A dry or a hacking cough can be developed by getting exposed to an irritant such as smoke or dust or can develop towards the end of a cold.
A sudden noisy expulsion of air from the lungs is referred to as cough, and it is a natural reflex to expel foreign particles that are accumulated in the airways. If you are suffering from a cold or flu, then you may develop a cough.
Cough can be itchy, dry, chesty or phlegmy…
Reasons for Dry Cough
Dry cough which is also referred to as non-productive cough is caused due to several reasons, such as:
- Allergies
- Viral infection – A dry cough persists for several weeks after a common cold, in comparison to other symptoms and can often worsen at night.
- Exposure to irritants such as fumes, chemicals, and dust.
- A chronic dry cough can be considered a sign of mild asthma.
Symptoms of Dry Cough
- Sore throat
- Throat irritation
- Dry or itchy feeling in the throat
- Persistent cough which does not produce any mucus or sputum.
How to Stop Coughing?
Depending on the reason, there are different remedies and lifestyle changes that you can implement in your daily life
Use a humidifier – Dry and warm air can irritate the airways and throat. Some people tend to cough, even when a heater is turned on during winters. This happens when pollutants are released that are built up in the heating ducts.
Incline your head when on the bed – Irritants can easily make their way towards the throat and will trigger cough when you are lying down. You can also try adding a few more pillows to raise your head.
Allergy proof your bedroom – When an allergen enters your body, your immune system overreacts to the foreign particle and thus leads to cough. Dust allergy is considered very common and can be more especially at night when you are exposed to the dust and bed mites present on your bed.
With some strategies, you can make your bedroom mite-free:
- You can use allergy covers for mattresses, pillowcases to reduce dust mites.
- Wash your bed once a week in hot water.
- Don’t let pets get onto your bed or in your bedroom.
- Also, vacuum frequently.
Prevent cockroaches – Did you know that faeces, saliva, or any body part of cockroaches can cause allergy and cough. Cockroaches are the common causes of asthma attacks and allergies. You can reduce the cockroaches count with the following strategies:
- Seal the food containers completely.
- Eliminate piles of magazines and newspapers as they attract dust and give the cockroaches a place to hide.
- You can eliminate severe cockroach infestation using an exterminator.
Take decongestant to help cure a cold – Coughs are caused due to the common cold. Your cough may worsen when you lie down or at night. So beat a cold with rest, drinking soups and fluids. Severe coughs can be treated with a decongestant.
Quit smoking – A chronic cough is caused due to long-term smoking. The process is not a quick fix, but you can discuss it with your healthcare provider to help you kick away the habit of smoking. This way, not only does your cough improve, but also your overall health as well.
Conclusion
Remember that cough is not a disease, it is only a SYMPTOM. You can treat the underlying cause of your cough and give it the best shot of relief. You can try some of the cough remedies or conventional medicines such as cough suppressants that reduce the activity of the cough reflex and represses the urge to cough. Hence, a suppressant works by putting down a dry cough that is keeping you awake all night.
Cough suppressants are also referred to as antitussives. The commonly available antitussive in the market is Smyle Adulsa Tulsi Haldi Ayurvedic Cough Syrup. Enriched with 9 powerful ayurvedic herbs and with its unique gargle and gulp therapy, this cough syrup is said to provide instant relief from all types of cough such as dry, wet, cold, sore throat, and congestion. For further information, regarding the product, you can check the link below:
https://www.smyle.co.in/product/smyle-adulsa-tulsi-haldi-ayurvedic-cough-syrup/