Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. It typically causes a dry or productive cough. Some other common symptoms of pneumonia include:. Common environmental allergy triggers, or allergens, include:.
People who have allergic rhinitis may experience a dry cough as a result of breathing in an allergen. Some other potential symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:. A person may develop an acute cough after breathing in certain irritants from their environment. Examples of such irritants include:. Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
This narrowing makes it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs, resulting in breathing difficulties. There is no cure for asthma, but treatments are usually effective in managing the condition.
If a person does not control the condition well, however, they may experience the following symptoms:. The term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD refers to a group of chronic lung conditions that obstruct airflow in and out of the lungs. In COPD, the airways within the lungs become inflamed and thickened, and the lung tissue responsible for exchanging gases can become damaged.
Chronic cough and shortness of breath are common symptoms of COPD. Other possible signs and symptoms of COPD include:. The most common medications to cause a cough are drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. Doctors sometimes prescribe these to treat high blood pressure. According to a case report , the antiepileptic drug topiramate can also cause a dry cough. In order to prevent a coughing fit, a person will need to identify and treat the underlying cause of the cough.
People with chronic respiratory conditions will require medical treatments to reduce the frequency and severity of coughing fits. Those who develop coughing fits in response to certain allergens or irritants should try limiting their exposure to those substances.
Another option for people with allergies is to take antihistamines. These drugs help suppress the immune system reaction to environmental allergens, thereby preventing coughing fits. Quitting smoking will also help prevent coughing episodes. Air purifiers help remove allergens from your home that trigger sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose.
They work by moving the air in your home through a series of filters that clear mold, bacteria, or dust — producing fresh, clean air. McKnight says that air purifiers may be especially helpful for people who suffer from seasonal allergies. Like humidifiers, air purifiers tend to be effective in just one room, so remember to place it wisely. It's also important to regularly clean purifiers to ensure the filters work properly.
Marshmallow root is an herbal supplement thought to soothe irritated mucous membranes located in the throat and mouth. The roots and leaves of marshmallow contain a thick substance called mucilage. When mixed with water, mucilage forms a gel-like texture that can coat the throat, much like honey. A study published in Complementary Medicine Research with over participants found that both lozenges and marshmallow root extract helped treat dry coughs.
Most participants saw their symptoms improve within 10 minutes of taking the extract. Thyme is an herb thought to soothe smooth muscle spasms, including those caused by coughing. A study published in the German journal, Drug Research, found that a combined treatment of thyme and ivy improved coughing and other symptoms of acute bronchitis.
One of the easiest and safest ways to improve your cough is to stay hydrated. Drinking water helps thin mucus , allowing it to leave the body through your mouth or nose. It can also help those who are sick replace lost fluids from sweating or having a runny nose. Although some home remedies like drinking tea with honey or gargling warm salt water may help you stop coughing, they won't treat an underlying illness. That's why Roberman advises you to first address any illness or condition that may be causing the cough before working on alleviating the symptoms.
Likewise, she says if your cough is the result of allergies, asthma, or an infection, you should try to take medication for the underlying condition before relying on these home remedies. World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. Get the Insider App. Click here to learn more. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. Some cough medicines contain a large percentage of alcohol.
Others contain codeine. Don't give codeine to children under the age of There are many choices. Ask your pharmacist to advise you. Do not take someone else's prescription cough medicine. Be careful with cough and cold medicines. Don't give them to children younger than 6, because they don't work for children that age and can even be harmful.
For children 6 and older, always follow all the instructions carefully. Make sure you know how much medicine to give and how long to use it. And use the dosing device if one is included. References Citations Wark P Bronchitis acute. BMJ Clinical Evidence. Accessed April 14, Credits Current as of: October 26, Top of the page Next Section: Related Information. A cough can be uncomfortable and annoying when you are trying to get through your day, and a cough that acts up at night can also disrupt your sleep.
So how can you get a much-needed break from a stubborn cough? He notes that cough remedies is an area where scientific proof traditionally has been lacking; patient trial-and-error seems to lead to the best solutions. When your cough is keeping you from focusing on daytime tasks and possibly distracting your coworkers , these tips can help tame the hacking:. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: August 16, Medically Reviewed.
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