Dry Cough

Common causes for a dry cough

You know that scratchy, tickly feeling in the back of your throat that makes you cough? The kind of cough that makes your boss think they’ve hired a horse, or your kids confuse you with the dog next door? That’s the kind of cough we call a dry cough. And it’s called a dry cough because it generally doesn’t produce mucus. When a cough does produce mucus, it’s called a wet or productive chesty cough because mucus is, well, wet.

So what causes this raspy, irritating dry cough? Well, a cough is a normal, protective reflex that your body uses to help keep your airways clear from things that could irritate them, such as inhaled food or second-hand cigarette smoke. But dry coughs can also be associated with a range of different conditions. Below, we’ll briefly discuss some of the common causes of an annoying dry cough.

Postnasal drip

As the entrance to your airways, your nose is pretty important. It produces a mucus that helps to filter the air as it passes down into your windpipe and lungs. Allergies, infections, and particles in the air like dust and smoke can all irritate your nasal passages (called sinuses), causing them to ramp up this mucus secretion. This extra mucus is more watery and tends to drip down the back of your throat, triggering your cough reflex. This is called a postnasal drip or upper airway cough syndrome and is a common cause of dry coughs.

Upper respiratory tract infection

Viral infections such as the common cold and flu (upper respiratory tract infections), usually cause a range of symptoms – this often includes a dry cough. This cough usually develops a little later in the course of infection than some of the other symptoms, such as a sore throat and sneezing, and may persist after these earlier symptoms have eased. When you have an upper respiratory tract infection, a dry cough can be caused by excess postnasal drip secretions that trigger your cough reflex. It may also result from the nerves that trigger your cough reflex being extra sensitive because of inflammation in your airways caused by the infection.

Other factors

If that’s not enough, here are a couple of other causes of dry cough!

• Medications: some medications that are used to treat high blood pressure can cause a dry cough
• Environmental factors: dry coughs may be triggered when your airways are exposed to irritants in the air such as dust or smoke, or even by cold air

Dry cough remedies

So when your dry cough has interrupted your Zoom call for the zillionth time, what are your options? First of all, it’s important to take care of any condition that might be causing the cough. For example, if you think postnasal drip or environmental irritants might be the problem, talk to your doctor about the most suitable way to manage your condition.

In the meantime, to help soothe your dry cough, make sure you drink adequate fluids to help you stay hydrated and keep your airways comfortable. You could also consider hot drinks, syrups, or lozenges containing demulcents – these are products that form a protective layer over your throat to help take away that tickly, scratchy feeling that makes you cough.

Dry cough treatment options

DURO-TUSS Dextromethorphan Dry Cough Liquid Forte Solution

What’s inside and how does it help: Fast relief of stubborn dry cough with long-lasting relief for up to 8 hours. Contains dextromethorphan hydrobromide monohydrate 15mg (per 5mL), which acts as a cough suppressant to alleviate dry cough symptoms. 

 What’s not inside: The product is free from lactose, gluten, and artificial colour.

Dosing: For adults and children 12 years old and over: Take 10mL every 6-8 hours if necessary, with a maximum of 4 doses per day. For children 6 -11 years old (only the advice of a doctor, pharmacist or nurse practitioner): Take 5mL every 6-8 hours if necessary, with a maximum of 4 doses per day. 

 DURO-TUSS Relief Dry Cough Night-Time Liquid

What’s inside and how does it help: DURO-TUSS Relief Dry Cough Night-Time Liquid is an herbal formulation. Althaea officinalis (Marshmallow) and Matricaria Chamomilla (Chamomile) have been traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to help relieve throat irritation and an associated dry, unproductive cough, and promote sleep quality.

What’s not inside: The product is free from artificial colours, lactose, and gluten.

What else you need to know: The flavour is Blackberry and Vanilla. It’s important to shake the bottle before use.

Dosing: For adults and children 12 years & over, the dosage is 15mL before bedtime and every 8 hours as required, maximum 3 times a day. For children aged 3-11 years, the dosage is 10mL before bedtime and every 8 hours as required, maximum 3 times a day. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

 DURO-TUSS RELIEF Dry Cough Liquid

What’s inside and how does it help: DURO-TUSS RELIEF Dry Cough Liquid contains Althaea officinalis (Marshmallow), traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to help relieve throat irritation and an associated dry, unproductive cough.

What’s not inside: No added sugar, artificial colours, gluten, or lactose. What else you need to know: Blackberry and Vanilla flavour. 

Dosing: Shake bottle before use. Adults and Children 12 years & over: Dosage: 10mL Frequency: 3 times a day. For children 3-11 years: Dosage: 5mL Frequency: 3 times a day.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

When to see a medical professional

If you’ve had a cold and flu, your dry cough should clear up on its own in a few weeks. It is important to see your doctor if you have any concerns about your cough or any other symptoms, or if:

• Your cough gets worse or lasts longer than 10 days 
• You have a fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pains
• You cough up blood, or green or yellow mucus
• Your coughing causes vomiting

Dry cough FAQs