Cough is a common infection, especially when the season is here. Studies describe that cough is the reflex action that helps to clear the mucus and airways of irritants. Additionally, they say that there are two types of cough, including productive and non-productive.
ENT specialists in Rawalpindi explain that a productive cough produces mucus or phlegm and helps it clear such substances from the lungs. A non-productive cough is also known as a dry cough that does not come with the production of mucus and phlegm.
There are various causes of dry coughs, such as acid reflux or it could be any kind of allergy. Sometimes, you just have a dry cough without any clear reason.
Some people share that they experience the worst condition of the dry cough at night when they lie down on the bed. Regular dry cough can interfere with your daily activities and can impact your communication with other people.
Here are some causes of a dry cough that you must need to learn about.
Postnasal Drip
Have you ever experienced extra mucus dripping in your throat? Well, it is a very uncomfortable condition that is known as postnasal drip. It occurs when you have seasonal allergies. It makes the membranes in your nose produce more mucus that is runny and watery.
Such runny and watery mucus easily drips down your throat. Such dripping of mucus tickles the nerves in the throat back which leads to coughing. There are some other symptoms that you need to learn to confirm if you are experiencing a postnasal drip condition.
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Severe coughing at night
- Feeling a lump in the back of your throat
- When you find trouble in swallowing the food
GERD – Gastroesophageal reflux disease
GERD is chronic acid reflux that you may experience after every meal. Such a condition occurs when the stomach acid flows back into your esophagus. Such acid in the stomach can cause irritation in your esophagus and worsen the cough reflex.
Here are some other symptoms you need to learn about.
- Chest pain
- Chronic cough
- Mild hoarseness chronic sore throat
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation of food
Some of the healthy lifestyle changes can help you to get rid of GERD. Over-the-counter acid reducers, including lansoprazole and omeprazole. Some of the home remedies are also beneficial when it comes to dealing with GERD.
Asthma
It is a condition that occurs when you have swollen airways and they become narrow. Studies reveal that asthma-related coughs can be of any type, productive and non-productive dry cough. The most common type is found in the nonproductive. Asthma has many symptoms, and coughing is one of them.
But you cannot claim that you have asthma while experiencing coughing. You can experience a specific type of asthma which is known as cough variant asthma that involves chronic dry cough. You can confirm the condition of asthma if you experience cough along with the following symptoms.
- Tightness in the chest or pain
- Wheezing
- Wheezing attacks
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble in sleeping
- A whistling sound
Unfortunately, asthma treatment is a long-term process that needs cautions to avoid the worst condition.
Viral Infection
Viral infections cause many symptoms when you get the cold. Some of them last less than a week and you may experience a cough that can stay longer. Such coughs last longer for up to more than one month. It occurs when you have irritation in the airways.
You need the patience to get rid of such coughs as it increases the irritation of the airways. You need to drink warm liquids to avoid irritation in your throat. Throat lozenges are also good for soothing the throat.
How to Deal With Dry Cough?
Experts say that dry cough is not an easy task as it makes your airways more sensitive. You can do multiple things to get relief, such as:
- Get OTC cough suppressants, like dextromethorphan.
- Make hot liquids and add honey to soothe the irritated throat.
- Throat lozenges help to moisturize your throat.
Final Thought
It is very annoying to experience a dry cough. You should drink hot liquids but get treatment if you do not find any difference. Home remedies and OTC medication can help to get some relief.
