Causes Of Dry Cough And Available Treatment Options : We understand coughs pretty much as they are part of life at some point in time. Especially, a dry cough, if we could diagnose the cause and understand the severity, numerous treatments are available ranging from home remedies to special medical care.
Almost all of us would have experienced coughing, which is nothing but our natural reflex to expel irritants and mucus that hinder our lungs’ airways. Imagine an engine without any lubrication. At times, we may feel the same when there is no mucus or phlegm and coughing becomes sore and bothersome. The unwelcome guest is Dry cough, which may have numerous causes from mild to severe conditions. However, there are various treatment options also available to rescue us and give a send-off to this Mr. Dry cough.
Causes of Dry Cough:
Primarily, treatment of any condition starts with understanding the causes behind a dry cough, which could include the following:
Allergies: When our immune system reacts to airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold, it triggers inflammation and irritation in the respiratory tract, leading to a dry cough. Exposure to smoke, strong odors, pollution, or chemical fumes can result in a dry cough, which may become chronic with prolonged exposure.
Asthma: The chronic inflammation and narrowing of the airways in asthma can cause persistent dry cough, especially during asthma attacks.
Viral Infections: Common colds and flu are often responsible for causing a dry cough as they irritate the throat and airways. Mostly upper respiratory tract viral infections cause dry coughs, where you may have a sore throat, runny nose, and nose block as well in the initial stages.
Respiratory Infections: Bacterial infections like pertussis (whooping cough) or mycoplasma pneumonia can lead to severe dry coughs.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): When stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, it can cause irritation and result in a dry cough, particularly after eating or lying down. There could be a sensation of a lump in your throat, which could trigger a dry cough.
Medications: Certain medications, such as Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors used to treat hypertension, can have a side effect of inducing a dry cough. It is always advisable to observe any signs of side effects after taking medicine and keep your close ones aware of what medicines you consume. So that their help in sharing the information can be handy in case of any major side effects which may put you in an unconscious state.
The causes mentioned above are only a partial list of the most common causes of dry cough.
Treatment Options for Dry Cough:
Several treatment options can help alleviate dry coughs, depending on any of the above underlying causes.
Home remedy for dry cough: A simple home remedy for dry cough like staying hydrated, using a humidifier, and avoiding irritants like smoke can provide relief for mild cases of dry cough. Ayurveda also suggests many home remedies for dry cough like consuming warm milk with turmeric and honey. However, always ensure to follow the home remedies that medical professionals suggest. Also, avoid any random home remedy that might pop up from a website or a social media post from a non-legit source.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications: For temporary relief, OTC cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan can be used with caution as per the label instructions. Over-the-counter lozenges and throat sprays can soothe the throat and temporarily alleviate irritation from dry coughs.
Antihistamines: When allergies are the cause, antihistamines can help mitigate symptoms by blocking the release of histamine.
Asthma Inhalers: For asthmatic patients, inhalers containing bronchodilators or corticosteroids can help open the airways and reduce inflammation associated with asthma-related dry cough.
GERD Medications: When any Gastric issues cause dry cough, Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers are prescribed to reduce stomach acid and treat GERD-related cough.
Antibiotics: In cases of bacterial infections, healthcare professionals may prescribe antibiotics to target the underlying infection. You should not try OTC medicines in such cases. Any inappropriate dosage of antibiotics may lead to drug resistance or adverse side effects.
Prescription Medications: More severe or persistent dry coughs may require prescription medications tailored to address the specific underlying cause, such as chronic bronchitis or whooping cough. This is the most advisable solution to dry cough especially when it is stubborn and other remedies fail to offer any relief.
As mentioned earlier, identifying the root cause of the cough is essential to determine the most suitable treatment. While home remedies for dry cough and over-the-counter medications can be beneficial for mild cases, consulting healthcare professionals is crucial if the cough persists. Adopting, a healthy lifestyle like quitting smoking and avoiding environmental irritants can significantly improve chronic dry coughs. Also seeking appropriate treatment, individuals can effectively manage and find relief from the discomfort of a dry cough.
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