Dry cough

 

 

Coughing is a reflex that keeps your throat and airways clear. Although it can be annoying, coughing helps your body to heal or protect itself. Coughs can be either acute or chronic.

Acute coughs begin suddenly and usually last no more than 2 to 3 weeks. Acute cough is generally accompanied with cold, flu, or acute bronchitis. Chronic coughs last longer than 2 to 3 weeks.

 

 

Causes of a chronic cough include:

1. Chronic bronchitis

2. Asthma

3. Allergies

4. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

5. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)

6. Smoking

7. Throat disorders, such as croup in young children

8. Certain medicines

 

 

1. Water can help ease your cough -- whether you drink it or add it to the air with a steamy shower or vaporizer

2. Antihistamines may work better than nonprescription cough medicines

3. Children under 4 years should not have cough medicine. For children over 4 years, use caution and read labels carefully.