Is your cough a symptom of cold or flu?
Our quick quiz helps you figure out if your symptoms point towards a cold or flu.
Check your symptomsA dry cough often occurs alongside a tickly cough and can be caused by viral infections or allergies. Unlike a chesty cough, a dry cough does not produce any mucus and is therefore termed as ‘non-productive.’ Here, our immune system expert Dr. Jen Tan explores the underlying causes and symptoms of a dry cough whilst also recommending natural solutions to ease any irritation or inflammation.
A dry cough is a type of cough which produces little or no mucus or phlegm. It is closely related to tickly coughs and often, these terms are used interchangeably. Read about the causes, remedies and what you should be looking out for when you have a dry cough.
Both dry coughs and tickly coughs are known as non-productive coughs, as distinct from chesty coughs where mucus is produced.
A dry cough is most often the result of infection by cold and flu viruses. It can also be triggered by atmospheric pollutants (such as cigarette smoke) irritating your throat. In most of these situations, dry coughs occur because the back of your throat (or pharynx) becomes irritated or inflamed, but may also arise from deeper in the chest.
Any cough can be a nuisance and this is particularly so if sleep is disturbed. A vicious cycle can develop - if one is tired, recovery from any infection or illness can take longer.
The common causes of dry coughs are as follows:
Other causes of a dry cough include:
A dry cough that lingers for more than three weeks may be the result of an underlying medical condition such as:
If the cause of your cough is obvious then treating the underlying problem is going to give you the best chance of relief.
For instance, echinacea can help the symptoms of the common cold (including coughs). Research has shown that it works by maintaining the body’s resistance to infection by strengthening the immune system.
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However, sometimes, specific cough remedies are needed to help ease the symptoms of a dry cough:
Dry coughs caused by cold and flu viruses usually disappear quickly. However, seek medical advice if you:
Echinacea is a traditional herb known to aid the body in its fight against colds and flu by supporting the immune system – but not all Echinacea is the same! Research shows that the fresher the herb, the more effective the remedy will be, which is why our Echinaforce cold and flu remedies are made using freshly harvested Echinacea.
Our quick quiz helps you figure out if your symptoms point towards a cold or flu.
Check your symptomsAs the A. Vogel Immune System expert, I recommend Bronchosan Pine Cough Syrup to help ease the symptoms of coughs.
Learn moreA tickly cough is technically termed as ‘non-productive.’ This is because, unlike a chesty cough, tickly or dry coughs typically bring up little to no phlegm.
What type of cough do you have?Discover the story of Alfred VogelNature is just about the best thing we’ve got!
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Zayn — 07.04.2018 17:22
Sir my mother has been diagnosed with hcv but she has frequent dry coughing
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Jen Tan — 08.04.2018 17:54
Hello Zayn. I am sorry to hear that your mother has been unwell. By HCV, I presume you mean Hepatitis C Virus. As you know, this is a condition that fundamentally affects the liver. Cough is not a common symptom of this condition. However, the immune system can be depressed in those with poor liver function and this might lead to a greater likelihood of viral or bacterial infection. The best advice I can give you and your mother is to report this symptom to her doctor - only in this way, can we work out what the cause is and get the right treatment.
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Stephen hunter — 18.03.2018 14:08
I'm a 53 year old man I just noticed I have blood in my urine it's happened a couple of times this week I had to change my boxers 3 times due to fresh red blood on the inside of them is this ok in men thanks
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Jen Tan — 18.03.2018 14:37
Hello Stephen. It is unusual for men to report this symptom. There are a number of causes for blood in the urine and the symptom warrants further investigation. I would suggest that you make an early appointment with your doctor.
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RAJ PAUL SINGHAL — 06.03.2018 08:36
I am senior citizen 75 years old.When I call phone or talk then I got dry cough without mucus.I have no saliva from 5 years.Is there any remedies for saliva or dryness
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