Dry Cough Common Causes and Effective Cures

Coughs can be discomforting and annoying if it persists for a long period of time. A cough which does not produce any kind of mucous is known as a dry cough or an unproductive cough. Usually it is a natural reflex process of the body to expel a foreign object from within. Nevertheless, there are many causes which can cause nagging coughs. What Are The Basic Causes? There may be many reasons for a persistent cough and so it is important to consult a doctor if it lasts for more than a week. Many factors can trigger a dry cough ranging from a simple allergy to a respiratory infection. Below mentioned are some of the common causes of such coughs. Allergies: Although allergies are often associated with rashes, watery eyes and sneezing, most of the people also develop unproductive coughs. This is often caused due to post-nasal drainage that leads to persistent coughing. Viral infections: Dry cough can also be caused at the beginning of a viral infection. Gradually the cough becomes productive accompanied with other symptoms such as fever, headache and body ache. It is important to consult a physician immediately. Asthma: People suffering from asthma often experience chronic unproductive coughs accompanied with shortness of breath, wheezing and tightness of the chest. Sometimes, people experience just a persistent cough without mucous. However, a good physician can detect asthma symptoms through effective medical tests. Climatic conditions: Dry cough can also be caused due to changing climatic conditions. Moisture in the air or low humidity can cause irritation in the throat due to the drying of mucous membranes. Medicines: Intake of certain medicines can also cause persistent coughs. Some of the blood-pressure medications have certain side-effects and unproductive coughs may be one among them. Diseases: Unproductive coughs can also be a sign of some diseases such as lung cancer, tuberculosis or pneumonia. But mostly, it is often accompanied with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, pain, weight loss and lack of appetite. Smoking: Dry cough is often experienced by people who smoke cigarettes. People exposed to air pollution also suffer from persistent coughs. Gastroesophageal Reflex Disease (GERD): Another cause for a dry cough may be due to the disease known as GERD or the acid reflex. The acid from the stomach slowly seeps into the esophagus while a person sleeps flat. This can trigger the trachea and cause irritation. What Are Its Effective Cures? If the cough persists for more than a week, it is prudent to visit a doctor. Today there are many medications to cure different types of coughs. But proper diagnosis is necessary to understand its causes. There are many effective home-remedies to cure persistent coughs. A combination of honey and turmeric is one of the most effective remedies that help to cure coughs and allergies. Ginger is another effective remedy that helps to cure dry cough that occurs during the night. Besides home remedies, different types of cough formulas are also available that can alleviate these symptoms. Today there are various ayurvedic medicines that are quite effective in suppressing coughs.