Key takeaways
- Natural remedies like honey, humidifiers, saltwater gargles, and staying hydrated can effectively soothe a dry cough by reducing throat irritation and keeping airways moist.
- Over-the-counter antitussive medications containing dextromethorphan or menthol work by temporarily suppressing the cough reflex in the brain, providing relief for most adults and children over age 2.
- Persistent dry coughs lasting beyond 2 weeks warrant medical attention, as prescription treatments like antibiotics for bacterial infections or inhalers for airway issues may be necessary depending on the underlying cause.
Overview
The common cold, flu, or asthma can cause a dry cough. It’s one of the ways your immune system helps protect you against foreign substances.
A cough can be short-term or become a chronic condition. It may lead to further symptoms of a sore and itchy throat due to inflamed tissue from excessive use of the throat muscles.
Many remedies, besides OTC and prescription medications, can effectively treat a dry cough at home.
Need a diagnosis or prescription for an upper respiratory infection (URI)? You can get discreet and expert on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes through Optum Perks. For $29, answer a few questions online and get a treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.
1. Honey
Honey can help relieve symptoms of upper respiratory infections (URIs), such as a dry cough associated with a cold and flu.
A 2023 research review suggested that honey may be better than placebo and the standard care treatments for URIs in children, although more research is needed. It can help soothe a sore throat and reduce the intensity of your cough.
What’s more, a 2020 analysis of multiple studies concluded that honey may be better than the standard of care for improving URIs.
Some people use honey to relieve a dry cough by consuming 1 to 2 teaspoons on its own or mixing it into warm water and drinking it.
Note that honey is not recommended for children younger than 1 year. This is due to the risk of botulism for children of this age.
2. Air humidifiers
Dry air can aggravate a dry cough. Consider using a humidifier to help keep the air in your home moist and prevent your airways from drying out. Having the humidifier on while you’re sleeping can be beneficial, as it provides essential moisture to get rid of nighttime coughing.
Taking a warm shower or sitting in a bathroom with a warm shower running may also help relieve a dry cough.
However, it’s important to note that this will not be effective for all types of cough. Increased humidity is not advisable for asthma-related coughs or those linked to allergies.
3. Saltwater gargle
A dry cough can cause a sore and itchy throat due to inflamed tissue from excessive coughing. Gargling salt water may help reduce this inflammation and lessen the pain of a sore throat.
For a saltwater gargle, mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water, take a sip, and then gargle the solution. Be sure to spit out the salt water, not swallow it.
4. Stay hydrated
Ensuring that you drink plenty of fluids can help keep your throat moist and allow it to heal quickly.
Try to drink the recommended 8 glasses of water daily. Or, to make it easier, you can also drink warm soups and herbal teas.
Examples of herbal teas that can help soothe a dry cough include:
- ginger tea
- thyme tea
- peppermint tea
- green tea
It’s important not to drink very hot liquids, as they may burn your throat and cause further inflammation.
5. OTC medications for dry cough
OTC cough and cold medications are some of the best methods available for treating URIs that cause coughs. They can help dull your cough reflex and provide some relief.
Commonly used OTC methods include antitussive cough syrups.
Antitussives are medications that contain active ingredients such as dextromethorphan and menthol. They work to temporarily decrease activity in the brain that controls the cough reflex.
Examples of antitussive syrup brands include Robitussin and Mucinex.
It’s important to remember that doctors don’t recommend this medication for children under the age of 2 years. Instead, you can talk with a pediatrician to determine the best treatment for your child with a dry cough.
However, 2021 research suggests that antitussives are generally safe and effective in children older than 2 years.
Some antitussive medications aren’t available OTC and are prescription only.
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Other options for treating a dry cough include prescription medications in instances where OTC medications and other remedies are not helping your cough.
Inhalers and nebulizers
In some instances, a healthcare professional may prescribe an inhaler or a nebulizer to help open your airways and relieve a persistent cough.
Both an inhaler and a nebulizer work by turning liquid medication into a mist. An inhaler is a small, handheld device that you can use more easily, while a nebulizer is a larger, electric or battery-powered machine.
While both can be effective, most will find an inhaler easier and more accessible. It’s also the preferred method for children. A healthcare professional can help determine whether this treatment method is best for you.
Antibiotics
A qualified healthcare professional may recommend antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection. Amoxicillin (Amoxil) is usually the first-choice antibiotic, but healthcare professionals may also prescribe the following medications:
- clarithromycin (Klaricid)
- levofloxacin
- moxifloxacin (Avelox)
- cefprozil (Cefzil)
It’s important to note that antibiotics are usually a last resort for complicated cases of bronchitis. Many cough cases will not be bacterial in nature, and many bacterial cases won’t be severe enough to require antibiotics.
It’s important always to take every dose of an antibiotic and not stop partway through treatment when you start to feel better.
Medical perspectives
Why is it important to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if you feel better?
“It is important to finish the full course of antibiotics, even if you feel better, to completely get rid of the infection and reduce the risk of it coming back.”
Note: Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
Contacting a doctor
URIs are the most likely cause of a cough, and many don’t typically require a visit to the doctor. However, talk with a healthcare professional if your cough lasts longer than 2 weeks or keeps coming back, or if any other serious symptoms are present, such as:
- unexplained weight loss
- chest pain or tightness
- shortness of breath
- coughing up blood
- dizziness
- fever for more than 3 days
Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.
Summary
A dry cough can be uncomfortable and last for days. Through the use of natural remedies, OTC medications, or prescription medications, you can help treat your dry cough quickly and effectively.
A cough can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, which is why it’s important to talk with a qualified healthcare professional to help determine the proper treatment for your cough.
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