Dry cough can last longer and can be very irritating. A dry cough can be caused by various factors.  Dry coughing during nighttime leads to insomnia and weakness. Controlling a dry cough naturally involves addressing the underlying causes and soothing irritation that is happening in the throat.

Some of the reasons for dry cough are:

• Viral infections: Many respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu, can cause a dry cough. Viral infections often irritate the airways and lead to coughing.
• Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, pet hair, or other allergens can trigger a dry cough. Allergic coughs are often persistent and may worsen in certain environments.
• Postnasal drip: Excess mucus dripping down the back of the throat known as postnasal drip can lead to irritation and a dry cough. This can be due to allergies, sinusitis, or other respiratory conditions.
• Environmental irritants: Exposure to smoke, pollution, strong odors, or other environmental irritants can cause a dry cough as the body tries to clear the airways.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acid that flows back into the esophagus can cause irritation and lead to a chronic cough. This is known as gastroesophageal reflux cough.
• Asthma: Asthma can cause chronic inflammation of the airways, leading to coughing.
• Respiratory tract infections: Infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia can cause a dry cough.
• Occupational exposure: Certain occupational exposures, such as inhaling dust, chemicals, or fumes, can lead to respiratory irritation and a persistent cough.
• Dry air: Dry air, especially during winter months and low humidity, can irritate the airways and lead to a dry cough.
• Underlying lung conditions: conditions related to lungs can cause chronic coughing.
• Psychogenic cough: Sometimes, a cough can have a psychological component – anxiety or stress or both.

Controlling a dry cough naturally involves addressing the underlying causes and soothing irritation in the throat. Here are some home remedies that could help to reduce dry cough-

1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your throat moist. Consider warm drinks like herbal teas, honey and lemon water, or soups to soothe irritation.
2. Humidifier: Use a humidifier in your bedroom, especially at night. Moist air can help ease irritation in the throat and prevent further dryness.
3. Honey and warm water: Mix a teaspoon of honey in warm water and drink it. Honey has natural soothing properties that can help alleviate cough symptoms.
4. Throat lozenges or hard candy: Sucking on throat lozenges or hard candy can help stimulate saliva production, which can soothe a dry throat.
5. Gargle with salt water: Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce throat irritation. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle several times a day.
6. Steam inhalation: Inhaling steam can help relieve dryness and soothe the respiratory passages. You can use a bowl of hot water or take a hot shower for steam inhalation.
7. Avoid irritants: Avoid exposure to smoke, strong odors, and other environmental irritants that can exacerbate a dry cough.
8. Herbal teas: Drink herbal teas with ingredients like ginger, chamomile, or licorice, as they may have soothing properties for the throat.
9. Proper resting:  Ensure you get adequate rest to support your body’s natural healing process.
10. Elevate head while sleeping: If your cough is worse at night, consider propping up your head with an extra pillow to help reduce postnasal drip.
11. Licorice root tea: Licorice root tea may help soothe a dry cough. Use licorice in moderation, as excessive consumption can have side effects.
12. Marshmallow root: Marshmallow root has been traditionally used to soothe throat irritation. You can find it in the form of teas or supplements.
13. Ginger tea: Ginger tea with honey also has a soothing effect. Ginger helps to relax the muscle.
14. Cloves: Chewing one or two cloves helps to bring down the cough.
15. Turmeric: Turmeric tea is also a good remedy for general cough. To boiling water, add half teaspoon of turmeric and little black pepper powder. Drink it warm.

If the cough persists for longer periods, consult your physician to understand the underlying cause of the dry cough and get it treated.

Image credit Photo by Gustavo Fring: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-sick-man-covering-his-mouth-6285304/ (Free for commercial use)