Honey
Honey can have a soothing effect on a sore throat. It can be taken straight or mixed into a lukewarm drink.
Children under one year of age should not be given honey.
Dry Cough: What Can Help with a Dry Cough
A dry cough is a cough with little or no phlegm. It often occurs at the beginning or toward the end of a cold and can be persistent. The recurring urge to cough can disrupt sleep, especially at night.
Drinking enough fluids, maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, and avoiding additional irritants can help relieve irritated mucous membranes.
What is a dry cough?
Coughing is a natural protective reflex. When sensitive receptors in the airways are irritated, the body triggers a forceful expulsion of air.
With a dry cough, however, little or no mucus is coughed up. The cough often feels dry, scratchy, or painful. Repeated coughing can further irritate the mucous membranes, thereby triggering a new urge to cough.
Common symptoms include:
- dry cough without phlegm
- A scratchy or burning sensation in the throat
- frequent coughing fits
- Pain When Coughing
- Hoarseness
- an increased urge to cough when speaking
- nighttime cough
- dry or irritated mucous membranes
A dry cough or a cough with phlegm?
Common Causes of a Dry Cough
A dry cough can have various causes. It often occurs in connection with a cold.
Other possible triggers include:
- dry indoor air
- cold air
- Tobacco smoke
- Dust or strong odors
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Heartburn and Acid Reflux
- heavy strain on the voice
- certain medications
- other respiratory diseases
If a dry cough occurs without any apparent cold, lasts for a long time, or recurs regularly, you should see a doctor to determine the cause.
A dry cough with a cold
At the onset of a cold, the mucous membranes are often dry and irritated. This can lead to a dry cough.
After a few days, mucus production may increase. The dry cough may then sometimes turn into a productive cough. Toward the end of the cold, a dry cough may persist even though the runny nose and sore throat have already subsided.
A dry cough at night
When lying down, the urge to cough may feel more intense. Dry air in the bedroom, mouth breathing due to a stuffy nose, or acid reflux can also contribute to nighttime coughing.
Things that can help at night:
- Ventilate the bedroom regularly
- Do not overheat the room
- drink enough
- Keep the upper body slightly elevated
- Avoid smoke and strong room fragrances
- Keep Your Nose Clear When You Have a Cold
- wind down before bedtime
What helps with a dry cough?
Keep the mucous membranes moist
- Water and unsweetened teas can help moisten the mouth and throat. Beverages should be comfortably warm, but not too hot.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
- Dry, warm air can further irritate the airways. Regular ventilation and a comfortable room temperature can be soothing.
Avoid irritants
- Tobacco smoke, dust, strong odors, and cold air can make a cough worse. During a cold, you should avoid these irritants as much as possible.
Take Care of Your Voice
- Talking a lot can put additional strain on irritated mucous membranes. Speaking softly and calmly is usually more comfortable than whispering.
Coughing in a controlled manner
- A very severe cough can further irritate the mucous membranes. It may help to cough as gently as possible into your closed fist or a tissue and to breathe calmly through your nose between coughing fits.
Home Remedies for a Dry, Irritating Cough
Hot Beverages
Lukewarm water or herbal tea can moisturize the mucous membranes and temporarily relieve the urge to cough. Very hot beverages should be avoided.
Inhalation
Inhaling saline solution can help moisturize the airways. It should be used safely to avoid scalding.
Hard candies
Sucking stimulates saliva production and can help keep the mouth and throat moist.
Medicinal Plants for a Dry Cough
For a dry, irritating cough, the focus is primarily on plants that contain mucilage. These can coat the irritated mucous membrane and thereby alleviate the urge to cough.
Marshmallow
Common marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is the most important medicinal plant featured on this page. Its leaves and roots contain mucilage and are traditionally used to treat irritated mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, as well as the associated dry, irritating cough.
Mallow
Wild mallow (Malva sylvestris) also contains mucilage. It is traditionally used to treat dry coughs, hoarseness, and irritation of the mouth and throat.
Other Mucilaginous Plants
Other plants traditionally used to treat dry coughs include:
- Icelandic Moss
- Mullein
- Ribwort Plantain
- Linden Blossoms
When should a dry cough be evaluated by a doctor?
A medical evaluation is recommended in the following cases:
- A dry cough that lasts for several weeks
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightness
- high or prolonged fever
- bloody sputum
- a severe or worsening cough
- persistent hoarseness
- severe exhaustion
- unintentional weight loss
- recurring nighttime cough
- Coughing After Starting a New Medication
- Coughs in Infants and Young Children
- existing severe heart or lung conditions
If you experience sudden shortness of breath, bluish lips, or symptoms that appear life-threatening, seek medical help immediately.
Cold
Runny or Stuffy Nose and Tips for Nose Care.
(Article in progress)