Tips on How to Help Relieve an Annoying Dry Cough

Identifying a Dry Cough

The two types of coughs are wet (productive) and dry (nonproductive).¹ A wet cough is when coughing up mucus from the airway makes the cough sound “wet” as mucus shifts in the airway.² On the other hand, a dry cough (also known as a hacking cough) has a consistent tone because it is free from the sound of mucus and is caused by irritation and inflammation in the airway.²

What Causes a Dry Cough?

Dry coughs can be caused by several different factors. Upper respiratory tract infections, or infections of the nose and throat are the most common cause of coughing related to illness.¹ These coughs are almost always caused by viruses, and include the common cold, viral laryngitis and influenza.¹ Another common cause of dry cough is hay fever, or allergic rhinitis.¹ Hay fever is a common allergic condition that mimics the symptoms of a common cold, and it is usually associated with dry cough, sneezing and runny nose. Another possible cause of dry cough is through the inhalation of irritants. Even minor exposure to irritants like some vapors and fumes can cause inflammation of the throat and airway, which can lead to dry cough.¹

Dry Cough Remedies

Dry coughs can be painful and irritating, but you can take some steps towards helping to relieve them.⁵ Below are some tips for how to relieve a dry cough so you can continue your day without distraction.

1. Cough drops and lozenges

The use of cough drops, hard candy and lozenges can help soothe dry cough and sore throat.³ Cough drops are a common and portable option for dry cough relief; you can quickly pop one in your mouth when you feel a spree of coughs come along. Always remember to use as directed. Remember to keep a few cough drops in your pocket when you’re getting over a dry cough to feel momentary relief from the dry, tickling sensation in your throat.⁴ While cough drops and hard candies are great to use, make sure you are never giving them to a child under age 3, as they can be a choking hazard.³

Try Robitussin Honey Medi-Soothers for soothing cough and sore throat pain relief that works fast. Always refer to the product label for dosing instructions.

2. Using steam

When you have a dry cough, it’s best to keep your throat lubricated in whatever ways you can.⁴ You can help soothe a dry throat by increasing moisture in the air with steam or water vapor.⁴ The easiest way to inhale steam is to turn on the hot water in your shower to fill your bathroom with steam, but you can alternatively breathe in the steam emitting from a boiling pot of water.⁴ Use extra caution when boiling water and avoid holding a towel over your head to trap the steam, as it can get too hot and burn your airways.⁴

Another easy way to fill your room with steam is to plug in a humidifier.⁵ Humidifiers are a great way to add moisture to the air and the mist may help relieve your dry cough.⁵

3. Drinking water with honey

Water is another good way to keep your throat lubricated, and honey is a commonly used method to soothe throats.⁵ Dry, hacking coughs may respond well to honey in hot water, tea or lemon juice.⁵ Warm beverages like hot water and tea paired with honey will not only relieve your throat but will also keep you hydrated while you recover from your dry cough. Do not give honey to children younger than 1 years old, as it may lead to botulism.⁶

4. Avoid irritants

As mentioned before, even minor exposures to throat irritants that can cause the inflammation of the throat and airway can lead to dry coughs.⁵ Avoiding irritants like smoke, dust and other pollutants can help prevent irritation.⁵ If needed, wear a face mask to avoid exposure.⁵

5. Taking cough medicines

Cough medicine syrups and capsules can provide you with relief from dry coughs so you don’t have to worry when you will feel a slew of coughs next.⁵ You can try a syrup like Robitussin Honey Cough + Chest Congestion DM to soothe your cough.

If you’re looking for long-lasting relief from cough symptoms in a chewable tablet form, try Robitussin’s Long-Acting Cough Soft Chews for up to 8 hours of cough relief.

Use these tips and tricks for dry cough relief. Check out all other Robitussin cough relief products to find the best dry cough relief product for you.