12 Home Remedies For Dry Cough

A cough is a natural reflex of our bodies in order to clear irritants and mucus from the airways. When we inhale something that irritates the throat or lungs, it triggers a cough to try to expel it and keep the airways clear.

There are two main types of coughs: 

1. Productive Cough: It means that the patient is coughing up phlegm or mucus from his/her lung as well as bronchial tubes. 
2. Non-Productive Cough: Dry cough is another name for a non-productive cough, usually caused by irritation or inflammation. It does not bring up any phlegm or mucus when coughing. Triggers can include infections, asthma, allergies, smoking, and pollution.

Let’s explore home remedies that may help provide relief for stubborn, dry coughs.

What Causes a Dry Cough?

Some of the most common culprits behind dry, non-productive coughs:

• Airway Hyperresponsiveness: Airways overreact to various triggers, a hallmark of asthma
• GERD: Stomach acid backing up causes throat irritation and coughing
• Post-Nasal Drip: Excessive mucus from the sinuses drips down the throat and triggers the dry cough
• Viral infections
• Environmental irritants like smoke, dust, and pollution prompt coughing
• ACE inhibitors: These blood pressure medicines can cause coughing for some

Less common causes include lung cancer, heart failure, and whooping cough. See a doctor if the dry cough persists to treat the underlying issue effectively.

Home Remedies For Dry Cough

Numerous home remedies may help provide soothing relief from dry coughs. Here’s how to treat a dry cough at home.

1. Honey: Honey has natural antimicrobial and wound-healing properties that can help soothe sore throats.

• Its thick, viscous texture also forms a protective coating over inflamed tissues in the throat. 
• For dry cough relief, take 1-2 teaspoons of raw, unpasteurised honey as needed to coat the throat and soothe irritation. 
• Just avoid giving honey to infants under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism.

2. Warm Saltwater Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water is an easy and effective home remedy for dry coughs. 

• The salt helps pull out mucus and fluids from swollen throat tissues, cleansing irritants and providing soothing relief. 
• To use this remedy, dissolve one-fourth teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water. 
• Gargle with the solution several times throughout the day to cleanse the throat, rinse away irritants, and temporarily relieve coughing.

3. Steam: Inhaling warm, moist air can help loosen mucus secretions in the airways so you can clear it by coughing. 

• Steam also soothes irritation. 
• Breathe in steam from a hot shower running, or sit over a bowl of steaming hot water with a towel draped over your head to contain the steam. 
• A cool mist humidifier can also be used to moisten the air. 
• The increased humidity can help hydrate and soothe dry airway passages.

4. Ginger: Ginger contains compounds called gingerols that are known to relax airway muscles. This can allow you to expel mucus secretions more easily when coughing. 

• Make a spicy ginger tea by steeping freshly grated ginger root in hot water, or add ginger to other herbal tea blends for its cough-suppressing benefits. 
• The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger may also help reduce throat swelling and discomfort.

5. Thyme: Thyme contains an active compound called thymol, which helps relax throat muscles. 

• It acts as an antispasmodic, preventing coughing fits. 
• To use thyme for dry cough relief, make thyme tea by steeping 3-4 teaspoons of dried thyme leaves or powder in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. 
• Thyme tea provides gentle relief when used occasionally for coughing. 
• Be careful not to overuse thyme, as large amounts can cause stomach upset.

6. Marshmallow Root: Marshmallow root contains mucilage, which is a gel-like substance that forms a soothing, protective coating over inflamed membranes in the throat. 

• This helps reduce irritation from dry coughs. 
• Marshmallow root is available as a tea, in cough drop or lozenge form, or as a supplement. 
• The mucilage creates a film over the throat, while the root itself has antibacterial properties to help fight infection.

7. Peppermint: Peppermint contains menthol, which helps numb irritated nerve endings in the throat that trigger coughing. 

• It provides pain relief for sore throats and reduces the urge to cough. 
• Peppermint also acts as a decongestant by thinning mucus secretions. 
• For dry coughs, drink peppermint tea made from fresh or dried leaves, especially before bedtime, to prevent nighttime coughing fits. 

