What is a Dry Cough?

What is a dry cough?

A cough is a reflex that clears the airways of secretions and irritants such as smoke, dust and allergens. A cough can be classified as a dry, unproductive cough or a productive, chesty cough. A dry cough is an unproductive cough where there is no mucus present. A chesty cough is a productive cough where there is mucus or phlegm present.¹

For more information on chesty coughs, click here.

What causes a dry cough?

Some causes of dry cough include:²

The common cold
A post-viral cough
Allergies
Smoking

Dry cough can be aggravated by:²

Air pollution
Breathing cold, dry air
Inhaled irritants such as dust or smoke
A change in temperature

Do I have a dry cough?

Identifying the type of cough you have is an important step in getting the right treatment. A dry cough can also be described as non-productive, tight, tickly and irritating.²

If you have different symptoms, you may have a chesty cough.

How to relieve a dry cough?

For a dry cough, the aim is to reduce cough symptoms and to identify and relieve the underlying cause of the dry cough. A cough suppressant such as dextromethorphan may be used to reduce the urge to cough.²

Dextromethorphan acts on the cough control centre to provide soothing relief from dry, irritating coughs.³

Self-care tips for dry cough relief

Resting and giving yourself a little TLC can help you manage dry cough symptoms. Try these self-care tips next time you feel the tickle of a dry cough:²

Honey — Honey can soothe the back of the throat and relieve the irritation triggered by a dry cough.

Drink plenty of fluids — Warm broths and herbal teas can help soothe your throat.

Salt water gargle — Gargling with salt water may help with a dry cough when you have a cold or sore throat.

When should I see a doctor about my dry cough?

Seek medical advice if you:²

start to cough up blood or copious amounts of mucus (phlegm);
are short of breath or wheezy
the cough is mainly at night
have associated chest pain
have a fever
have a hoarse voice
the cough is associated with vomiting or a choking sensation
have other symptoms such as an ongoing headache, sore ears or a rash
have recently lost weight or have general muscle aches
the cough is in an infant aged 6 months or younger
the cough has lasted longer than 10 days, with little or no improvement
you have high blood pressure, respiratory illness (such as asthma), gastrointestinal problems or are taking other medicines.

Find out which Bisolvon product is right for you. Click Here

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

MAT-AU-2102740, Dec 2021

References

[1] Cough in Adults – Lung and Airway Disorders – MSD Manual Consumer Version [Internet]. MSD Manual Consumer Version. Sep 2022 [cited 21 march 2023]. Available from: www.msdmanuals.com/home/lung-and-airway-disorders/symptoms-of-lung-disorders/cough-in-adults
[2] Cough: dry cough – MyDr.com.au [Internet]. 2021 [cited 21 March 2023]. Available from: https://mydr.com.au/symptoms/cough-dry-cough/
[3] Bisolvon Dry Oral Liquid CMI March 2021