Dry throat cough
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Understanding and Managing Dry Throat Cough
Dry throat cough is a prevalent health issue that can significantly impact daily life. This article synthesizes current research on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of dry throat cough, providing a comprehensive overview for better understanding and management.
Common Causes of Dry Throat Cough
Upper Airway Cough Syndrome, Asthma, and GERD
Dry cough is often associated with upper airway cough syndrome (UACS), asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults. These conditions are the primary culprits behind persistent dry cough, necessitating a thorough diagnostic approach to identify the underlying cause1.
Acute Viral Respiratory Infections
In children, dry cough is frequently a result of acute viral respiratory infections. These infections can cause airway irritation and inflammation, leading to a non-productive cough that may last up to 3-4 weeks2.
Other Potential Causes
Dry cough can also be indicative of various other conditions, including allergic reactions, foreign body aspiration, and even cardiovascular issues. It is a common symptom in many infectious and inflammatory processes, such as acute respiratory diseases4.
Diagnostic Approaches
Initial Evaluation
The initial evaluation of a dry cough should include a detailed history, physical examination, and radiologic and spirometric assessments. This comprehensive approach helps in identifying the specific cause and tailoring the treatment accordingly1.
Persistent Dry Cough
For persistent dry cough, a systematic investigation is crucial. This includes considering post-viral cough, asthma, rhinosinusitis, and GERD as potential causes. In some cases, increased sensitivity of the cough reflex may be observed, complicating the diagnosis and treatment6 7.
Treatment Options
Etiology-Based Treatments
Treatment strategies for dry cough should be based on the underlying cause. Common treatments include antihistamines, decongestants, inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and oral steroids when necessary1.
Symptomatic Relief
For symptomatic relief, especially when the cough interferes with sleep and daily activities, antitussive medications may be considered. However, the most effective antitussive opiates can cause sedation and may be addictive, highlighting the need for careful management6.
Novel Treatments
Recent studies have explored the effectiveness of novel treatments such as Ectoin® mouth and throat spray and hypertonic, highly osmotic liquid bandages. These treatments have shown promise in reducing dry cough severity and frequency, providing quick relief from throat pain, irritation, and swelling3 5.
Conclusion
Dry throat cough is a multifaceted condition with various potential causes and treatment options. Accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment are essential for effective management. Ongoing research continues to explore new therapeutic approaches, offering hope for better management of this common yet challenging symptom.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
General approach to dry cough
Dry cough is often caused by upper airway issues, asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, and treatment varies based on the etiology.
The child with an incessant dry cough.
Dry coughing in children is predominantly caused by acute viral respiratory infections, and its management requires a combination of supportive care, symptom management, and symptomatic treatment.
Effectiveness and Tolerability of Ectoin® Mouth and Throat Spray Althaea Honey (ERS09) for Sore Throat due to Acute Pharyngitis and Dry Cough: A Multicentre, Actively Controlled, Open Label Study in Germany
ERS09 mouth and throat spray is as well-tolerated and effective as established devices for treating sore throat caused by acute pharyngitis and dry cough, with greater improvement in pharyngeal redness/swelling.
RCTPathogenetic Treatment of Dry Cough
Dry cough treatment should focus on eliminating its causes, rather than just treating symptoms, to improve patients' quality of life and reduce the impact of the condition on their sleep.
Clinical Efficacy of Novel Filmogen, Antimicrobial, Cleaning, Fluidizing CoughTreatment
The novel filmogen liquid bandage effectively reduces dry cough severity and frequency, while also improving throat pain, irritation, swelling, and redness, with no significant side effects.
RCTDiagnosis and management of chronic persistent dry cough.
Persistent dry cough is often caused by post-viral conditions, asthma, rhinosinusitis, and gastro-oesophageal reflux, and treatment varies depending on the cause.
Case ReportIncreased neutrophils and cytokines, TNF-α and IL-8, in induced sputum of non-asthmatic patients with chronic dry cough
Increased neutrophils and cytokines, TNF- and IL-8, may contribute to the pathogenesis of non-asthmatic chronic dry cough.
Observational Study
Highly CitedDiscussion on Dry Cough with Yellow Greasy Coating
Dry cough with yellow greasy coating is caused by lung dryness and stagnated phlegm, and heavy dosages of herbs nourishing Yin and clearing away heat are recommended for treatment.
Rigorous JournalA persistent dry cough and an incidental finding.
A persistent dry cough in a 29-year-old woman was found to be due to an incidental finding of a pulmonary fibrosis.
Case Report