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Looking for Instant Relief from Dry Cough? Try these Home Remedies

By Dr. Namrita Singh in Internal Medicine

Nov 21 , 2024 | 5 min read

A cough is a reflex response of the body to any irritants or mucus obstructing the airway. However, when there is little to no mucus production, the throat dries out, which may result in a dry cough. Characterised by a tickling sensation in the throat and chest tightness, a dry cough can be quite tormenting, especially as it can last for weeks. That said, if there are no other symptoms or if the cough is not too severe, it could be managed with home remedies. In this blog, we cover some such home remedies that can offer quick relief from dry cough. But first, let's understand the causes of dry cough to better understand the condition.

What is a Dry Cough?

A dry cough, as the name suggests, is one without any mucus or phlegm, which is why it is also called “unproductive cough”. In such cases, there is no release of mucus after coughing because of which the lungs or air passages dry out, leading to a feeling of irritation and/or soreness. While many cases of dry cough can be managed at home, if the cough persists for more than 2 weeks, it is advisable to consult an ENT doctor (doctors specialising in the treatment of ear, nose, and throat) or a general physician.

What are the Common Causes of a Dry Cough?

Dry cough can be caused either due to upper respiratory tract infections such as cold or flu or due to other conditions. These include:

Cough Variant Asthma: Dry cough is one of the most prominent symptoms of this type of asthma. Asthma is an allergic condition that causes the airways to swell and narrow, which may be accompanied by coughing.
Postnasal Drip: This is another common reason for developing a dry cough. During a cold or flu infection, the body’s immune-response causes excessive production of mucus. When this mucus runs down the back of the throat, it irritates the throat nerves, triggering cough.
Upper Respiratory Infection (URI): Any viral or bacterial infection in the nose, larynx, throat, or bronchi is referred to as the upper respiratory infection, which can cause a dry cough.
Allergies: Any type of harmless foreign irritant such as pollen or dust particles can trigger the body’s immune system, often causing coughing, which may be accompanied by other symptoms.
Viral Infection: A common cold is caused by a viral infection. The post-cold coughs are generally dry and can sometimes last for up to 2 months.

Home Remedies for a Dry Cough

There are several home remedies that you can try to relieve a dry cough cough. These include:

Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Traditionally, many herbs and recipes have proven to help provide instant relief from a dry cough. These include:

Honey: Honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it an effective treatment for dry and painful coughs. It forms a soothing coating on the throat, reducing itchiness and soreness. To relieve dry cough, mix 1–2 tablespoons of honey in warm water or herbal tea, and have it a few times during the day. You can also take a teaspoon of honey whenever you experience bouts of cough.
Ginger: Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial food that can be used in multiple ways to get relief from a sore throat and dry cough. One way is to take half an inch of ginger root, squeeze out the juice and mix it well with a teaspoon of honey. Take the mixture and keep it in your mouth for a few seconds before finally swallowing slowly down the throat.
Licorice Root Tea: Licorice root is another popular remedy for alleviating cough induced pain, clearing the phlegm and easing the cough. To make a licorice root tea, add 2 tablespoons of shaved root in 1 glass of boiling water and allow 10 minutes for the root extracts to be released, after which it will be ready to drink.
Masala Chai: Being anti-inflammatory and antifungal, masala chai can also help relieve a dry cough. To make masala chai, take 1.5 cups of water, add a couple of cloves, a couple of cardamom, a small cinnamon stick, and a teaspoon of grated ginger, and boil the mixture for 5 minutes in water. You can sweeten it with honey or sugar.

Other Home Remedies

There are other options that you can try out apart from the food recommendations mentioned above. These include:

Steam: Steam can be quite beneficial for a dry throat, as it helps moisturise the dry and irritated nasal and throat airway. You can either use a steamer or take some heated water in a bowl, and inhale the steam for 2 to 3 minutes. Just make sure not to breathe in steam directly over the steamer or pot of boiling water, as it can burn your skin.
Salt Water Gargle: Salt water gargles are often recommended by doctors for dealing with a dry cough. It helps in soothing a dry throat and reducing inflammation. To make a salt water gargle, mix ½ teaspoon of salt in 1 glass of lukewarm water and take a sip. Gargle gently for 30 seconds and spit out, and repeat.
Aromatherapy: The practice of breathing in essential oils is termed as aromatherapy. You can practise this by either applying them directly to the body or using an essential oil diffuser to diffuse the oil in the air.
Cough Drops: Cough drops available in the market are good enough at times to help relieve dry cough instantly owing to their medicinal properties and cooling effect. With that being said, be cautious of the amount of cough drops you take, as excessive intake could be harmful.
Antitussive Cough Syrup: Antitussive cough syrup are OTC medications that work by stopping the cough reflex. These are especially helpful in cases where dry cough is extremely painful or if they keep you up at night.
Humidifier: Dry air can aggravate an already inflamed throat. A humidifier machine adds moisture in the air and helps ease breathing.

Conclusion

Dry cough is often an uncomfortable and an irritating condition. The best way to treat the cough is by getting checked for an underlying disease. If the cough is due to common cold or flu then in most cases, it can be treated with home remedies and OTC medications. Most patients are able to suppress dry cough with honey, ginger, steam inhalation, or a humidifier. They alleviate the irritation in your throat and give you instant relief. However, if it lasts more than two weeks or worsens, then you should consult your doctor. The checkup might prevent a major underlying illness and prove to be a boon for your health.