Heart Failure Diet: Foods To Eat and Avoid
7 Common Dry Cough Causes (and Treatment/Remedy Options You Can Try)
A dry cough occurs as a natural reflex when inflammation or irritation affects your airway. It is also called an unproductive cough since it does not produce phlegm or mucus. A dry cough can be classified as acute or chronic, based on its duration.
A dry cough often occurs as a result of an upper respiratory infection and resolves with the course of the disease. However, it can also be a sign of chronic health problems such as acid reflux or asthma. Treatment of a dry cough depends on the cause.
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#1 COVID-19 COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It causes mild to moderate respiratory illness that typically does not require special treatment. However, older people and those with underlying medical conditions like diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cardiovascular disease have the highest risk of developing serious illnesses from COVID-19. The COVID-19 infection inflames your lung tissues, making breathing, getting oxygen, and removing waste more challenging. With COVID-19, a dry cough occurs in about 50% to 70% of people who have the disease. While COVID-19 affects everyone differently, other common symptoms can include: Treatment Most people do not require special treatment for COVID-19. However, your healthcare provider may advise treatment based on your age and other health conditions. COVID-19 treatments include: #2 Asthma Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects the airways that carry air in and out of your lungs. With asthma, your airways become narrowed when you encounter specific triggers such as smoke, viruses, or allergens like pollen, causing an asthma attack and making it harder to breathe. Asthma can cause a dry cough when the small airway muscles tighten and swell. Other symptoms of asthma include: Chest tightness with pain Cyanosis (a color change in tissue on mucus membranes, fingertips, or nail beds to bluish on lighter skin tones and grayish or whitish on dark skin tones Expanded chest that does not deflate when you exhale Faster or slower than normal breathing Hard or shallow breathing Nighttime waking due to asthma symptoms Ribs or stomach moving in and out rapidly and deeply Shortness of breath Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe) Treatment Asthma treatment is complicated because it involves preventing symptoms and symptom relief. Asthma treatments include lifestyle changes and medications, as well as bronchial thermoplasty. Making lifestyle changes to avoid exposure to common asthma triggers that cause the airways to constrict include: Quick-relief medications to help prevent or ease symptoms during an asthma attack include: Inhaled short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) to open your airways so air can flow through Oral corticosteroids to reduce swelling in your airways Short-acting anticholinergics to help open your airways quickly Long-term medicines include: Another treatment is bronchial thermoplasty. It is a procedure that involves the application of heat to the muscles along the walls of your airways to help prevent airway narrowing. It is done via the insertion of a bronchoscope (a tube with a camera at the end, through your mouth to see inside your airways). #3 Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a severe, progressive, and generally fatal lung disease that causes inflammation and/or scarring of your lungs' alveoli (air sacs) for unknown reasons. The scarring interferes with your ability to breathe because it thickens the lining of your lungs. This causes irreversible loss of the tissue's ability to transport oxygen until the lungs can no longer provide oxygen to your organs and tissues. A dry and nagging cough that worsens over time is a common early symptom of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It can be triggered by factors such as exercise, laughing, crying, or breathing in smoke or other chemicals. Other symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are: Aching muscles and joints Digital clubbing (widening and rounding of the tips of your fingers or toes) Extreme tiredness Gradual unintended weight loss Malaise (generally feeling unwell) Rapid, shallow breathing Shortness of breath that worsens over time Treatment While there is no cure for IPF, treatments can slow down the progression of lung damage and help improve your quality of life. Treatment can include medications, breathing therapies, and surgery. Medications include: Antacids to prevent stomach aid from getting into your lung Antifibrotic agents Esbriet (pirfenidone) and Ofev (nintedanib) to help your lungs work better and prevent acute exacerbation Cough medicationsImmunosuppressant drugs to reduce inflammation if an autoimmune disease is present Steroids that reduce inflammation Breathing therapies include: Surgery includes a lung transplant for treatment of severe symptoms. #4 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which your stomach acid repeatedly flows back up into your esophagus (the food tube that connects your mouth and stomach). The regurgitated stomach acid is called acid reflux. Problems arise because this highly acidic substance can irritate the lining of your esophagus. While periodic acid reflux is common, it happens repeatedly over time with GERD. GERD can cause a cough when the acid and other digestive enzymes irritate your throat. This change in sensation or irritation can stimulate a cough. In addition to a dry cough, symptoms of GERD can include: Asthma Bloating Burping Chest pain Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of having a lump in your throat) Nausea Regurgitation (the return of stomach contents up through your esophagus and into your mouth) Shortness of breath Sore throat, hoarseness, or laryngitis Sour taste in your mouth Tooth enamel erosion (wearing away) Treatment Treatment for GERD can vary based on the severity of your disease. Common treatments include changes to diet, medications, and surgery. Dietary and lifestyle changes include: Avoid eating before bedtime. Avoid lying down after eating. Avoid trigger foods. Elevate the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches while you sleep. Establish and maintain a healthy weight. Participate in smoking cessation. Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications include: Antacids to neutralize stomach acids including Maalox, Mylanda, Rolaids, TUMS, and others (calcium carbonate) Histamine 2 (H2) blockers to reduce the amount of stomach acid including Pepcit (famotidine), Tagamet HB (cimetidine), Zantac (ranitidine), and Axid (nizatidine) Lyvispah (baclofen) to reduce lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, a condition that allows acid backwash to occur Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce the amount of stomach acid including Prilosec (omeprazole), Nexium (esomeprazole), and Prevacid (lansoprazole) Surgery includes: Endoscopic gastric plication is the application of sutures around your lower esophageal sphincter to tighten it. Laparoscopic fundoplication is considered the gold standard of GERD surgery, it involves a laparoscopic procedure in which your fundus (the top of your stomach) is wrapped around the bottom of your esophagus. Magnetic sphincter augmentation (LINX device) entails the placement of tiny magnetic titanium beads in the area where your stomach and esophagus meet to quickly close the opening to prevent acid reflux after it lets in food and drink. Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) is a procedure performed using an endoscope (a long tube with a camera that is inserted through your mouth into your esophagus) to fold your fundus around your esophagus without an incision. #5 Postnasal Drip Postnasal drip, also known as upper airway cough syndrome, is a feeling of mucus gathering in your throat or at the back of your nose. When you are healthy, you swallow mucus unconsciously many times a day. However, factors such as seasonal allergies, some medications, GERD, and spicy foods can increase the volume of mucus or thicken it. This can lead to coughing as you try to manage the abnormal flow and texture of the mucus. Postnasal drip typically lasts for a few days or weeks, though it can become chronic and persist for months. In addition to a persistent dry cough, symptoms of postnasal drip include: Treatment Treatment for postnasal drip varies based on the cause of the problem, including bacterial infections, chronic sinusitis, seasonal allergies, and GERD. For bacterial infections: Chronic sinusitis may require surgery to open blocked sinuses. Seasonal allergies may be treated with the following: Antihistamines Avoiding triggers Cromolyn and steroid nasal spray Decongestants Immunotherapy (desensitization) Oral steroids If GERD is the cause, traditional treatments for this condition will be used. Measures to allow the mucus to pass more easily include: Avoid diuretics (medications that reduce fluid from your body by increasing urination). Drink more water. Eliminate caffeine. Mucus-thinning agents such as Mucinex, Robitussin (guaifenesin). Saline nasal sprays such as Ocean or Ayr to reduce secretion thickness. #6 Upper Respiratory Infections Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are contagious infections that affect your upper respiratory tract (including your nasal passages, sinuses, and throat). The most common upper respiratory infections are viral infections, such as the rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. Viruses such as adenovirus and bacteria such as chlamydia can cause upper respiratory infections. A dry cough is a common URI symptom because these conditions affect your nasal passages and throat. Other symptoms of upper respiratory infections can vary by specific disease. These symptoms can include: Bad breath Body aches Conjunctivitis (itchy and watery eyes) Diarrhea Fever Headache Nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose Nausea Runny nose Shortness of breath Sinus pain Sneezing Sore or scratchy throat and pain when swallowing Vomiting Treatment Treatment for an upper respiratory infection can vary based on the cause of the infection. Dry cough remedies can include medications and lifestyle changes. Medications include: Lifestyle changes include: Increased fluids Rest Supplemental oxygen #7 Lung Cancer Lung cancer is cancer that starts when cells in your lung mutate (develop abnormally) and grow out of control. It usually occurs from breathing dangerous chemicals, but can also develop without a known cause. As the abnormal cells grow, they join to form a tumor, which destroys surrounding healthy lung tissue. Lung cancer can cause a cough when it originates in your large central airways. A tumor can narrow the airway and cause coughing. While a dry cough can be an early sign of lung cancer, the disease affects everyone differently. In most people, symptoms do not occur until the disease advances. In addition to a dry cough, other possible symptoms of lung cancer include: Chest pain that worsens with coughing, deep breathing, or laughing Constant fatigue Coughing up blood or rust-colored spit or phlegm Loss of appetite Repeated episodes of bronchitis or pneumonia Shortness of breath Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes (glands) inside your chest in the area between your lungs Unexplained weight loss Wheezing Treatment Treatment for lung cancer varies based on its type and stage. Depending on additional factors such as your age and other health conditions, treatment for lung cancer can include one or more of the following therapies: Other Potential Causes There are many other potential causes of a dry cough. These include: Smoking or Inhaling Cigarette Smoke Smoking or breathing in smoke can sometimes cause a smoker's cough fast your body tries to clear the irritants caused by smoking. