A dry cough: the best household remedies

What is a dry cough?

It sounds like a bark, often comes in attacks, and makes restful sleep impossible: A dry cough is annoying. Dry coughs have various causes, most commonly occurring during the onset or recovery of a cold or flu. Additionally, smoking, dry air from heating systems, allergies or irritants like dust can irritate the sensitive mucous membranes of the airways, leading to prolonged coughing fits.

Coughs: the body’s protective reflex

Coughing is an essential reflex of the body, designed to keep the airways clear by expelling secretions and pathogens. However, it isn't always effective: An unproductive cough often causes additional stress to the patient.

A productive cough cleans the respiratory tract

After a few days, a dry cough normally transitions into a productive cough, causing sputum – containing bacteria, viruses and foreign particles – to be expelled. This type of cough helps cleanse the airways, and is referred to by doctors as a productive cough. Although it may sometimes be unpleasant, a productive cough is a sign that the immune system is actively fighting infections.

Symptoms of a cough

The key symptoms of a dry cough, also known as a tickly cough, are:

Dry cough at night disturbs sleep

Why does a dry cough get worse at night and when we’re lying down? A dry cough can intensify at night and significantly disrupt sleep because the lying position changes the conditions for our airways. Gravity causes mucus to accumulate in the respiratory tract, heightening the urge to cough. This mucus can be more easily cleared when we're sitting or standing. Additionally, airways tend to narrow during sleep, which exacerbates the cough still further.

Cortisol levels and cool temperatures

Another reason for worsened symptoms at night is the body’s decrease in cortisol levels. Cortisol has an anti-inflammatory effect, and a lower level can lead to increased inflammation and consequently more coughing. On top of this, we’re exposed to cooler temperatures at night, and indoor heating air can be particularly dry, both of which can further fuel a dry cough.

What causes a dry cough?

Besides being the start of a cold or flu, a dry cough can also be caused by irritation of the lower respiratory tract, such as the larynx, trachea or lungs. Other causes are foreign bodies in the respiratory tract, an inflammation of the respiratory tract (asthma, bronchitis or laryngitis) or inhaled pollutants such as smoke, dust or strong scents.

A dry cough is an unproductive cough

A dry cough is termed an unproductive cough because it’s unable to expel mucus. This dry cough can be irritating and often leads to a painful feeling in the throat. It doesn’t contribute to recovery and can even be harmful to the mucous membranes. While a productive cough shouldn't be suppressed, it makes sense to try to stop – or at least contain – a dry cough. Household remedies can help relieve a dry cough, even though they may not succeed in stopping it immediately.

8 Household remedies for persistent dry coughs

What can be done to relieve a dry cough? Household remedies are worth a try. They can provide relief and support, but aren't a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, a doctor should be consulted.

Honey to suppress a cough

Honey is known for its antibacterial and soothing properties and can be used as a natural cough suppressant before bedtime. A classic among natural household remedies for a dry cough is milk with honey. The honey has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and the milk can relieve the sore throat that often accompanies a dry cough. To prepare, simply heat the milk and stir in a spoonful of honey.

Warm drinks to alleviate a dry cough

Herbal teas, such as thyme, primrose or chamomile tea can alleviate coughing and improve well-being. Thyme has antispasmodic and expectorant properties and supports cough treatment. A warm drink with ginger – for example, homemade ginger tea – can soothe the throat and ease a dry cough.

Inhalation with essential oils for a severe cough

The vapours of certain oils, such as eucalyptus or peppermint, can help soothe irritations in the airways and alleviate a dry cough. Inhaling the vapours – through a diffuser or during a warm bath, for example – can have a calming effect and reduce the urge to cough. As always when using essential oils, be sure to dilute and apply the oils correctly to avoid additional skin and mucous membrane irritations.

Humidifiers for improved air quality

Dry air from heating systems can make a dry cough even worse, particularly at night. For this reason, make sure there's sufficient humidity in the bedroom by placing a bowl of water on the radiator, for example, or by using a humidifier. It’s also important to air the bedroom well, and keep it cool and free of dust. If possible, sleep with the upper body raised.

Gargling with salt water can be helpful for a cough

Salt water has a mild antiseptic effect and can help soothe the mucous membranes in the throat, alleviating irritation. This method can be particularly useful in reducing the frequency and intensity of coughing as it helps combat the underlying causes of a dry cough, such as viruses and bacteria. An alternative to salt water that can also help is buckhorn plantain cough syrup.

Chest and throat compresses for a dry cough

Keeping the body warm, especially the feet and throat, can alleviate cough symptoms. A warm chest compress with potatoes can also be beneficial and relieve a dry cough.

Onion syrup – an old home remedy

A homemade syrup made from onions and honey can help soothe a dry cough. Onion syrup, the classic among home remedies, is said to kill germs and relieve inflammation. To make the syrup, cut an onion into small pieces and heat with honey. Leave to stand for a while (or overnight), pass through a cloth and take several spoonfuls a day of the liquid as cough syrup.

Drink, drink, drink

Drinking enough water or tea is essential to keep the mucous membranes moist and counteract the dry cough. Well-known examples include marshmallow tea, Icelandic moss, mallow tea, thyme tea and buckhorn plantain tea. These lend themselves to both drinking and gargling. Make sure to cover the teas while steeping so that the plants' essential oils don't escape with the steam.

Prevention: how to avoid a cough

1. To avoid a cough and its unpleasant side effects, it's essential to strengthen the immune system and keep airways healthy. Eating a balanced diet that’s packed with vitamins will supply the body with essential nutrients to strengthen its natural defences.
2. Also crucial is to drink enough fluids as this helps keep the mucous membranes moist which lowers the chances of infection.
3. Taking regular exercise, such as a daily brisk walk, also helps to mobilise the body’s defences and enhance respiratory health.
4. And during high-risk infection periods, be sure to take special hygiene measures like washing hands regularly and using hand sanitisers to keep the risk of being infected to a minimum.
   

When to see a doctor?

Household remedies can certainly help cure a dry cough and alleviate symptoms. Children, however, should be checked by a doctor. Sufferers should also see a doctor if the dry cough lasts longer than a week and is accompanied by a fever.

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