Coughing is a protective mechanism by which the body tries to expel foreign bodies, pathogens or mucus that has gotten into it. In medicine, a dry cough is understood to be a dry cough without sputum, that is, with high mucus secretion. Precisely because the cough is dry, it often sounds harsh and barking.
In most cases, irritated airways are the cause of a dry cough – for example, at the onset of a cold, lung diseases, or as a side effect of certain medications. Depending on the cause, a dry cough may be accompanied by various symptoms.
Dry cough can have various causes.
Typical side effects of a dry cough include sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose and cough, as well as the classic cold and flu symptoms. If the cough lasts longer than three weeks, it is called chronic irritation – the cough is acute lasting less than three weeks.
Cough may occur in response to foreign bodies entering the airways or in conjunction with various inflammations. Both inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis) and inflammation of the bronchial mucosa (bronchitis) and trachea (tracheitis) can trigger a dry cough.
Other causes are pleurisy (dry pleurisy), chronic asthma, reflux disease (backflow of gastric juice into the esophagus), chronic heart failure, and pulmonary fibrosis. In some cases, tumors can also cause a dry cough.
Dry cough can have psychological causes
In the case of a cold or flu, a dry cough usually turns into a cough with phlegm and mucus relatively quickly. In addition to internal factors, external factors such as dust, gas or steam can also trigger a dry cough.
Psychological causes are also associated with certain forms of dry cough: In the so-called psychological dry cough, coughing occurs and begins in bouts and can last for several hours. This can be an obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Treatment depends on the cause
Since a dry cough is a symptom, not a disease, any examination is aimed at finding the cause of the cough. Unlike cough with phlegm, cough suppressants (antitussives) can be used for dry cough so that the stimulus is reduced at least at night and those affected can sleep.
Cough suppressants include codeine, benproperine, dextromethorphan, pentoxiverine, and noscapine. You should consult a healthcare professional about taking these active ingredients; as a rule, they should not be taken for more than a week.
Medicinal plants for dry cough
Extracts of plantain and marshmallow, Iceland moss, and salt lozenges are considered herbal remedies for dry cough. Inhaling anise, eucalyptus, and fennel can also help against irritation. Also, chest and neck wraps, cold baths, and foot baths may relieve symptoms. (group)