A dry cough without a cold can cause wonder at first. But should you worry if you cough without a noticeable cold? We've done the research for you!
You're sitting on the sofa, completely relaxed. Suddenly, an unstoppable urge to cough appears. You cough three or four times in a row, then the spook is over again.
A little later, it starts all over again. But you don't have a cold at all. Where does dry cough come from without a cold or previous illness? What is the reason for it and how do you get rid of it?
These are exactly the questions I asked myself recently. After all, I myself have suffered from the irritation of the cough and dry cough. Now I am rid of it.
How I managed that and what can be behind it, I want to tell you today!
Table of contents
What happens in the body with chronic dry cough?
Coughing is the body's way of clearing the airways of mucus, dust or other foreign bodies. A distinction is made between productive cough - that is, with mucus - or dry (non-productive) cough.
You're probably familiar with this process when you're sick: the mucus travels up the throat. This is where receptors are located that notice the fluid. So that the body can get rid of it, you get a cough reflex and cough up the mucus.
When you are sick, a cough can last up to four weeks. From a continuous cough period of eight weeks, the medical term is chronic cough.
Possible complications of dry cough
Those who cough unproductively for a long time not only find everyday life difficult. Some sufferers withdraw from their environment because they don't want to bother people with their cough. So in addition to the physical effects, there are also psychological ones.
Dry cough without a cold can also bring these accompanying symptoms:
- Hoarseness
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Constant throat clearing
- Nosebleed
- Incontinence
Dry cough dries out the mucous membranes. That is why hoarseness is one of the first and also most frequent accompanying symptoms. It subsequently triggers a sore throat and this usually goes directly into a headache.
Dry cough is caused by foreign bodies, inflammation or irritation of the upper respiratory tract.
Calms the cough: DIY cough syrup with thyme!
What is the cause of dry cough without a cold?
Often these are also diseases that have remained undetected until now or are in the process of developing - such as asthma.
The most common causes of prolonged dry cough are:
- Bronchial asthma
- Allergies
- Reflux disease
- Post Nasal Drip Syndrome
- Medication
- Heart disease
- Persistent bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Inhalation of smoke and dust
Dry irritating cough due to asthma or allergy
In bronchial asthma, the airways are constantly inflamed, which can lead to shortness of breath and an irritating cough. This is actually a natural protective mechanism that is important for the body. However, people who suffer from bronchial asthma have an immune system that is much more sensitive than in healthy people. As a result, they have to cough constantly.
The same thing happens, by the way, when you have an allergy. In this case, the body fights against an actually harmless allergen, which can manifest itself in the form of a dry cough without a cold.
Reflux disease: dry cough with or without sputum
A cough that comes on suddenly and without other cold symptoms may also be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux.
In most cases, the function of the esophageal sphincter is disturbed. In this case, stomach contents rise up into the esophagus, with the body fluid attacking the mucous membranes in the throat. This can lead to chronic irritable cough and hoarseness.
Heartburn does not necessarily occur. Classic accompanying symptoms are:
- Sore throat
- Lumpy feeling in the throat
- Hoarseness
- Cough after every meal
- Constant compulsion to clear throat
Irritable cough due to post nasal drip syndrome
A dry, irritating cough can be caused by post-nasal drip syndrome (PND). It may occur with or without sputum. The cause is predominantly chronic sinusitis or a allergic rhinitisThe nose is blocked and the secretion can no longer flow out. As a result, it seeks an exit via the trachea and reaches the lower respiratory tract via this.
Now the body reacts with coughing irritation. Likewise, there is: hoarseness, compulsive throat clearing, lumpy feeling in the throat and mucus flow in the throat when lying down.
Dry cough without cold due to medication
If you have a persistent cough after taking medication, it could be a side effect of the medication. For example, some medications, such as ACE inhibitors (for heart failure and high blood pressure), can cause a dry, irritating cough. If you think your medication is causing this symptom, you should not stop taking it without first talking to your doctor.
Heart disease as a cause of dry cough
The so-called heart cough is a symptom of left heart failure. This means that the left side of the heart is no longer pumping blood as effectively as it should. The left ventricle's job is to pump fresh, oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the body. When it "weakens," it can't pump all the blood into the circulation and some of it backs up in the vessels around the alveoli (air sacs).
When this happens, fluid escapes from the blood vessels and excess fluid accumulates in the alveoli, causing pulmonary edema. This is usually manifested by coughing up whitish, bright red or foamy sputum.
In addition, these symptoms occur:
- Concentration problems
- Fatigue
- Paleness
- Shortness of breath and shortness of breath
- Rattling sounds when breathing
When does a dry cough become dangerous?
A prolonged dry cough is not only annoying, but can also be a worrisome and dangerous sign. If you're still coughing six to eight weeks after you had an infection, you should get it checked out as soon as possible.
If you notice a dry cough without a cold or without an identifiable cause, always see a doctor. A doctor can identify the causes of your cough and help you find the best therapy. You are in good hands with your family doctor or an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Dry cough without a cold - what helps?
Your first path should lead to the doctor. Until the appointment and beyond you can also find relief with a few home remedies.
- Lukewarm tea such as chamomile or thyme can have a calming effect on the respiratory tract. If you have stuck mucus that has not yet been loosened, then you should drink a lot anyway.
- Ointments and creams, which you apply to the chest, promote blood circulation and can speed up the healing process. Most of them contain eucalyptus, which soothes the respiratory tract.
- Water vapor in the form of steam baths or inhalations ensures that the irritated and dry airways are moistened. Very good are said to be inhaling chamomile tea, namely, the medicinal plant has a decongestant, antispasmodic and antibacterial effect.
Our conclusion
A dry cough without a cold can be a sign of a number of underlying conditions, so it's important to see a doctor if you have this symptom. In the meantime, drinking warm tea and using chest ointments can help relieve some of the discomfort. Steam inhalations can also help soothe the airways.
All the best for you!
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