Coughing is the body’s natural reflex to clear the respiratory tract of allergens or irritants. When coughing is not accompanied by mucus or phlegm, it is called a dry cough, or non-productive cough. This type of cough often results in an irritated and inflamed respiratory tract. Though over-the-counter medications can be used to treat dry cough, there are home remedies that can help allay symptoms. Read on to learn more about the natural ways to relieve dry cough.
How To Clear Lungs of Phlegm and Mucus
Before getting into natural ways to relieve dry cough, we must identify how to clear the lungs of mucus and phlegm.
Nasal Saline
This type of medication is helpful when it comes to loosening mucus, be it wet or dry. Ultimately, this creates a passageway for air since the blockage will slowly be removed by the saline solution.
OTC Medications
Over-the-counter medicines are one of the most efficient ways in alleviating the symptoms of cough, be it wet or dry. These medications are widely available and all that and that makes it a great choice for managing one’s cough. However, the only downside would be the side effects of each medication.
Natural Ways To Relieve Dry Cough
Fluids
When it comes to natural ways to relieve dry cough, water and other fluids are a person’s best friend in alleviating the discomfort due to irritations in the respiratory tract. Fluids also prevent dehydration, which can cause irritation in the throat.
Honey combined with hot water, tea, or lemon juices are also good fluid choices in relieving dry cough.
Salt Water Gargle
Salt and water, when combined, have the ability to kill bacteria in the throat when it is being gargled. Also, it helps with loosening mucus and easing irritations felt in the throat.
Hot Sauce
Any type of food that is spicy, or has a considerable amount of capsaicin, is great for treating dry cough. This provides relief to a person with a dry cough by fighting off the inflammation in the throat. Hot sauce can be poured into a warm glass of water and then get gargled.
When To Seek Medical Help
At times, natural ways to relieve dry cough are not enough. A person should seek medical help when the symptoms of their dry cough just keep getting worse, even after taking medications to treat it. Refer to the list below to see if you are exhibiting these symptoms. And if you are, then you must see a doctor as soon as possible.
- Wheezing
- The phlegm appears to be greenish-yellow in color
- Blood in the phlegm
- A person experiences fainting
- Ankles are swelling
- Weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Night sweats
- Weakness and loss of appetite
- Chest pain
The causes of a persistent cough are quite a lot and people may not know that they have an underlying health condition when it comes to them coughing again and again. Here are some common causes of persistent or chronic cough:
- Asthma
- Chronic bronchitis
- Postnasal drip
- Treatment from ACE inhibitors
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Then there are also other less common causes of persistent cough:
- Heart failure
- Lung cancer
- Environmental allergens and irritants
- Pertussis
- Psychological disorders
- Aspiration when swallowing something
- And other lung diseases
If an individual is not aware of the cause of their persistent cough, then that could stir up more complications in the future, especially if they do not get treated right away. The best way to address persistent cough is to know what caused it and have it treated before it becomes worse.
Key Takeaway
Treating dry cough can be done by taking natural remedies. Natural ways to relieve dry cough are considered as a good alternative or supplement to OTC medications if these are not readily available. Moreover, people with a persistent cough must seek medical help immediately in order to avoid future complications.
Learn more about keeping your lungs healthy here.