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors About 10% of people who take ACE inhibitors develop a dry cough. These drugs, such as Vasotec (enalapril) and Zestril (lisinopril), are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. Bronchiectasis Bronchiectasis is an obstructive lung disease that occurs from inflammation and infection. It causes permanent widening of your airways. Bronchiectasis occurs from inflammation and infection. Cystic Fibrosis Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, and life-threatening condition. It damages the lungs and digestive tract. Sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis develops when groups of cells in your immune system form called granulomas. These small, red, and inflamed lumps can cause permanent scarring in your lungs and lymph nodes in your chest. Pneumonia Pneumonia or other lung infections are contagious conditions caused by bacteria or viruses in your lower respiratory tract. They spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Laryngopharyngeal reflux is a type of reflux (the return of stomach acid from your stomach into your throat) that triggers postnasal drip, the sensation of a lump in your throat, and a dry cough. Environmental Allergies Environmental allergies are types of allergies cause your body to overreact to harmless substances in the environment. They can include pollen, mold, pet dander, or grass. Certain Medications A dry cough can occur as a side effect of the following types of medications: How to Get Rid of a Dry Cough at Home There are many ways to get rid of a dry cough at home. Choosing the best treatment depends on the cause of your symptoms. Since a dry cough can occur as a symptom of another condition, it is important to treat and manage underlying health problems. At-home remedies encompass lifestyle modifications and medications. Lifestyle Modifications These include: Avoid known allergens such as smoke and hay fever to reduce the risk of a dry cough caused by an allergic reaction. Avoid secondhand airborne irritants and cigarette smoke in your home and workplace. Consult your healthcare provider about changing your prescription if you take a medication known to cause a dry cough. Drink plenty of liquids such as water, soup broths, or herbal teas to moisturize a dry throat. Operate an air-conditioner rather than fans or open windows to cool the inside air. Take hot showers or use a humidifier to create moisture in the air. Try aromatherapy by using essential oils such as holy basil, eucalyptus, thyme, or peppermint in an oil diffuser. Use dust mite covers to encase pillows and mattresses inside dust mite covers. Use extra pillows or a wedge to elevate your head while sleeping. Nonprescription (Over-the-Counter) Treatments These treatments include: Breathe in steam from a humidifier or leaning a safe distance above a bowl of boiling water and drape a towel over your head to inhale the moisture. Consume holy basil as a tea or added to steam as an extract to treat a dry cough. Gargle with a mixture of one-half teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water. Make thyme tea by steeping 3 to 4 teaspoons of dried thyme leaves or powder in boiling water for five to 10 minutes. Thyme contains thymol, an antispasmodic to relax throat muscles. Steep freshly grated ginger root in hot water to make ginger tea or add ginger to other herbal tea blends to take advantage of ginger's anti-inflammatory properties and compounds called gingerols that can relieve coughing. Suck on hard candy or cough drops with ingredients like peppermint, honey, or eucalyptus oil to treat the sensation of a tickle in the back of your throat. Take a natural capsaicin (chili) supplement to reduce the effects of dry coughs triggered by environmental irritants. Take cough suppressants, such as Delsym (dextromethorphan), Mucinex DM (guaifenesin and dextromethorphan), and Tessalon (benzonatate) Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of raw, unpasteurized honey alone or in warm water or herbal tea to soothe irritation. Prescription Cough Suppressants Prescription cough suppressants include the following: When to Contact a Healthcare Provider With so many potential causes, it can be difficult to know whether your dry cough is a minor inconvenience or a symptom of a serious medical condition. To ensure you're not ignoring warning signs of a potential health problem, consider the following guidelines for when to seek medical attention for a dry cough. Contact a healthcare provider for a dry cough that occurs with any of the following characteristics: Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you have a dry cough with any of the following features: Summary In most cases, a dry cough is not a cause for concern. It typically occurs as a common cold or flu symptom that wanes as the condition resolves. While home treatments can relieve symptoms, they do not cure coughs. Curing a cough requires resolving or treating the underlying cause. Knowing the source of your cough can help you manage symptoms and avoid triggers in cases of problems like allergies and reflux. When a dry cough occurs as a sign of an underlying condition, it must be identified and treated to resolve the cough. Contact your healthcare provider if you have a dry cough that persists longer than three weeks or fails to improve with home treatment.Pulmonary Fibrosis: Factors That Contribute To Lung Scarring
Your lungs are an essential part of your body. They help you breathe, facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the environment and the bloodstream, and protect your body from harmful substances. However, what happens if your lung is scarred?
