What Helps Dry Cough? How Does Dry Cough Go Away?

Dry cough, also known as nonproductive cough, is a type of cough that does not contain mucus. It can be caused by exposure to allergens such as dust and pollen, as well as infectious diseases like the common cold and flu. In some cases, dry cough may also indicate a more serious health issue, such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung). Questions like "How does dry cough go away?" and "What helps with dry cough?" will be addressed in detail in the following sections of this article.

What is Dry Cough?

Dry cough is a type of cough that does not contain mucus and typically occurs with a feeling of discomfort in the throat. Wet cough, which includes mucus, is usually seen during infectious diseases affecting the respiratory tract, such as the common cold or flu. According to experts, wet cough, also known as productive cough, helps clear mucus from the respiratory tract. This is the primary reason it is referred to as productive. In dry cough, however, there is no mucus production, so there is no expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract. Therefore, dry cough is expressed as nonproductive or unproductive cough.

What Causes Dry Cough?

Coughing is an important reflex that helps clear and protect the respiratory tract. Occasional coughing is generally considered harmless. However, a persistent dry cough may be an indication of another health issue, such as reflux, heart failure, lung cancer, or pneumothorax (collapsed lung). Dry cough can be classified into two categories based on duration: acute and chronic. Acute dry cough is typically observed during the recovery process from infections like the common cold and flu, while chronic dry cough can be caused by other health issues, such as asthma, allergies, or heart failure. The main causes of dry cough include:

• Infections Affecting the Respiratory Tract: The common cold and flu are viral infections affecting the upper respiratory tract. During the course of the disease, these infections usually present with productive cough. However, complete healing from the inflammation in the respiratory tract may take some time, which can increase sensitivity to irritants such as various chemicals, leading to dry cough.
• Covid-19: The disease caused by the novel coronavirus is also a viral infection like the flu and cold. However, during the course of Covid-19, dry cough is typically observed instead of productive cough.
• Allergic Rhinitis: In some cases, the immune system may respond abnormally to allergens such as dust, pollen, or pet dander, which it normally should not. Allergic rhinitis is a health issue that develops as a result of an abnormal immune response to various allergens. One of the main symptoms of allergic rhinitis is dry cough.
• Asthma: Asthma, characterized by inflammation of the respiratory tract, is one of the most common causes of dry cough.
• Exposure to Irritants: Inhalation of various chemicals can cause irritation in the respiratory tract, leading to dry cough.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux: In some cases, dry cough may increase at night while lying down or during meals. This may be a symptom of reflux caused by stomach fluid backing up into the esophagus.
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung): Pneumothorax, as defined in medical literature, refers to the accumulation of air in the pleural space (the cavity between the lung and the chest wall) due to various causes such as injury or trauma. The accumulation of air in this space compresses the lungs, leading to a decrease in lung size. Pneumothorax can cause dry cough.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Also known as thrombosis, pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot detaches from a vessel in the body and travels through circulation to organs such as the lungs or brain. The arrival of a blood clot in the lungs can cause blockage in the blood vessels supplying the lungs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath and dry cough.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD is a lung disease that develops over time due to blockage of the air sacs in the lungs for various reasons. COPD can lead to dry cough.
• Heart Diseases: Conditions such as heart failure can also cause dry cough.

In addition to the aforementioned causes, health issues such as lung cancer, tuberculosis, and sleep apnea can also lead to dry cough.

What is Good for Dry Cough?

The treatment for dry cough varies depending on its cause. Coughing is not a disease in itself but a symptom of another condition. Therefore, it is essential to identify and treat the underlying cause for proper management. Experts may recommend certain medications or non-medical supportive products for adults with dry cough. Here are some suggestions that may help alleviate dry cough (1):

• Increasing fluid intake, especially water,
• Using products like lozenges that can increase saliva production and help soothe the throat,
• Consuming honey (not suitable for children under one year of age),
• Humidifying the air in the environment,
• Taking a warm shower or steam bath,
• Eating a balanced and healthy diet,
• Limiting exposure to allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander.

If the above methods do not work and the cough is accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, high fever, or chest pain, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.

What is Good for Dry Cough in Babies and Children?

Babies and children can be more vulnerable to infections like colds and the flu. Therefore, coughing is quite common in infants and children. Health issues such as infections, allergies, and asthma, as well as irritants like chemicals, are the main causes of dry cough in this age group. Although there are some medical products that may help soothe cough in adults, their use is generally not recommended for children under four years old. For this reason, parents often look for natural ways to relieve dry cough in babies and children. Some methods that may be beneficial for dry cough in infants and children include (5):

• Ensuring they are not exposed to allergens if the cause of the cough is an allergy,
• Giving steam baths,
• Feeding babies frequently,
• Increasing fluid intake, especially water, in children,
• Humidifying the air in the environment,
• Frequently ventilating the room,
• Giving honey in the amount recommended by a doctor (Honey is not suitable for infants as it can have serious consequences).

The above methods can be applied at home for dry cough in babies and children. However, if the cough persists for an extended period or is accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, or high fever, it is crucial to seek medical attention without delay.

What Home Remedies Can Be Applied for Dry Cough?

If there is no serious health issue underlying dry cough, some home remedies may help alleviate the symptoms. Accordingly, here are some home remedies for dry cough (6):

• Honey: Honey may help soothe cough in adults and children over one year old due to its antibacterial properties.
• Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, turmeric can be beneficial for dry cough.
• Mint: The menthol found in mint can help soothe the throat, relieving dry cough. Mint can be consumed as tea.
• Ginger: Ginger, known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, can be consumed as tea or mixed with honey.

Additionally, taking steam baths, eating a healthy and balanced diet, and drinking plenty of fluids can also help relieve coughing. However, it should be remembered that a dry cough may sometimes indicate a significant health issue. Therefore, if you have complaints of dry cough, do not neglect to make an appointment with a qualified doctor and get your check-ups done.