A dry cough can be caused by respiratory tract infections, allergies, asthma, COPD, GERD, lung cancer, or exposure to cigarette smoke. Symptoms and duration of the cough can help diagnose the cause. Treatments include cough drops, hydration, and humidifiers. Any cough lasting over 10 days or accompanied by severe symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.
There are various causes of dry cough, from benign to severe. A doctor will consider other symptoms when diagnosing the cause of your dry cough. A dry cough can be a symptom of a respiratory tract infection, allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, lung cancer, or exposure to cigarette smoke. Any cough that lasts longer than 10 days or that is accompanied by fever, neck pain, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or bloody or green discharge should be evaluated by a doctor right away.
A respiratory tract infection is one of the most common causes of a dry cough. Respiratory tract infections include colds, flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Other symptoms include stuffy or runny nose, sore or itchy throat, body aches, watery eyes, fever, and sneezing. Symptoms of sinusitis, which often develops as a complication of the common cold, include congestion, facial pain concentrated around the forehead, cheeks, or eyes, tooth pain, and problems with smell or taste.
Allergies can also cause a dry cough. Allergies to external or internal substances, such as pet dander, pollen, mold or dust, can cause a dry cough, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and sore throat. Allergy symptoms often depend on weather conditions and the level of exposure. A dry cough that comes and goes can be caused by an allergy.
Another possible cause of a dry cough is asthma. Additional asthma symptoms include chest pain or tightness, whistling or wheezing when trying to breathe, and shortness of breath. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, experience a dry cough, along with shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and frequent respiratory infections.
One of the most serious causes of a dry cough is lung cancer. Additional symptoms of lung cancer include coughing up blood, bone pain, chest pain, weight loss, headache, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Although serious, lung cancer is a rare cause of dry cough.
Most cases of dry cough are caused by minor irritations of the respiratory tract, such as the common cold, allergies or inhaled dust. Treat these coughs with cough drops or hard candy to soothe the throat and by drinking plenty of water and other fluids. Increasing the humidity level in your home with a humidifier can also provide relief from a dry cough.
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