Coughing is your body’s defensive response to clear your airways of irritating or obstructing substances so you can breathe effectively. It is also known as non-productive cough because this type of cough does not produce mucus or phlegm.
Viral infections, such as cold, influenza, COVID-19 infection.
Whooping cough after a viral illness – a cough that persists for weeks after a viral illness.
Allergy – Dust allergy or pollen allergy.
smoking
Postnasal drip – Drainage of mucus secretions from the nose or sinuses to the back of the throat.
asthma
tuberculosis
laryngitis
Due to inhalation of foreign body.
Certain types of lung disease known as interstitial lung disease.
drug-induced cough such as ACE inhibitors
In most cases, people use over-the-counter medications to get quick relief. However, if the cough persists for more than 2 weeks it is necessary to find out the underlying cause. Till then, you can manage cough symptoms at home with these simple home remedies.
home remedies for dry cough
1: hot drinks
It is important for people suffering from cough or cold to stay warm and hydrated. Whenever you drink hot beverages, it can provide instant relief from your symptoms. Warm water, clear broth, herbal tea can relieve dry cough, throat irritation and cold immediately and persist long after you finish the hot drink.
2: Gargle with salt water
This is one of the most effective home remedies to treat sore throat and cough. It reduces throat inflammation and cough attacks.
Add half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of hot water and mix until it dissolves. Let it cool slightly before using the solution for gargling.
3: Ginger
Whenever we think of cough, ginger is the first home remedy that will come to our mind. It has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps boost immunity and provide relief from mucus accumulated in the respiratory tract. There is evidence that ginger may suppress the cough response by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways.
Ginger can be found in many foods and teas. Ginger tea is a great option to get relief from dry cough and cough. Adding honey can be even more beneficial for dry cough.
4: Raw Honey
Raw honey is one of the oldest home remedies to treat cough. It helps soothe your throat and reduce irritation. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that can potentially reduce minor bacterial or viral infections.
You can mix 2 teaspoons of honey in a glass of warm water and drink it once a day. Additionally, you can use honey as a substitute for sugar in your tea.
5: Turmeric
Turmeric is an excellent antiseptic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent that helps your body recover from any infection. It contains curcumin which helps in reducing cough and other symptoms of asthma. Turmeric is also beneficial for treating upper respiratory conditions, bronchitis and tonsillitis.
You can make your regular tea and add half a teaspoon of turmeric to it, or you can also add 2-3 black pepper seeds to it for better results.