Do you feel like your dry cough is wreaking havoc on your day-to-day life? If so, you’re not alone! Dry coughing can range from an annoyance to a debilitating symptom of other illnesses, keeping sufferers awake at night and taking away energy during the day. Fortunately, natural remedies may help decrease the symptoms associated with this pesky condition.
This blog post discusses some of the most effective home remedies for dry coughs. Whether it’s herbs or lifestyle changes, read on to learn more about how you can take control of your health!
How to Treat a Dry Cough Naturally and Medicinally
Dry coughing can be a minor nuisance and a symptom of a serious underlying medical issue. Fortunately, several remedies for dry coughs may help those looking for relief. Home remedies may provide the best solutions for mild cases of dry coughing. These include drinking more fluids, gargling with warm salt water or herbal teas, and using honey to soothe an irritated throat. Additionally, some herbs like marshmallow root and ginger have been shown to reduce coughing by reducing inflammation in the airways.
Medication may be necessary to effectively manage symptoms in more severe dry coughs. Over-the-counter medications like guaifenesin can help thin mucus and break down phlegm buildup, while cough suppressants like dextromethorphan can help reduce coughing fits. There are also prescription medications that can effectively treat dry coughs, depending on the underlying cause.
Medical treatment for dry cough
If your dry cough persists or worsens over time, it is important to seek medical attention. Your doctor may recommend medications such as bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors, and antibiotics, depending on the underlying cause of your symptoms. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggers like dust and pet dander may help reduce coughing fits.
Decongestants
Decongestants may also help reduce symptoms associated with a dry cough. These medications act as vasoconstrictors by narrowing the blood vessels throughout your body, decreasing inflammation and mucus buildup in the throat and airways. Long-term use of decongestants is not recommended due to potential side effects, so speak with your doctor before taking any medication for a prolonged period.
Home Remedies for a Dry Cough
In addition to medicinal treatments, plenty of home remedies can help soothe and reduce the symptoms associated with a dry cough. The following 13 home remedies may provide relief from your dry coughing fits:
1. Honey
Honey has long been used as a natural cough suppressant. It can be taken simply by a spoonful or mixed with warm tea to help soothe an irritated throat.
2. Salt water gargle
Gargling with salt water may reduce coughing fits by breaking down mucus and reducing inflammation in the airways.
3. Herbal teas
Some herbs like marshmallow root, thyme, and ginger have been shown to reduce coughing fits by decreasing inflammation in the airways.
4. Steam inhalation
Inhaling steam from a humidifier or hot shower may relieve dry coughing fits due to its soothing effects on the respiratory system.
5. Stay hydrated
Drinking fluids throughout the day helps thin mucus and moisten airways, reducing coughing fits.
6. Avoid triggers
Common triggers of dry coughs include dust, pet dander, smoke, and other air pollutants. Staying away from these can help prevent coughing fits.
7. Avoid alcohol and caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine can act as diuretics, causing dehydration which may increase dry coughing fits.
8. Humidifier
Using a humidifier at night increases humidity levels in the bedroom, making breathing easier and reducing symptoms of dry coughs due to irritation or inflammation of the respiratory system tissues caused by allergies or asthma.
9. Elevate your head when sleeping
Elevating the upper body while sleeping helps reduce dry coughing fits by allowing gravity to work in your favor.
10. Use a neti pot
Using a neti pot to rinse the nasal passages can help clear mucus and reduce symptoms of dry coughs due to allergies or sinusitis.
11. Avoid strenuous activities
Strenuous activities such as running or lifting weights cause shallow breathing, which may worsen dry coughing fits. Taking it easy can help reduce symptoms associated with this condition.
12. Eat spicy foods
Spicy foods like chili peppers contain capsaicin which acts as an expectorant, helping break down mucus buildup and reduce dry coughing fits.
13. Avoid unfiltered air
Unfiltered air can contain a variety of pollutants which may worsen symptoms associated with a dry cough. Wearing a face mask outdoors or using an air purifier at home can help reduce symptoms in those sensitive to environmental irritants.
Cough Suppressants and Expectorants
Cough suppressants and expectorants are two medications used to treat dry coughing. Cough suppressants, also known as antitussives, work to reduce the number of coughing fits by temporarily blocking the signals between the brain and the cough reflex. These medications are usually taken at night before bed to help control a person's coughing during sleep. Common over-the-counter cough suppressants include dextromethorphan (DM) and codeine.
On the other hand, expectorants work by stimulating mucus secretion to help break down phlegm buildup in the airways and throat. Guaifenesin is one of the most commonly used expectorant medications available over the counter. It helps to thin mucus and reduce coughing fits by loosening phlegm in the throat and chest, making coughing easier.
It is important to note that both medications are not meant for long-term use, as side effects may occur with prolonged use. They should never be taken together as they work against one another, potentially exacerbating dry coughs. If your symptoms have worsened or you have been using these medications for more than two weeks, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor may recommend additional treatment options or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.
Prescription Medications
Prescription medications are another form of treatment for dry coughs. Depending on the underlying cause, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, or phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors.
Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria in the airways. Bronchodilators help widen the airways and make breathing easier by relaxing muscle contractions. Inhaled corticosteroids reduce lung inflammation and decrease mucus buildup in the throat and chest, which can result in coughing fits. PDE-4 inhibitors block certain chemicals that can worsen inflammation and tightness in the airways associated with a dry cough.
FAQs
How can I stop a dry cough at night?
A dry cough at night can be difficult to manage. To help reduce your coughing, try using a humidifier in the bedroom, avoiding triggers like dust or pet dander, and elevating your head while you sleep. If your symptoms haven’t improved after two weeks, consult your doctor for further evaluation and treatment options.
Which drink is good for dry cough?
Drinking fluids throughout the day can help moisten airways and reduce dry coughing fits. Warm herbal teas with honey, lemon, or ginger may help soothe an irritated throat. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine is also recommended, as these can act as diuretics, causing dehydration which may worsen symptoms associated with a dry cough.
Do home remedies work for a dry cough?
Yes! Home remedies may provide relief from dry coughing fits. Some of the most effective remedies include taking honey by spoonfuls or mixed with warm tea, gargling with salt water, drinking fluids to keep hydrated, using steam inhalation to soothe irritated respiratory tissues, avoiding triggers like dust or smoke, avoiding alcohol and caffeine to prevent dehydration, using a humidifier at night, and elevating your head while you sleep.
Conclusion
Dry coughing can be irritating and even debilitating if left untreated. Fortunately, multiple home remedies and medications are available to help reduce this condition's symptoms. Experimenting with natural remedies or talking to your doctor about prescription medications may quickly relieve dry coughs. Taking steps to avoid triggers like dust or smoke and staying hydrated are also important in managing dry coughing fits.
