Dry cough

Description

Coughing is a reflex that keeps your throat and airways clear. Although it can be annoying, coughing helps your body to heal or protect itself. Coughs can be either acute or chronic.

Acute coughs begin suddenly and usually last no more than 2 to 3 weeks. Acute cough is generally accompanied with cold, flu, or acute bronchitis. Chronic coughs last longer than 2 to 3 weeks.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes of a chronic cough include:

1. Chronic bronchitis

2. Asthma

3. Allergies

4. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

5. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)

6. Smoking

7. Throat disorders, such as croup in young children

8. Certain medicines

Treatment and Prevention

1. Water can help ease your cough -- whether you drink it or add it to the air with a steamy shower or vaporizer

2. Antihistamines may work better than nonprescription cough medicines

3. Children under 4 years should not have cough medicine. For children over 4 years, use caution and read labels carefully.

Subscribe to stay informed

Subscribe to our carefully crafted informative emailers by Medical Experts and be the first to get the latest health news, tips and important updates.

Disclaimer

Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover all possible side effects, drug interactions or warnings or alerts. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.