A dry cough can be caused by a viral respiratory infection (like a cold or flu), inhaling pollution or tobacco smoke or allergies. It can also be a symptom of asthma or gastroesophageal reflux.

Depending on the underlying cause of the dry cough, a dry cough can present with other symptoms like a runny nose, hoarseness, a sore throat, wheezing, heartburn or neck burning.

If you have a dry cough that does not resolve on its own or if it present with other symptoms, you should consult a general practitioner for assessment. The doctor can provide targeted treatment with specific medications to help treat the condition causing the dry cough.

Why do I have a dry cough?

The main causes of a dry cough are:

1. Viral infections

A viral respiratory infections like COVID-19, the flu or a cold can cause a persistent dry cough. These infections lead airway inflammation and a runny nose, which can trigger the coughing reflex.

2. Smoke inhalation

Smoke inhalation, from air pollution or tobacco smoke, can also cause a dry cough, as smoke can irritate the mucus membranes in the airways. In addition to coughing, patients may also experience a hoarse voice and a sore throat.

3. Allergies

Allergies can cause a dry cough as some substances can trigger the inflammatory response in the airways and stimulate the production of nasal secretions which drip into the throat.

Allergies can also cause other symptoms, like the sensation of phlegm in the throat, a runny nose and frequent clearing of the throat.

4. Asthma

Asthma can cause recurrent episodes of dry coughs, which can present with other symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath. These symptoms tend to be triggered by allergies, cold weather or physical exercise.

Learn about asthma medications that your doctor can prescribe to help manage your dry cough and other symptoms.

5. Use of medications

Some medications, especially antihypertensives such as captopril or enalapril, can cause a dry cough in some people. Other common side effects include an itchy or uncomfortable sensation in the throat.

6. GERD

A dry cough caused by gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is caused by the backflow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. This acid can reach the airways and stimulate the coughing reflex. In addition to a dry cough, patients may also notice hoarseness, throat burning and heartburn.

How to treat

You are advised to consult a general practitioner especially if the dry cough is intense, persistent or presents with other symptoms, like throat burning, wheezing or a low-grade fever. A medical assessment is important as treatment for a dry cough can vary depending on what is causing it.

Dry coughs that are a side effect of a medication may resolve by swapping the medication for another. Health conditions causing a dry cough may require more targeted treatment with medications like antacids, antiallergics or inhaled corticosteroids. Some additional measures, like nasal irrigations and avoiding meals close to bedtime, can also help to reduce dry coughs, especially at night.

The doctor may also opt to prescribe medications that are specific for dry coughs, like dextromethorphan or levodropropizine. Check out other ways to get rid of a dry cough.

Natural treatments

Some natural dry cough remedies include mint tea, marshmallow tea or pansy leaf tea. These contain soothing, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help to relieve dry cough while complementing the treatment prescribed by your doctor.