A cough is a reflex action that clears your airway of irritants and mucus. There are two types of cough: productive and nonproductive. A productive cough produces phlegm or mucus, clearing it from the lungs. A nonproductive cough, also known as a dry cough, doesn’t produce phlegm or mucus.
Many things — from allergies to acid reflux — can cause a dry cough. In some cases, there’s no obvious cause.
Regardless of the cause, an ongoing dry cough can seriously impact your day-to-day life, especially if it’s worse at night.
Dry coughs can be difficult to treat. Once your airways become overly sensitive, they’re easily irritated by coughing, creating a vicious cycle. There are a few things you can do for relief, regardless of what’s causing your cough.
Try:
sucking on throat lozenges to moisturize and soothe irritated throat tissue
taking OTC cough suppressants, such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin), to suppress your cough reflex
adding honey to a hot drink to soothe irritated throat tissue
