Dry Cough - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Cough is a natural way of cleansing our bodies. With the help of which he clears the particles trapped in the respiratory tract. There are usually two types of cough - dry cough and wet cough. Dry cough does not produce phlegm or mucus. However, mucus formation is very high in whooping cough.  There can be many reasons for this problem. Such as bronchitis, pneumonia or asthma, cold-cough or reflux disease. Similarly, lung cancer can also cause this problem. However, smoking, consumption of cold foods, and fried food increase the risk of dry cough.

What is a dry cough?

Sometimes people who suffer from dry cough feel that there is something like a lump in their throat. So there, some people feel a slight hiss (squeak). Commonly seen in conditions such as allergies, exposure to smoke, mild sinuses, and viral infections.  The dry cough usually caused by flu or cold is cured in 2-3 weeks. Whereas, viral infections, it lasts up to 8 weeks. Whatever the reason, recurrent coughs can be very painful. Problems with dry cough If it lasts for 8 weeks in adults and up to 4 weeks in children then it is called chronic dry cough problem.

What are the types of dry cough?

There can be many types of dry cough, depending on the problems like whooping cough and hacking cough.

Hacking cough: This type of problem is caused by a viral infection in the nose and throat. In this condition, frequent coughing occurs and the patient feels that something is biting in his throat. Depending on the severity of the condition, the doctor may recommend a cough syrup.

Barking cough or croup: This type of cough can be caused by laryngitis. In this condition, when the patient has a cough, there may be a sore throat and difficulty in breathing.

Whooping cough: This type of dry cough is caused by bacteria. This problem has been overcome due to the vaccination program by the Government of India. This problem is usually seen in children. In this condition, when Mariko coughs, he coughs for a long time, and at the end of the cough, there is a growling or grunting sound.

What are the causes of dry cough?

Dry cough can be a problem for various reasons. This includes problems such as dust, pollution, smoke and asthma, and reflex diseases. This is the most common cause of dry cough

Asthma: In this condition, your respiratory tract constricts. But, cough is not one of the most prominent symptoms of asthma. Dry cough can be a major symptom of asthma. This is called Cough variant asthma (CVA). However, asthma can have both dry and wet coughs. But dry cough is very common.

Viral Infection: Sometimes, even after getting cured of cold and cold due to viral infection, the problem of cough persists for a long time. This type of cough can sometimes persist for up to 2 months. In which, there is irritation of the respiratory passages and you may have a problem of dry cough. Which may take time to recover. Therefore, you must be patient.

Apart from this, the problem of dry cough can also be due to lung cancer, any type of damage to the lungs or heart failure.

What is the diagnosis of dry cough?

When you go to the doctor, after your physical checkup, he can tell you about the severity of your cough. In this process, a sound is heard in the chest. So, tightness in the chest can be detected. Similarly, a throat examination can be done to detect infection or inflammation. You may also be advised to have an X-ray to rule out any serious problems.

What is the treatment for dry cough?

The treatment of dry cough is done keeping in mind the severity of the problem and the reasons behind it.

Anti-histamines: Your doctor may prescribe antihistamines for a cough caused by allergies. Whereas, antibiotics are given in coughs caused due to bacterial infection.

Inhaler: You are advised to inhale corticosteroids or bronchodilators in coughs caused due to asthma. This can reduce swelling and discomfort in the respiratory tract. Whereas, bronchodilators relax and open the muscles of the respiratory tract.

Steam inhalation: It provides relief from a dry cough caused due to a sinus infection or allergic reaction. With this, the problem of sore throat is also reduced.

Cough syrup: Its use provides relief to the throat. Special cough syrups made for the problem of dry cough are available in the market.