- How to cure
- What are the most common causes
- 1. Allergy
- 2. Gastroesophageal reflux
- 3. Heart problems
- 4. Cigarette and pollution
- 5. Asthma
Persistent dry cough, which usually worsens at night, despite having several causes, can be caused by an allergic reaction and, in this case, the best thing to do is to fight the allergy, with the use of an antihistamine remedy such as Loratadine, for example. However, one must find out the cause of the allergy and avoid exposure to this cause.
The persistent dry cough that after some time presents with phlegm, can, in some cases, be tuberculosis and, if it occurs, it is important to make an appointment with a pulmonologist to indicate the best treatment.
How to cure
Treatment for persistent dry cough should be directed to address its cause. In the case of allergic dry cough, in addition to the use of medications prescribed by the doctor, it is important to:
- Drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day, because the water helps to keep the airways hydrated and reduces throat irritation; Take 1 tablespoon of carrot or oregano syrup about 3 times a day. These syrups have antitussive properties, reducing coughing fits. Here's how to make these syrups. Drink 1 cup of mint tea, about 3 times a day. Mint has a calming, antitussive, mucolytic, expectorant and decongestant action, helping to relieve cough. To make the tea just add 1 teaspoon of dried or fresh mint leaves in a cup of boiling water and let stand for 5 minutes, strain and drink afterwards; Take medicine for persistent dry cough under medical guidance, such as Vibral, Notuss, Antuss or Hytos Plus, for example; Avoid dust inside the house, as contact with animals and cigarette smoke can cause persistent dry cough.
Cases of persistent dry cough for more than 1 week deserve more attention, especially if the individual has asthma, bronchitis, rhinitis or any other chronic respiratory disease. It can mean a worsening of the condition and the need to take antihistamines or corticosteroids.
See homemade options to fight cough in the following video:
What are the most common causes
The most common causes of persistent dry cough are:
1. Allergy
Allergy to dust, pet hair or flower pollen causes irritation in the throat, causing coughing to occur until the cause of the respiratory allergy is identified and eliminated.
2. Gastroesophageal reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux can also cause a dry cough after eating spicy or highly acidic foods. Learn more about gastroesophageal reflux.
3. Heart problems
Heart problems like heart failure, which causes fluid to build up in the lungs, can also cause coughing. See more about respiratory failure.
4. Cigarette and pollution
The use and smoke of cigarettes and pollution cause irritation in the throat and can also stimulate the cough reflex.
5. Asthma
Asthma causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing or noise when breathing and coughing, especially at night. Learn how to identify and treat asthma.
It is important that the person who has a dry and persistent cough drink plenty of water to keep their throat hydrated and avoid dry environments. Dry and persistent cough can also be caused less frequently by side effects of medications, psychological conditions, stress and anxiety, as some people have an increased respiratory rate when they are in situations of stress or anxiety, which stimulates coughing.
The person who suffers from a dry cough should make an appointment with a general practitioner so that they can order tests to identify the cause of the cough and then indicate the best treatment.
