10 Dry Cough Causes and How to Treat It

A dry cough—sometimes called a non-productive cough—is one that doesn’t bring up mucus. It can be irritating, disrupt sleep, and point to a range of conditions from mild to serious. Below are 10 common causes of dry cough, how to recognize them, and treatment options you can discuss with your doctor.

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1. Viral Infections

Description
• Often follows a cold, flu or COVID-19
• Other symptoms: low-grade fever, sore throat, nasal congestion, body aches

Treatment
• Rest, fluids, humidified air
• Honey (1–2 teaspoons before bed) for adults and children over 1 year
• Over-the-counter throat lozenges or throat sprays
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for aches and fever

When to seek care
• High fever (>102°F/39°C)
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain

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2. Postnasal Drip (Upper Airway Cough Syndrome)

Description
• Mucus from sinuses drips down the back of the throat
• Sensation of throat clearing, tickle or lump in throat

Treatment
• Nasal saline rinses
• First-generation antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) or second-generation (e.g., loratadine) if allergies suspected
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays (e.g., fluticasone) for 2–4 weeks

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3. Asthma

Description
• Sensitive airways tighten in response to triggers (allergens, cold air, exercise)
• Wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath

Treatment
• Inhaled short-acting beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol) as needed
• Inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide) for ongoing control
• Identify and avoid triggers

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4. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Description
• Stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, irritating the throat
• Heartburn, sour taste, belching

Treatment
• Lifestyle: elevate head of bed, avoid late meals, limit caffeine/alcohol
• Proton-pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole) or H2-blockers (e.g., ranitidine)
• Antacids as needed

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5. ACE Inhibitor–Associated Cough

Description
• Up to 10% of people on ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril) develop a persistent dry cough
• Can start days to months after beginning therapy

Treatment
• Discuss with your doctor: switching to an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) often resolves the cough within 1–4 weeks
• Do not stop medication without medical advice

Reference: Israili & Hall, Ann Intern Med, 1992

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6. Environmental Irritants and Allergies

Description
• Smoke, pollution, strong odors, chemical fumes
• Seasonal pollen, dust mites, pet dander

Treatment
• Reduce exposure: air purifiers, avoid smoke
• Nasal saline, antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids
• Wear masks when needed

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7. Chronic Bronchitis (COPD)

Description
• Long-term irritation of airways often due to smoking
• May start as dry cough, later becomes productive

Treatment
• Smoking cessation is critical
• Inhaled bronchodilators (e.g., tiotropium)
• Pulmonary rehabilitation

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8. Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Description
• Caused by Bordetella pertussis
• Violent coughing fits, sometimes followed by a “whoop” sound

Treatment
• Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin) early in course
• Supportive care: hydration, small frequent meals

Prevention
• Vaccination (DTaP for children, Tdap booster for adults)

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9. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (Silent Reflux)

Description
• Similar to GERD but without classic heartburn
• Globus sensation (feeling of a lump), throat clearing, hoarseness

Treatment
• Similar to GERD: dietary changes, head elevation, PPI therapy
• Speech-language therapy for reflux precautions

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10. Refractory or Cough Hypersensitivity Syndrome

Description
• Persistent cough >8 weeks not explained by other causes
• Often linked to nerve hypersensitivity in the throat or airway

Treatment
• Low-dose neuromodulators such as gabapentin or amitriptyline (Ryan et al., Lancet, 2012)
• Behavioral cough suppression therapy with a speech therapist
• Address contributing factors (e.g., postnasal drip, reflux)

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General Self-Care Tips

• Stay hydrated: warm fluids soothe the throat
• Use a cool-mist humidifier
• Suck on throat lozenges
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
• Rest your voice if throat is sore

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For more guidance on what might be causing your cough, you might consider doing a free, online symptom check for.

If your cough is accompanied by any of the following, seek medical care promptly and speak to a doctor:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or rapid heartbeat
• Coughing up blood
• High fever or night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss

This information is intended to help you understand possible causes of a dry cough and common treatment options. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if you have serious or life-threatening symptoms.