturally. So, when you chew on a peppermint leaf, that menthol component goes to the nerve endings in your throat, numbing them. This reduces pain and provides relief from coughing. Peppermint also reduces congestion and has other antiviral properties.

If possible, use peppermint oil for an aromatherapy treatment, or chew on a peppermint leaf if you have a bundle in the fridge.

Use a Humidifier

If you live in a dry region, that may be to blame for the dry cough you’re experiencing. Dry air leeches away all the moisture in the air. But, if you keep a humidifier handy, that puts moisture molecules back. That moisture then makes its way to your sinuses, thus opening them up and allowing your throat to feel less dry.

Buy an Air Purifier

If you live in the city, near traffic, or have dust or smoke allergies, an air purifier is exactly what you need.

As the name suggests, this device purifies the air and gets rid of any airborne irritants. Your throat doesn’t experience as many triggers as it normally would, which lessens your need to cough by reducing allergens.

When to See a Doctor

If you’ve used all the above tips, have taken all types of cough drops and syrups, and still experience a bad dry cough, then only a doctor can help you fight the problem.

As stated above, dry coughing is a symptom that can indicate some other health issue. Going to a professional physician will ensure you that you’ve taken all steps necessary to prevent your dry cough. With the right medical help and a complete physical, you’ll be able to get a proper diagnosis, address any underlying health issues, and be given a treatment plan.

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