Dry cough: Causes, treatments, and home remedies Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What can cause a dry cough Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP — By — Updated on October 4, 2022Coughing is a natural reflex for clearing the throat and lungs of irritants. An occasional dry cough is rarely a cause for concern, but persistent coughing can indicate an underlying medical condition that may be more serious. A dry or sometimes tickly cough is a cough that does not bring up any phlegm or mucus. Dry coughs may cause a tickling sensation and are often due to irritation in the throat. Doctors often refer to dry coughs as non-productive coughs. In contrast, a wet, or productive, cough brings up phlegm that helps clear the airways of irritants. Doctors also classify coughs as either acute or chronic. A cough is chronic if it lasts longer than 8 weeks, according to the American Lung Association. In this article, we describe some of the possible causes of a dry cough and the treatment options. We also discuss diagnosis, general treatments, prevention tips, and when to see a doctor. Common causes Share on Pinterestwilpunt/Getty ImagesVarious infections, diseases, and other factors can lead to a dry cough. COVID-19 and other coronavirus infections COVID-19 is one disease that results from infection with a coronavirus. Others include severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). They can all involve a dry cough. COVID-19 is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The most common symptoms are: a fevera cough, which may be dryfatigue People may also have:body achesnasal congestion, a runny nose, or botha sore throatdiarrheachanges in the senses of taste and smell In time, a person may develop chest pain and difficulty breathing. COVID-19 can be fatal for some people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend vaccinations for most people aged 5 years and over to reduce the risk of developing symptoms. Learn more about COVID-19 and other coronaviruses. Treatment There is currently no cure for COVID-19, but acetaminophen may help relieve symptoms. People should rest at home and keep as far away from other people as possible. Some people have an underlying condition that increases their risk of developing severe illness. For these people, a doctor may prescribe: Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir with Ritonavi): Paxlovid is an antiviral that people can take at home by mouth. They need to start it within 5 days of symptoms appearing. It is suitable for people aged 12 years and over.Remdesivir (Veklury): Remdesivir is an antiviral that comes as an intravenous infusion given at a healthcare facility. People need to start taking it within 7 days of symptoms appearing, for 3 days in a row.Molnupiravir (Lagevrio): Molnupiravir is an oral antiviral for adults. People need to start it within 5 days of symptoms appearing.Bebtelovimab: This monoclonal antibody is for people aged 12 and over. People need a single injection within 7 days of symptoms starting. If a person experiences a medical emergency, such as breathing difficulties, they need emergency medical attention. Someone should call 911 and ask for advice. The person may need to spend time in the hospital. Learn about treatment options for COVID-19. Asthma Asthma is a long-term lung condition that leads to inflammation and narrowing of the airways. One of the most common symptoms of asthma is coughing, which is often worse at night or early in the morning when a person first wakes up. The cough is often productive, meaning a person brings up phlegm. However, in a type of asthma called cough-variant asthma, the main symptom people experience is a dry cough. Other symptoms of asthma can include:wheezingshortness of breathchest tightness or pain Learn about home remedies for wheezing. Treatment There is currently no cure for asthma, so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future attacks. Typically, doctors prescribe the following treatments for people with asthma:a quick-relief inhaler containing a bronchodilator, such as a short-acting beta-2-agonist, for treating symptoms when they flare-uplong-term medications, such as a low dose corticosteroid inhaler, to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of future attacks Learn about treatments for asthma. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a condition in which scar tissue develops inside a person’s lungs. As the scar tissue thickens, it makes breathing in air increasingly difficult. The term idiopathic means that doctors do not know exactly what causes the condition. One of the most common symptoms of IPF is a persistent, dry cough. Other symptoms can include:shortness of breathloss of appetite and gradual weight lossfatigueclubbing, or widening and rounding of the tips of the fingers or toeschanges in nail shapes In time, lung scarring can occur, leading to further complications. Treatment There is currently no cure for IPF, so the aim of treatment is to relieve a person’s symptoms and slow disease progression. Treatment options for IPF include:medications such as pirfenidone and nintedaniboxygen therapypulmonary rehabilitation, which is a program of exercises, training, and support for people with long-term lung conditionslung transplantation Learn about lung scarring and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Gastroesophageal reflux disease Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where acid leaks from the stomach back up into the esophagus, or food pipe. According to a 2015 review, GERD causes a chronic, dry cough in up to 40% of people with the condition. GERD typically also causes a number of gastrointestinal symptoms, which may include:heartburnnauseavomitingpain or