Lung scarring, also known as pulmonary fibrosis, is the thickening and scarring of the tissue around and between the air sacs known as alveoli in the lungs, which make it difficult for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream. Many factors can contribute to this condition, some of which are shared with us by Dr Satish C Reddy, Senior Consultant Pulmonologist, CARE Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad.
Also Read: Lung Health: 7 Different Ways To Know Your Lungs Are Functioning Properly
What Is Pulmonary Fibrosis?Dr Reddy described lung scarring due to pulmonary fibrosis as a serious and often challenging health condition where the lungs gradually lose their ability to function effectively.
"As the lung tissue becomes thickened and stiff, breathing becomes increasingly difficult, leading to a significant decline in quality of life," he explained, adding that understanding the underlying causes of this scarring, from environmental exposures to genetic factors, is crucial for effective management and prevention.
Factors That Contribute To Lung ScarringThere are a range of factors that increase the risk of lung scarring. Some of the key contributors are:
In addition, environmental toxins such as asbestos, silica dust, and industrial chemicals can severely damage lung tissue. When inhaled, these substances cause chronic inflammation and injury, leading to the gradual formation of scar tissue.
It is also important to note that some people are genetically predisposed to pulmonary fibrosis.
Dr Reddy said, "Certain genetic mutations and a family history of the disease can increase susceptibility. Research continues to explore specific genetic markers associated with the disease, which could help in identifying at-risk individuals and guiding preventive strategies."
Lung Scarring Without Any CauseIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive lung disorder characterised by lung scarring without any particular cause.
According to StatPearls Publishing, the condition typically affects older individuals, usually after the age of 50.
Studies have shown that men are more likely to develop IPF than women. The prevalence of IPF varies across different regions, with higher rates reported in Europe and North America compared to other areas. In the United States, the estimated prevalence of IPF is around 58.7 cases per 100,000 people, research noted.
Also Read: Not Just Your Lungs, Tuberculosis Can Also Affect Other Organs In Your Body: Explained
How To Reduce The RiskTo reduce the risk of pulmonary fibrosis, here are some expert-recommended tips:
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]
DisclaimerAll possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
My ENT Doctor Provided Helpful Insight Into My Shortness Of Breath
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease, which means it worsens over time. Because there's no cure, the goal is to try and preserve lung function for as long as possible. This may involve regular monitoring and other measures, such as pulmonary function testing, exercise, a healthy diet, and antifibrotic medications. Some patients may even undergo a lung transplant.
I was diagnosed with IPF in 2016, and while my progression has been relatively slow, I have required myriad medical interventions to preserve my lung function. I've also unfortunately experienced a few acute exacerbations, which entails a sudden worsening of symptoms. As a result, I'm always asking my pulmonologist about noninvasive ways to slow disease progression and manage dyspnea, or shortness of breath.
A couple months ago, following one of these conversations, my pulmonologist referred me to an otolaryngologist, more commonly known as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor. I didn't have any expectations, as I know my dyspnea is directly caused by IPF. Still, I was interested in what the ENT doctor had to say.
An unexpected discoveryI finally had my appointment a few weeks ago, and as it turned out, the otolaryngologist was able to provide some helpful insight. To my surprise, I learned there's an issue with my airway — something I've likely had all my life. After a quick test, which involved me plugging one nostril and deeply inhaling then exhaling through the other, the ENT determined I have minimal airflow through my left nostril due to a deviated septum.
He clarified that this wouldn't contribute to my hypoxia (low oxygen levels), but that it could worsen my shortness of breath. While this was interesting to learn, restoring my airflow wouldn't be a quick or easy fix. Surgery is the only option, and I don't know if the benefits outweigh the risks for me personally. This is something I'll have to speak with my pulmonologist about, though the idea of increased airflow appeals to me.
The ENT doctor also shared that people with a deviated septum typically breathe through their mouth because of the reduced airflow through their nose. Mouth breathing can cause many problems, including with lung health. The nose moistens and warms the air and filters out particles, helping to prevent lung irritation and infection. We don't get the same benefits when we breathe through our mouth. This is something I will have to consider when deciding on surgery.
Ultimately, I'm grateful I met with an otolaryngologist. I know now I should be doing a combination of nasal and mouth breathing to optimize airflow into my lungs. This will be especially beneficial during physical activity.
Every IPF patient is different, but if you struggle with significant shortness of breath, it may be worth having an ENT doctor examine your nasal structures. They may be able to provide some helpful insight.
Is an otolaryngologist part of your care team as an IPF patient? Please share your experiences in the comments below.
Note: Pulmonary Fibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pulmonary Fibrosis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pulmonary fibrosis.
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