8. Liquorice Root: Glycyrrhizin, which is an anti-inflammatory substance, is one of the components in liquorice root. 

• It can help reduce swelling and discomfort in the throat caused by coughing. 
• You can drink liquorice root tea by steeping the dried root or using liquorice root extracts.
• However, avoid excessive consumption of liquorice, as it can cause side effects like high blood pressure with prolonged use.

9. Slippery Elm: The inner bark of the slippery elm tree contains mucilage, similar to marshmallow root. 

• When mixed with water, it creates a gel-like substance that coats and protects the throat.
• Slippery elm can also help thin out mucus secretions.
• To use it, steep powdered slippery elm bark in hot water to make tea. 
• Drink a few cups per day to soothe dry coughs.

10. Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It may help soothe dry coughs.

• Curcumin is mainly absorbed when combined with black pepper. 
• Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1/8th teaspoon of black pepper into cold orange juice or a warm tea to drink.
• Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat upper respiratory conditions like bronchitis, asthma, and cough. 
• Its anti-inflammatory effects help reduce irritation and swelling in the airways. 
• Turmeric can be found as a spice or in capsule form for dry cough relief.

11. Masala Chai (Tea): Masala chai has become very popular for its delicious taste. 

• In India, chai (tea) is traditionally used to treat sore throats and dry coughs. 
• It includes oxidants from spices such as clove, cardamom, and cinnamon.
• Cloves can act as an expectorant, which thins down mucus secretions.
• Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling in the throat and airway.
• Tea with spices like masala chai can also help mitigate coughing spells with its soothing effect.
• Likewise, it offers an excellent warming sensation.

12. Eucalyptus Aromatherapy: Eucalyptus essential oil may help ease dry cough when used in aromatherapy. 

• Components found within the decongestants help clear mucus secretion.
• Use a diffuser, spritzer, or inhaler with eucalyptus oil and inhale the fumes.
• Moreover, you can also put a few drops into hot water and inhale steam.
• You can sniff the vapours as this will help open airways, allowing you to breathe properly.
• It is possible to use diffused eucalyptus at bedtime to enhance your sleep if the nighttime coughing has been disturbing.

Difference between Dry and Wet Cough

A dry cough is unproductive, without mucus, often caused by irritation or inflammation. It doesn't effectively clear the respiratory system. Therefore, a wet cough produces mucus, aiding in clearing the lungs and airways, common in respiratory infections. It helps in the removal of irritants, and improving breathing.

When to see a doctor

It's best to get in touch with your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: bloody coughing, wheezing, extreme exhaustion, fever and chills, or acute chest pain. These signs may indicate underlying health issues that need to be addressed by a physician.

Conclusion

The dry cough, in particular, can prove to be extremely irritable. In many instances, the application of simple home remedies such as honey, steam, and soothing herbs can help relieve the throat pain. Some over-the-counter (OTC) cough suppressants may also help dampen the coughing. 

However, if your dry cough does not go away or you suffer from serious symptoms, always consult a doctor. Addressing and treating the primary cause, which could be an infection, asthma, GERD, or something more serious, alleviates chronic dry cough.

FAQs

1. What is the quickest method to alleviate a dry cough?

Utilizing cough suppressants or lozenges, staying hydrated, and using humidifiers are effective ways to alleviate a dry cough swiftly.

2. At what point should I become concerned about my dry cough?

If your dry cough is persistent for more than a few weeks, and accompanied by other severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or coughing up blood, it's essential to seek medical advice promptly.

3. Is a dry cough indicative of a more severe underlying issue?

Yes, a persistent dry cough can sometimes indicate underlying health problems such as asthma, allergies, or even lung conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia. 

4. What causes chest pain during coughing?

Chest pain during coughing can result from various factors, including muscle strain from persistent coughing, inflammation of the chest wall, or underlying conditions like pneumonia or bronchitis. Consulting a healthcare provider can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Saleem
Consultant Pulmonologist, CARE Hospitals