What Are the Main Causes of a Dry Cough??

A dry cough that doesn't go away can be distressing. This type of cough drastically interferes with your daily living because you are constantly distracted by coughing fits. This can take a lot of energy and attention away from what is important in your life. Common causes for a temporary dry cough are cold viruses. A productive cough produces mucous with each cough, but a cold can also bring on a dry cough that is not productive.

Cigarette Smoke

The Medicine Net Website says, cigarette smoke is one of the most common causes of a dry cough. Smoking constricts blood vessels, which can disrupt the flow of oxygen to the body and damage the lungs. The lungs and airway can become irritated, resulting in a raspy dry cough. Continual exposure to secondhand smoke can cause the same thing. If you smoke, consider quitting for the sake of your health. The choice is yours, but there are plenty of resources available to help you kick the habit.

Asthma

The Net Doctor Website says a dry unproductive cough can be caused by asthma. Asthma causes inflammation in the airway, which can lead to difficulty breathing and wheezing. See a doctor if you have a persistent dry cough. Severe asthma can be life-threatening, especially in children. There are many medications and inhalers work well to reduce symptoms. People with asthma will also notice that their body takes longer to fight off a cold. Coughing and other symptoms can linger as compared to other people.

Other causes of a dry cough are allergies and reflux disease -(GERD). GERD is caused by stomach acid burning the lining of the esophagus. This can cause irritation, resulting in a dry cough.

Medications

The Your Total Health Website says, a dry cough can be caused by medications. This is a side effect of prescription drugs given to people for high blood pressure. However, this does not happen to everyone who takes ACE inhibitor medications. There is no need to worry unless you develop a dry cough when you first begin taking these drugs. Your doctor will need to find a different medicine to treat your blood pressure.