An unproductive or dry cough doesn’t expel mucus. This type of cough often feels like a light tickling in the throat. Such coughs can develop after an episode of the flu, cold, or even COVID-19. Additionally, conditions like GERD, heart failure, and lung cancer can result in persistent dry coughs. Chest discomfort is another accompanying symptom of a dry cough.

Table of Contents

Overview

What is a dry cough?

A dry cough is defined by its lack of mucus. Without any mucus in the lungs or airways to be expelled, the cough doesn’t bring up any phlegm, making it non-productive.

What’s the difference between a dry cough and a wet cough?

Coughing is the body’s natural mechanism for removing irritants from the lungs and airways to enhance breathing.

Illnesses that impact the respiratory system can lead to mucus production, resulting in a wet cough. Medical professionals deem wet coughs as productive since they help in expelling mucus from the lungs. Excessive mucus accumulation can cause breathing challenges and other complications.

In contrast, a dry cough doesn’t expel any mucus and doesn’t assist in clearing the airways.

What are the symptoms of a dry cough?

A dry cough often creates a tickling sensation in the throat. This can lead to frequent throat clearing. Persistent coughing can leave the throat feeling sore and parched.

Why does my chest hurt when I cough?

An unproductive dry cough essentially releases air. Prolonged dry coughs or particularly forceful ones can put a strain on the chest muscles or lungs, leading to discomfort.

Most individuals describe a sensation of chest tightness accompanying a dry cough. It may feel as though there’s a constricting band around the chest or a heavy weight pressing down.

Experiencing sudden and unexplained chest discomfort could be indicative of a heart attack and warrants immediate medical attention.

Possible Causes

Do colds, flu and COVID-19 cause a dry cough?

While colds and the flu primarily result in wet coughs during the illness, a lingering dry cough can be a symptom during the recovery phase.

Respiratory infections can leave the lungs and airways more susceptible to irritants for a period, which can heighten the sensitivity in the throat, inducing coughs.

A significant portion of individuals with COVID-19 manifest dry cough symptoms. However, some may also experience wet coughs. Consulting a healthcare professional for a COVID-19 test is advisable to pinpoint the cause.

Which other conditions can lead to dry coughs?

The following conditions can also trigger dry coughs:

Allergic reactions, asthma, or exposure to certain chemicals.
Croup (common in children).
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or laryngopharyngeal reflux.
Adverse effects of specific medications, especially those for hypertension.
Postnasal drip or upper airway cough syndrome.
Tobacco consumption.
Vocal cord issues.
Whooping cough (pertussis).

Can a dry cough be a sign of a more serious problem?

On rare occasions, a dry cough could be an early sign of a more grave, potentially critical health concern. Always consult your healthcare provider if a cough raises concerns.

A lingering dry cough could indicate:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Cystic fibrosis.
Heart ailments.
Lung malignancies.
Pulmonary blockages.
Sleep disturbances like apnea.

Care and Treatment

How do I manage a dry cough and chest discomfort?

Addressing the root cause typically alleviates dry coughs. Over-the-counter cough syrups may not be very effective. It’s worth noting that children below 4 years should avoid cough medicines due to potential severe side effects.

Home remedies to consider include:

Stay well-hydrated with fluids. Warm tea or honey-lemon water can calm irritated passages.
Consider cough lozenges or hard candies, which can help produce saliva that soothes the throat. However, children under 4 should avoid these due to choking risks.
A spoonful of honey can mitigate coughing. However, avoid giving honey to infants below 12 months to prevent botulism.
Employ a humidifier to moisten the air, which can provide relief to nasal passages and the throat. Alternatively, hot showers or baths can also introduce moisture to the airways.

What are the available OTC brands?

There are several over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine brands that are commonly available for treating dry cough. Keep in mind that the availability of specific products may vary by region, and new products may have emerged since then. Here are five well-known OTC cough medicine brands:

Robitussin: Robitussin offers a range of cough and cold products, including some designed specifically for dry cough relief.

Delsym: Delsym is known for its long-lasting cough relief and is often used for dry coughs.

Mucinex: Mucinex products are designed to help relieve various types of coughs, including dry coughs, by thinning and loosening mucus.

Vicks: Vicks offers several cough and cold products, including syrups and lozenges, which can provide relief from dry coughs.

Halls: Halls is primarily known for its cough drops and throat lozenges, which can help soothe a dry cough and provide temporary relief.

Please note that product formulations and brand availability can change over time, so it’s a good idea to check the most current options at your local pharmacy or drugstore and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any specific concerns or questions about which product to choose for your dry cough.

How can I prevent dry cough and chest tightness?

To reduce the likelihood of a dry cough:

Steer clear of irritants like chemicals, molds, and strong scents.
Uphold hygiene standards, including regular handwashing, to thwart respiratory infections.
Refrain from smoking and limit exposure to passive smoke.

When to Call the Doctor

When should I call the doctor?

Reach out to a healthcare professional if you experience:

Blood while coughing.
Profound fatigue.
Temperature fluctuations and cold spells.
Unanticipated chest discomfort.
Audible wheezing.

A Note from Cleveland Clinic

A multitude of factors can induce a dry cough. Typically, identifying and treating the underlying issue brings relief. At-home remedies can be beneficial for dry coughs stemming from respiratory ailments like colds. Persistent coughing can lead to inflammation in the lungs and airways, potentially causing chest discomfort. In rare cases, a continuous dry cough might point to a more severe health condition. It’s imperative to consult a healthcare provider if you have a prolonged or unexplained cough.