Types, causes, and natural treatments for dry cough
A cough is nothing but a reflex caused by the body to clear your airway of irritants and mucus. Generally, coughs can either be productive or non-productive. In case of a productive cough, phlegm or mucus is created, and in case of a non-productive cough, no phlegm or mucus is formed. This non-productive cough is also known as dry cough. Following is some important information regarding dry cough.

Can asthma cause dry cough along with other symptoms?

• Yes, asthma is attributed to be one of the leading causes of persistent dry cough. In this condition, the airways inflate and also become narrow. However, asthma can create both wet and dry cough, but it mainly causes the latter.
• Since this is the most common cause of dry cough, it is important to know other symptoms accompanying dry cough during an asthma attack so quick action can be taken. You should get immediate medical help in case the following symptoms: shortness of breath , wheezing , a tightness in the chest or coughing fits.

What are some other common causes of dry cough?

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also commonly known as GERD, causes acid-reflux to occur persistently. This is due to the acid flowing back to the food pipe regularly from the stomach. This action may result into a coughing reflex.
• Postnasal drip is another cause of dry cough. Unlike the normal mucus, under this condition, the mucus falls back down in your throat. Hence, this may also create a reflex of dry cough.
• In a viral infection, the body often suffers through fever, common cold, and both types of coughs. Dry cough may also be a symptom of bacterial infection in the body.

Are there any lesser known causes which may cause persistent dry cough?

Yes, there are some other lesser known causes which may be the reason behind your persistent dry cough. These include:

• Chemical particles in the environment, including nitric oxide and sulfur dioxide. These may be one of the least common causes behind your dry cough.
• Administering ACE (angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor ) inhibitors can also cause dry cough as a side effect. The most common ones to cause dry cough include Prinivil, Zestril, and Vasotec. A research by Harvard Health shows that 20% of people who have ACE inhibitors experience persistent dry cough as a side effect.
• Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, may also be one of the causes behind a dry cough.
• Other uncommon causes resulting in dry cough may include lung cancer, collapsed lung, or heart failure.

What are some of the types of dry cough?

There are different types of dry cough that you may experience. These can be divided into the following:

• Chronic dry cough or persistent dry cough is a type of cough which keeps on occurring and never actually disappears.
• Chronic tickly cough is often the most common type of dry cough. This often creates a lump in the throat and is characterized by a feeling of gathered mucus in the back of the nasal passage, while in reality, it creates no phlegm.
• The third type is barking dry cough, which may be accompanied by some sort of wheezing without any phlegm.

Are there any natural remedies that can soothe a bout of dry cough?
The most common natural remedies include:

• Remedies with honey: You can add honey to hot milk or even grape juice to chase away your dry cough. Additionally, adding a teaspoon of honey and a spoon of lemon juice to a glass of warm water will also prove to be effective.
• Remedies with ginger: The most common way of getting rid of dry cough with ginger remedies includes sprinkling some salt on the ginger piece and consuming it. Additionally, a tea made with ginger is also a good treatment option.