A dry cough is caused by irritants and is not accompanied by mucus. It can be caused by various factors such as asthma, allergies, and medication. Cough suppressants can be helpful, but soothing and moisturizing the airways is the best treatment. A barking cough is a symptom of cough variant asthma.
A pungent cough, also known as a dry or nonproductive cough, is not accompanied by mucus and usually occurs after a person has been exposed to dust or another irritant. Cough is a symptom of some other disease or problem. Some people may have this type of cough while recovering from the common cold or the flu. Other causes include asthma, allergies and some medications.
There are generally two types of cough, one that produces sputum, or mucus, that drips from the nasal passages or comes up from the lungs, and a tickling cough, which is dry and has a rough, abrasive sound. When someone coughs, it’s because their body is trying to expel an irritating object, such as a piece of dust or a particle of smoke, from their lungs. If dust and debris get into the lungs, bacteria can grow on them, leading to a lung infection such as pneumonia.
A barking cough is a symptom of a type of asthma known as cough variant asthma (CVA). People who have CVA usually don’t have the wheezing or breathing problems that are commonly associated with the condition. Instead, they suffer from a chronic, dry cough. For some, the cough is worse at night and can disturb sleep.
CVA can be brought on by taking beta-blocker medications or by exercising. For some, CVA is caused by sinusitis or another upper respiratory infection. The biting cough caused by asthma can be treated with an albuterol inhaler or by inhaling steroids.
Even a stinging cough can be caused by the environment. Dry, conditioned air, such as that found in air-conditioned or heated offices or homes, can irritate the airways and lead to a dry cough. A person who is exposed to dust or chemical fumes while working can also develop a cough. Wearing a mask to work can help prevent or reduce coughing.
A person can treat his cough in several ways. Cough suppressants can be helpful, but they can also cause harm if used excessively. Expectorants used to treat productive coughs do not help dry coughs.
The best way to treat a stinging cough is to soothe and moisturize the airways. A person can try drinking warm water with some honey mixed in or hot tea with honey. Cough drops can also help ease a cough. Someone whose sleep is disturbed by coughing can try propping her head up with an extra pillow or placing a humidifier in her room.
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