Cough: dry cough
A dry cough may be the result of a recent virus, head cold or influenza (flu). It is sometimes called a post-viral cough. The cough is dry, non-productive and irritating, sometimes with a tickly throat. Apart from the cough, you may feel well — your chest is not congested and your breathing is not impaired.
However, a dry cough may be a sign of other problems, such as asthma, gastro-oesophageal reflux, heart failure or a medicine-induced cough (for example, if you take an ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure). Dry coughs may also occur in response to a dry atmosphere, air pollution or a change in temperature.
Helpful tips for dealing with a dry cough
If you are troubled by a dry or tickly cough, you should:
- avoid dry environments;
- drink plenty of water;
- sip cough suppressants (antitussives), available over-the-counter from your chemist; and
- use only a single active ingredient product, as some combination products contain stimulants or sedatives that can cause disturbing effects, especially in children.
When should you seek medical advice about a dry cough?
You should you seek medical advice if:
- you start to cough up blood or mucus (phlegm);
- you are short of breath or wheezy;
- the cough is mainly at night;
- you have associated chest pain;
- the cough has changed;
- you have a temperature;
- you are a cigarette smoker;
- you have other symptoms such as an ongoing headache, sore ears or a rash;
- you have recently lost weight or have general muscle aches;
- the cough is in an infant or child under 5 years old;
- the cough has lasted longer than 10 days, with little or no improvement; or
- you have high blood pressure, a heart complaint, respiratory illness (such as asthma), gastric problems or are taking other medicines.
Last Reviewed: 12 July 2001
