Dry Cough

 

What is Dry Cough?

The sudden and loud expulsion of air from the lungs is called coughing. It is the body's natural reaction to expel any irritant that accumulates in the airways. Most people suffering from a cold or flu have a cough. Cough may be dry and itchy, or may also be mucus.

 

Dry cough - A type of cough that produces very little mucus or phlegm, or does not do at all. It is also called tickly cough in medical language. Dry cough can be caused by simple cold, smoking, lung related disorders, asthma, heart failure or lung cancer. In some cases, there is no obvious reason. A persistent dry cough can severely affect your daily life, especially at night. Its symptoms may be heavy voice and sore throat.

Symptoms of Dry Cough -

 

1.       Feeling stuck in the throat.

2.       Absence of mucus.

3.       Cough that sounds like gasping.

4.       Excessive sweating at night.

 

It is normal for symptoms of dry cough to last for one or two weeks. At the most they should be finished within three weeks. After a viral illness, some cough may last up to eight weeks.

 

When to meet a doctor?

If you like cough up a week or two usually does not require Doctor

 

1.       Cough has been over three weeks.

2.       The cough is severe or getting worse.

3.       When you come to cough with bleeding, difficulty in breathing or chest pain.

4.       There are other worrisome symptoms, such as an unexpected weight loss, frequent changes in your voice, or a lump or swelling in your neck.

Causes of Dry Cough -

Dry cough is due to the following reasons:

 

1.       Any viral disease, such as a cold or influenza (flu).

2.       Viral or post-infection cough

3.       Smoking.

4.       Asthma.

5.       Black cough.

6.       External substance, go inside with the breath.

7.       Some types of lung disease called "Interstitial Lung Disease"

8.       Side effects of any medicine.

 

What causes increased chances of having a dry cough?

 

1.       Breathing in cold, dry air.

2.       Air pollution.

3.       Substances such as dust or smoke.

4.       Tobacco smoke exposure.

5.       Speak too much

6.       Change in temperature.

 

Prevention from Dry Cough -

Avoid Risk Factors: Dry cough caused by chronic conditions such as asthma, can be reduced by avoiding factors such as cold and dry air, pollution or excessive talking or shouting.

 

For people with GERD disease, the aim of prevention is to make dietary modifications, sleep with the head elevated at bedtime, and take all the medications prescribed.

 

Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing, eating, going to the bathroom, or caring for someone who is ill.

 

Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing - and keep cleanliness around you.

 

Stay away from smoking and from smokers.

 

Complications of Dry Cough -

Persistent dry cough can cause the following complications:

 

Repeated cough can cause urinary incontinence in women (Especially older women, pregnant women).

 

Severe or uncontrolled cough can sometimes cause vomiting.

 

A persistent cough can lead to headaches.

 

If the cough is severe, the chest muscles may stretch.

The information here is taken from various sources. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, timeliness and genuineness of this information. However, it does not belong to ovihealth.com. We humbly request you to contact your doctor before trying any remedy. Our aim is just to provide you information.