Cough is one of the most important defense mechanisms that helps cleanse the body from various pathogens, especially foreign objects such as dust and smoke in the respiratory tract. However, a persistent dry cough may also be a symptom of various health problems. Detailed information on the causes and symptoms of dry cough is discussed in the following sections of the article.
What is Dry Cough?
Cough, one of the body’s most important defense mechanisms, usually begins when foreign objects such as dust and smoke enter the respiratory tract or when substances such as mucus accumulate excessively. Cough can be classified in various ways, such as voluntary/reflex, acute/chronic, or productive/dry cough (nonproductive). The most important difference that distinguishes a dry cough from a productive cough is the absence of mucus. In other words, there is no phlegm or mucus production in dry cough, also called nonproductive cough. In respiratory system diseases, mucus accumulated in the lungs or respiratory tract can be expelled through a phlegmy cough. Thus, it may become easier for the person to breathe. However, with a dry cough that does not produce mucus and phlegm, the lungs and respiratory tract cannot be cleaned as they should due to the lack of phlegm output. For this reason, experts often call dry cough a non-productive cough.
What Causes Dry Cough?
Cough can occur for many reasons, from infectious diseases to allergies. Factors that cause cough have an effect on whether the cough is phlegmy or dry. For example, while a dry cough is often seen in health problems such as asthma, cough is often accompanied by phlegm in diseases such as bronchitis. The main causes of dry cough can be listed as follows:
• Infectious diseases such as cold and flu: One of the main symptoms of infectious diseases caused by rhinovirus, influenza and viruses is cough. In infectious diseases, cough and sputum are often seen together. However, irritation caused by infectious diseases in the lungs or respiratory tract may continue for a while even if the infectious agent disappears. As a result, the respiratory tract may become more sensitive to environmental factors and a dry cough may occur.
• Asthma: When the causes of dry cough are mentioned, one of the first health problems that comes to mind is asthma. Asthma is a health problem that occurs as a result of inflammation and narrowing of the airways called bronchi. As a result of this inflammation, symptoms such as dry cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath may occur. Dry cough in the throat due to asthma is often triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust and smoke. Experts may suspect allergic asthma if there is a dry cough, especially in babies.
• Reflux: Reflux can be briefly defined as the backward leakage of acidic gastric juice. Reflux that persists for a long time and is not treated can cause irritation in the respiratory tract over time. Due to this irritation, a dry cough may occur in reflux patients.
• Postnasal drip (postnasal drip): Normally, approximately 1-2 liters of mucus are secreted from the nose per day to keep the respiratory tract moist. Most of the time, this mucus produced reaches the stomach without the person noticing. However, in cases where mucus production increases and/or mucus thickens due to a health problem such as sinusitis, the mucus produced may accumulate around the throat and cause a dry cough.
• Environmental factors: Environmental factors such as foreign agents such as dust and smoke in the air or the smell of detergent may cause irritation in the respiratory tract, resulting in a dry cough.
• Some medications: Dry cough may be a side effect of some medications, especially those that help reduce high blood pressure (hypertension).
• Collapsed lung (pneumothorax): Lung collapse, also known as pneumothorax, can be defined as the collapse of the lung due to a reason such as trauma. In case of lung collapse, symptoms such as shortness of breath and dry cough may be observed.
• Lung cancer: Although rare, a persistent dry cough may indicate lung cancer.
• Heart failure: A dry cough may occur when the heart cannot pump blood as it should.
Dry Cough Symptoms
The most important symptom of a dry cough is that the cough does not contain mucus or phlegm. Another most common symptom is sleep disorders. Dry cough, especially at night, can negatively affect a person’s quality of life. The main symptoms of dry cough are as follows:
• Dry cough along with discomfort such as stinging, burning and pain in the throat,
• Muscle pain due to long-lasting dry cough,
• In case of dry cough that develops due to a viral infection, symptoms such as high fever, nasal congestion and headache,
• Wheezing, shortness of breath, wheezing in people with health problems such as asthma,
• If the cause of the cough is allergy, shortness of breath, runny nose, nasal congestion, hissing breathing,
• Cough that increases especially at night and in the morning,
• Fatigue and weakness due to constant coughing.
Dry Cough Treatment
In the treatment of dry cough, experts first perform some tests to determine the underlying health problem and/or environmental factor behind the cough. As a result, if the cause of the cough is a viral infection, a treatment plan is first prepared against the infectious disease. Although there are some medications used in the treatment of flu today, there is no medication for every virus. Therefore, in some cases, experts may prescribe some dry cough suppressants to relieve the patient’s symptoms.
What is Good for Dry Cough?
Dry cough usually goes away with the treatment of the underlying health problem. However, some methods that can be applied at home can also help relieve dry cough. Some of the methods that can be used by those wondering what will cure dry cough can be listed as follows:
• Consuming plenty of fluids: In case of dry cough, consuming plenty of fluids, especially water, can moisturize the respiratory tract and help minimize the feeling of discomfort in the throat.
• Using lozenges: It is possible to find lozenges in the market that contain foods that help relax the respiratory tract, such as honey and ginger. Using lozenges can help increase mucus production and relieve a dry cough. However, since there is a risk of lozenges getting stuck in the throat, especially in children under the age of 4, it is recommended not to give lozenges to children or babies with a dry cough.
• Consuming honey: Some studies show that honey is one of the most effective foods in soothing cough. However, it is important that people with chronic diseases such as diabetes do not consume honey without consulting their doctor. Additionally, giving honey to babies under 1 year of age is generally not recommended.
• Humidifying the ambient air: The use of devices that emit steam can help humidify the air in the environment and relieve dry cough by relaxing the respiratory tract.
Frequently asked Questions
Dry cough is a common health problem in society. Some frequently asked questions about dry cough are discussed in detail below.
What diseases can dry cough be a symptom of?
Dry cough; It can be a symptom of viral infectious diseases such as cold and flu, as well as more serious health problems such as asthma, allergies, bronchitis and lung cancer.
How long can a dry cough last?
The duration of dry cough may vary depending on the underlying cause. Most of the time, the cough disappears with the treatment of the underlying health problem. Dry cough can be acute or chronic. Chronic cough usually occurs due to a health problem such as asthma and often lasts longer than 8 weeks.
Is dry cough contagious?
A dry cough that occurs as a result of a viral infection can be contagious.
When to consult a doctor in case of dry cough?
If you experience symptoms such as coughing up blood, severe fatigue, high fever, shortness of breath, and chest pain, it is important to consult a specialist doctor without delay.
Dry cough is one of the most common respiratory system diseases. It may be possible to get rid of dry cough with early diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing a dry cough problem, do not forget to make an appointment with a specialist doctor and have the necessary check-ups.
