What is a dry cough and how does it go away?

Coughing is a natural reflex to clear the throat of mucus or foreign irritants. Everyone coughs from time to time, using this reflex to clear their throat. In some people, coughing occurs too often and negatively affects their quality of life. If the cough lasts less than 3 weeks, it is defined as an acute cough. Acute cough usually resolves spontaneously within 2 weeks. Coughs lasting between 3-8 weeks are called chronic cough. 

Causes of Dry Cough 

Coughing can occur for many different reasons. Coughing can occur when food or liquid particles come into contact with the airways during feeding. This is the most common cause of coughing. This is called food aspiration. Apart from food aspiration, there are other conditions that can trigger coughing.

Respiratory tract infections

Coughing is one of the most common complaints in upper and lower respiratory tract infections caused by bacterial or viral agents. Common diseases such as flu and colds are examples of upper respiratory tract infections. Infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia are among the lower respiratory tract infections.

Environmental allergens 

Allergic rhinitis affects many different individuals. When this condition is triggered by environmental allergens, flu-like complaints occur along with coughing. 

What Causes Chronic Cough?

Here are some of the conditions that can cause chronic cough: 

• Cigarette smoking,
  Nasal discharge
  Dryness of the mucous membrane lining the respiratory tract,
  Gastroesophageal reflux disease,
  Asthma
  Respiratory allergies,
  Some medicines,
  Cystic fibrosis
  COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease),
  Neuromuscular diseases such as Parkinsonism, which weaken the coordination of the upper airway and swallowing muscles,
  Tuberculosis
  Fungal infections of the lung,
  Pulmonary embolism
  Lung cancer

What is good for dry cough 

Treatments that are good for coughing usually make the person feel better. These methods can reduce the severity of the cough, but not enough to shorten its duration. Some of the good cough remedies include

• Drinking plenty of fluids.
  Lozenges help to reduce the cough reflex by numbing the back of the throat.
  Drinking warm herbal teas also soothes the throat.
  Honey coats the throat area, reducing irritation and helping to soothe the cough.
  A hot shower helps to relieve coughing by thinning nasal secretions. A hot shower can be effective for coughs caused by both colds and allergies.
  Moisturizing the room air by placing a wet towel on the radiator or using a steamer can help.
  Avoiding the use of indoor air pollutants such as perfumes and scented bath sprays can help control coughing. In some people, such agents can cause chronic sinus irritation, resulting in excessive mucus production in the sinuses, which can predispose to chronic coughing.