difficulty when swallowingbad breath However, research suggests that up 75% of people with GERD-related cough may not experience these gastrointestinal symptoms. This can make it difficult for doctors to diagnose GERD in people with just a chronic, dry cough. Treatment Many people can manage symptoms of GERD through lifestyle changes, such as:eating multiple small meals each day instead of three large mealsavoiding eating too soon before bedlimiting or avoiding foods that trigger or worsen symptoms, such as fatty or spicy foodsmaintaining a moderate weightquitting tobacco smokingreducing or avoiding alcohol intake Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines, such as antacids, H2-receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors, may help relieve or prevent symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Postnasal drip Postnasal drip is when mucus from the nose and sinuses drips down the back of the throat. When the mucus drips into the throat, it can trigger a cough. Although this cough is often productive, it can sometimes also be dry. This will depend on how much mucus there is and how fast it is draining. Postnasal drip may occur with a sinus infection, GERD, or a nasal allergy, such as hay fever. Other symptoms of postnasal drip may include:runny nosea feeling of something in the back of the throata sore throatfrequent swallowing Treatment Treatment options for postnasal drip include: decongestantsnasal spraysnasal and sinus irrigationdrinking fluidstreatment for GERD, if appropriatetreatment for an underlying condition, for example, an infection or allergy Upper respiratory infections Upper respiratory infections, such as common colds and the flu, can cause acute coughing. The cough often starts out productive. However, it may become dry as a person recovers from the infections. Other symptoms of upper respiratory infections may include:a fevermuscle achesrunny nosesore throat Treatment A person can usually treat viral upper respiratory infections at home with: reststaying hydratedtaking OTC medications to relieve congestion, aches, and fevertaking antihistamines, if a doctor advises it A doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication for people with the flu or COVID-19. For a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, they may prescribe antibiotics. Lung cancer A chronic, dry cough can sometimes be a symptom of lung cancer. However, other causes of dry cough are far more common. Symptoms of lung cancer can include:coughing up blood or phlegm that contains bloodchest pain that may get worse with breathing or coughingweight lossshortness of breathfatiguefeeling weak Treatment Treatment depends on the type and stage of the lung cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve a person’s outlook Treatment options can include: surgeryradiofrequency ablationchemotherapyradiation therapyimmunotherapytargeted drug therapypalliative care Other causes Other causes of a dry cough can include:cigarette smokingprolonged exposure to pollutants, such as dust and irritating chemicalsallergiessome medications, such as ACE-inhibitor drugs for high blood pressurewhooping cougha collapsed or punctured lung (pneumothorax)heart failure Diagnosis To diagnose the cause of a dry cough, a doctor will usually begin by asking about a person’s symptoms and medical history. They will then perform a physical examination. A doctor may also need to order some tests to help with their diagnosis. These may include:Imaging tests: An X-ray or CT scan creates an image of the inside of the chest that allows doctors to check for problems.Spirometry: This involves breathing into a plastic device to check a person’s lung functioning. Doctors use spirometry to help diagnose conditions such as asthma or IPF.Endoscopy: An endoscope is a long, thin tube with a camera and light on the end. With upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, doctors can insert the tube through a person’s mouth and down the throat to check for problems inside the esophagus, stomach, and part of the small intestine. In a bronchoscopy, the doctor inserts a tube through the mouth and looks at the windpipe and airways. Treatment Treating the underlying cause is usually the best way to reduce the severity and frequency of a dry cough. Here is a summary of some treatment options:Cause of dry cough:Treatment options include:COVID-19– paracetamol to relieve discomfort – hospitalization – antiviral drugs and help with breathing in some casesasthma– medications delivered through an inhaler such as beta-2-agonists and corticosteroidsidiopathic pulmonary fibrosis– medications– oxygen therapy– pulmonary rehabilitation– lung transplantation, in some casesGERD– medications such as antacids, H2-receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors– lifestyle and dietary changespost nasal drip– decongestants– nasal sprays– nasal saline irrigationupper respiratory infections– staying hydrated– pain relievers to manage symptoms– restlung cancer– surgery– radiofrequency ablation– chemotherapy, radiotherapy– targeted drug therapy– immunotherapy– palliative care Home remedies Some home remedies may improve a person’s symptoms include:Sucking on throat lozenges: Throat lozenges contain ingredients such as honey, menthol, and eucalyptus, which may ease irritation and reduce coughing.Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water will help the body stay hydrated, which boosts overall health. It can also thin mucus, which can help people with a respiratory infection or post nasal drip.Taking cough suppressants: OTC cough suppressants, which often contain dextromethorphan, may reduce a person’s cough reflex.Elevating the bed: Sleeping with the upper body raised by 6–8 inches can help decrease symptoms of postnasal drip and GERD. A person can elevate the bed by placing blocks or wedges under the bedposts.Taking a hot shower: The warm water and steam from the shower may ease throat dryness and irritation. Learn about remedies for a sore throat. Prevention tips It is not always possible to prevent a dry cough. However, tips that can help include:avoiding smoking and exposure to tobacco smokeavoiding exposure to air pollutants as much as possibledrinking plenty of waterusing a humidifier to moisten the airallergy-proofing the bedroom to reduce irritantsavoiding asthma triggersasking about flu, whooping cough, COVID-19, and other vaccinationsstaying away from people with an infectionpractice frequent handwashing When to see a doctor People with dry coughs that get worse, do not go away, or cause one to start producing blood or green mucus should see a doctor. People should also see a doctor if a dry cough occurs with any of the following symptoms:wheezinga feeling that something is stuck in the throatshortness of breath or difficulty breathingtrouble swallowing It is also best to see a doctor if a cough lasts longer than 8 weeks. It could be a sign of an underlying condition that needs medical attention. Frequently asked questions Here are the answers to some questions people ask about a dry cough. How do you cure a dry cough The treatment will depend on the cause. However, lozenges and cough suppressants can often help manage a dry cough. It may also help to drink plenty of fluids and use a humidifier. Does COVID start with dry cough A cough can be an early sign of COVID-19. Other signs include congestion, a fever and chills, fatigue, and changes in the sense of taste or smell. Is a dry cough serious This will depend on the underlying cause. Often, a dry cough will pass with rest and hydration in around 3 weeks. However, COVID-19, strep throat, allergies, and GERD can all lead to complications if people do not receive treatment. If you have concerns about a dry cough or if a cough lasts longer than 8 weeks, it is best to seek medical advice. Summary A dry cough is one that does not produce phlegm or mucus. Dry coughs are often temporary and rarely a cause for concern. However, a chronic, dry cough may be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as asthma or GERD. Treating the underlying cause is the best way of reducing the severity and frequency of chronic coughs. However, OTC remedies may also help relieve symptoms. People should see a doctor for dry coughs that do not get better or if they start to cough up blood. Read the article in Spanish. Last medically reviewed on October 4, 2022RespiratoryEar, Nose, and Throat 15 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Antunes, C., et al. (2022). Gastroesophageal reflux disease.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441938/Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). (2021).https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19COVID-19 treatments and medications. (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/treatments-for-severe-illness.htmlIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. (2022).https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosisLearn about cough. (2022).https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/cough/learn-about-coughMahashur, A. (2015). Chronic dry cough: Diagnostic and management approaches.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4298918Post-nasal drip. (2018).https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/post-nasal-drip/Signs and symptoms of lung cancer. (2019).https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/prevention-and-early-detection/signs-and-symptoms.htmlSymptoms of COVID-19. (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.htmlThomas, M., et al. (2022). Upper respiratory tract infection.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532961/Treating non-small cell lung cancer. (n.d.).https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/treating-non-small-cell.htmlTreatment for GER & GERD. (2020). https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/treatmentVaccines for COVID-19. (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.htmlWhat is asthma? (2022).https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthmaWhat to do if you are sick. (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.htmlFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP — By — Updated on October 4, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat causes shortness of breath when lying down (orthopnea)?Medically reviewed by Dr. Payal Kohli, M.D., FACC Possible causes of shortness of breath when lying down include heart failure, obesity, and emphysema. Learn more about why it can be hard to breathe…READ MOREWhat is apneustic breathing?Medically reviewed by Adithya Cattamanchi, M.D. Apneustic breathing is a type of abnormal breathing pattern. Learn more about this breathing pattern, its causes, and treatment options.READ MOREEverything to know about a tracheotomyMedically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH Tracheotomy refers to the opening or incision made during a tracheostomy, though many people use the terms interchangeably to refer to the procedure.READ MOREDoes pineapple juice work for cough relief?Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT Pineapple juice is seen as a popular home remedy for relieving a cough, but does it work? Learn more about the evidence, recipes, risks, and…READ MOREWhat to know about nose breathing vs. mouth breathingMedically reviewed by Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP Breathing through the nose may be more beneficial for a person's health than breathing through the mouth. Learn more here. READ MORE