Got a cough? Trying to work out what type it is? We’re experts, we’ll help you figure it out.
Dr Sarah Jarvis does not endorse any medical brands or products.
A cough is a reflex action to clear your airways of irritants. A dry cough is caused by inflammation in your throat and upper airways. There’s no mucus being produced, and you can often have a sore throat due to coughing so much, as your body is trying to get rid of mucus that’s not actually there.
Allow Dr. Sarah Jarvis to answer your questions [4].
When suffering from a dry cough your airways and lungs aren’t congested or blocked up, yet the body suffers from a persistent ‘dry’ cough due to irritants. This constant coughing can lead to a sore throat.
Hear Dr Sarah Jarvis explain the symptoms [3].
Once you understand the cause, you can take the fight to your cough. Dry coughs [1] are often the result of a recent cold or flu. This is often called a post-viral cough. However, they may also be caused by a dry atmosphere, air pollution or a change in temperature. Care should be taken if your cough persists as asthma, heartburn or heart failure can be indicated by a dry cough. If it persists, contact a GP.
Because of the lack of mucus, your chest won’t feel heavy or sound congested. Your breathing can be normal, and you may feel well, apart from the cough [1]. However, due to the constant coughing you may suffer a sore throat.
A cough will usually clear up on its own within 3 to 4 weeks [2]. Seems like a long time. But while your body is taking the fight to your cough, you can ease symptoms with a suitable treatment.
Want to take the fight to your dry cough? [1] Here’s some pointers. Gargle with plain water three times a day, avoid dry environments, stay hydrated and try an over the counter treatment.
Cough medicines (Dry Cough Sugar Free, Night Time Formula, Original Bronchial Balsam Syrup) for dry coughs are specially formulated to help soothe the cough reflex [1]. This in turn aids sore throats. To take the fight to your cough, visit our product page.
