A dry cough is a cough that does not produce phlegm or mucus.Usually this condition is caused by dry air, irritation, smoking, allergies, increased stomach acid, or the flu. For that, consider various ways to relieve a dry cough that you can try at home.
In general, a dry cough will go away within three weeks. However, this condition can get worse especially at night. In some cases, a dry cough can last for a long time and be difficult to get better. Try doing the following things to help relieve a dry cough.
Various Ways to Relieve a Dry Cough
Here are some things you can do at home to help speed up the relief of a dry cough:
- Meet fluid needsWhen you have a cold or flu, there is a chance that you will experience postnasal drip. Postnasal drip itself is an increase in the production of mucus in the back of the nose or throat which can trigger a dry cough. To help relieve this condition, you can drink enough water. Adequate fluid intake works to reduce mucus buildup, keeps the throat moist, and helps relieve irritation. You can try green tea or lemon juice mixed with honey. Another drink option that can be used as a dry cough reliever is pineapple juice. A study revealed that pineapple juice is more effective in relieving coughs than regular cough medicines. Even so, the effectiveness of pineapple juice still requires further research and cannot replace the role of cough medicine given by doctors.
- Relieve with comfort foodA bowl of warm chicken soup can provide three benefits at once for those of you who are suffering from a dry cough. First, its warm taste helps soothe the throat. Second, the warm steam is able to facilitate the upper respiratory tract. Third, chicken soup can reduce mucus in the throat and prevent dehydration. Not only chicken soup, when a dry cough hits you can also suck candy containing menthol. This compound is obtained from mint leaves which serves to soothe the back of the throat and help relieve dry coughs.
- Set sleeping positionIf a dry cough is caused by reflux of stomach acid, you can relieve it by adjusting your sleeping position. Try to elevate your head about 15-20 cm, using extra pillow support. This is to prevent stomach acid from flowing up into the esophagus. In addition, you should also avoid consuming foods that can worsen stomach acid disease, such as fried foods, alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks.
- Condition airway and the surrounding air so that keep moistMoisturizing the airways and surrounding air is another way to relieve a dry cough. This is because the airways and moist air can make it easier to expel mucus, which helps soothe the airways. You can work on this humidity by taking a warm bath, using humidifier, or inhaling moisture.
- Consider taking medical medicationIf the dry cough is stubborn and difficult to overcome, then consider taking medication. Antitussive drugs are one of the drugs of choice to treat dry cough. This drug works by inhibiting the cough reflex in the brain stem, thereby reducing coughing. However, this drug has some side effects, such as drowsiness and constipation. If your dry cough is caused by allergies, you can take an antihistamine. This drug works by blocking the action of histamine in the body. Histamine is a substance that plays a role in the emergence of allergic reactions. Before taking drugs to relieve dry cough, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor first.
While trying to relieve a dry cough with the above methods, don't forget to avoid anything that can trigger a dry cough to come back, such as smoking. You don't want your efforts to end up in vain, do you?