A dry cough can be induced either by flu, a common cold, asthma, cigarette smoke, or many other factors. In recent times, a dry cough can be related to many dreadful infections, which makes it essential to take extra precautions for the respiratory system.
This type of cough can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies and viruses. Treatments and home remedies for cough may be effective in providing relief. It may also be beneficial to drink plenty of water and avoid allergens or environmental irritants.
Dry cough is also a defensive reflex that your body employs to maintain your nasal passages clear of irritating or blocking compounds in order to breathe properly. Since this type of cough does not generate mucus or phlegm, it can also be known as an unproductive cough. This condition is also further classified as acute or chronic by physicians. A cough is considered chronic if it persists for more than 8 weeks.
Causes of Dry Cough
Here are some of the most commonly seen diseases that require many of the best home remedies for cough and other treatments.
1. Asthma
Asthma is a disorder which causes your airways to swell, narrow down and tighten. Coughs caused by asthma can be productive or non-productive, Coughing or wheezing symptoms get worsened by a respiratory virus like a cold and the flu. Coughing is a classic symptom of asthma, although it may not be the most noticeable. Cough variant asthma, on the other hand, is characterised by a chronic cough as its primary symptom.
2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a form of gastric reflux that is cumulative. It occurs when stomach contents flow back up into the oesophagus i.e., the connecting part from the mouth into your stomach on a regular basis. Stomach acid can irritate your oesophagus, move up to your throat, and cause you to cough. Some dry cough treatment at home may help this condition.
3. Postnasal Drip
Excess mucus dripping down the throat is regarded as a postnasal drip. Whenever you suffer from cold or seasonal allergy symptoms, your nasal membranes produce more mucus fluid than usual. Postnasal drip can irritate the nerve fibres present in the back of the throat, causing you to cough. There are many dry cough home remedies that are effective for reducing this condition.
4. Viral Infection
Short-term manifestations associated with the various viruses responsible for the cold virus generally last for no more than a week. It also triggers a cough continuously, which also aggravates the itchiness in your nasal passages, so try soothing your throat with dry cough remedies like, throat lozenges, and warm fluids. This may assist you in coughing less, allowing your airway to heal.
5. Allergies
When your immunity misidentifies a foreign body, which is harmless, such as pollen, to be threatening to the body, it strikes. This results in seasonal allergic reactions like coughing.
6. COVID-19
A dry cough is one of the most prevalent and initial symptoms of COVID-19. The cough manifestations can last for up to two weeks.
Home Remedies for Cough
There are no home remedies for dry cough that can suit everyone equally. You may need to try a few distinct ones before you discover the one that works for you. Furthermore, some of these treatments have now been thoroughly researched and tested for their efficacy. Some treatments may be unsuitable for infants or children.
1. Warm Drinks
Those suffering from a cough or cold must stay warm and hydrated. Drinking hot beverages may be one of the best home remedies for dry cough. Warm water, clear broths, and herbal teas can relieve dry cough, sore throats, and shivers immediately and for an extended period of time after drinking the warm drink.
2. Saltwater Gargles
It can be considered as the best remedy for cough and sore throats. It alleviates throat inflammation and coughing spells. A half-teaspoon of salt should dissolve in a warm water cup. Give it a chance to cool mildly before gargling with it.
3. Ginger
When we think of coughing, the first thing that comes to mind is ginger. It has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to boost immunity and clear mucus from the respiratory tract. Ginger may repress the cough reflex by soothing the muscles of the smoother air passages. Many foods and teas contain ginger. Ginger tea is an effective cure for dry cough and congestion. Adding honey may create further advantages for dry cough.
4. Honey
One of the earliest known dry cough remedies is raw honey. Raw honey benefits you by relieving throat inflammation and soothing the throat. It has antimicrobial properties, which may help to reduce minimal infectious agents or viral diseases.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric is an excellent antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory agent that aids in the healing of any infection. It includes curcumin, which helps to alleviate coughing and other asthma symptoms. Turmeric can also help with infection of respiratory illness, bronchitis, and tonsillitis.
6. Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root is an ancient herb that can be promoted as a natural dry cough remedy. According to some studies, it can help soothe the throat and reduce the inflammation prompted by a dry cough.
7. Peppermint
Menthol, found in peppermint, helps to desensitise sensory neurons in the throat that are incensed by coughing. This may relieve discomfort and decrease the desire to cough. Peppermint can also help with congestion and has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Consuming peppermint tea or sucking on peppermint chewable tablets are two examples. It is one of the best home remedies for cough at night, and drinking peppermint tea prior to bedtime is effective.
8. Chilli Peppers
Capsaicin, a compound found in chilli peppers, binds to pain receptors and causes a distinctive combustion sensation when ingesting spicy food. Ingesting some restrained amount of chilli powder containing capsaicin, which has been shown in studies to drastically enhance throat sensitivity and thus is the best remedy for cough symptoms to a certain extent.
9. Thyme Tea
Thyme is a herb with numerous health benefits. It incorporates an antispasmodic compound, which is an element that aids in muscle relaxation. As a result, consuming small amounts of thyme tea on a regular basis can help to soothe throat muscles, as well as, provide long-term relief from persistent coughing.
10. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy, such as incorporating a few drops of essential eucalyptus oil into steaming water and vaporising, may also assist in alleviating the signs of dry cough. Because existing studies have demonstrated the perks of eucalyptus oil in the prevention and treatment of respiratory chronic conditions, it is an excellent dry cough treatment at home.
11. Humidifier and Air Purifier
A dry cough can be exacerbated by dry air. Humidifiers add humidity to the atmosphere, which can be soothing. Humidifiers aid in sinus opening, therefore being helpful for pestering postnasal drip. A humidifier in your bedroom may serve as one of the best remedies for dry cough at night.
Air purifiers can assist in the removal of airborne irritants, including dust and smoke from your home. They also assist in decreasing allergens like pet hair and pollen. Inhaling in the fresh air can significantly minimise throat irritation, and the tendency to cough, even if the cough got influenced by toxic compounds or an underlying condition.
Conclusion
Dry coughs can be aggravating, especially if they last for weeks. If it begins to interfere with your sleep, try these tips to control your cough at night.
If you’re not sure about the resons behind your cough, consult a doctor to determine the best course of action. Meanwhile, the integration of home remedies and over-the-counter medications may offer temporary relief.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Cough
Q. What is considered to be the fastest way to cure a dry cough?
Drinking a great deal of water or consuming hot water with honey is quite effective. Using over-the-counter (OTC) cough medications or a simple hot shower might also work.
Q. Is there a natural way to get rid of a dry cough?
You can consume honey, turmeric, hot fluids, ginger, teas, etc. which can be beneficial for your throat. You can also ingest herbal roots and mixtures for getting rid of a dry cough.
Q. How to get rid of a dry cough with lasting effects?
You can use warm honey water, cough candies, lukewarm liquids, and moisturised air for longer effects. You can also avoid smoking for better results.
