This article was medically reviewed by Joshua Batt, DO. Dr. Batt is an Emergency Medicine Physician at Riverside Community Hospital in California. He received his D.O. from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and has over 5 years of emergency medicine experience.
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A dry cough is a cough that doesn’t produce any phlegm or mucus. Dry coughs usually come along with an annoying tickly-feeling throat and are certainly no fun! There are a number of reasons you might have a dry cough, but they are most commonly associated with viruses and infections and go away on their own after 3 weeks or less.
Here are 10 effective ways to get rid of a bothersome dry cough.
Steps
References
- ↑ https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/warning-signs-of-lung-disease/cough/diagnosing-treating
- ↑ https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/warning-signs-of-lung-disease/cough/diagnosing-treating
- ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/ug1887#ug1887-sec
- ↑ https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/cough
- ↑ https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/warning-signs-of-lung-disease/cough/diagnosing-treating
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-cough/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351580
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cough/
- ↑ https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/cough
- ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/ug1887#ug1887-sec
About This Article
To get rid of a dry cough, start by drinking plenty of fluids to keep your throat moist and hydrated. Plain, warm water is one of the most soothing options, and you can gargle warm salt water a few times per day to relieve pain and decrease inflammation in your throat. You can also take hot, steamy showers, which will help moisten and loosen phlegm, making it easier to cough up. Using a humidifier and taking an over-the-counter antihistamine are also helpful options. For tips on pinpointing what's causing your dry cough, read on!
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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