COUGH - What are the Causes of Dry Cough for Weeks and Its Home Remedies?

BY A R ON AUGUST 6, 2011

Dry Cough for Weeks

Normally, the body’s response to inflammation or irritation in the larynx, throat, bronchial tubes and even lungs is cough. There are two basic types of coughs—congested cough and dry cough. Each of these coughs has underlying causes.

Dry cough happens if the throat is unable to release sticky phlegm which is also an onset symptom of a cold. Over time, the phlegm becomes less sticky and the cough becomes progressive. However, if the cough continues to be dry despite cured cold the patient experiences a chronic dry cough.

There are many causes of chronic dry cough such as a post nasal drip. A post nasal drip is common among people suffering from sinusitis, cold, or certain allergies. A person can develop dry cough after breathing in irritants such as dust, smoke, or powder. Other conditions that can lead to chronic dry cough are asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and disorders involving kidney, heart, and blood pressure.

Dry Cough for a Month

An ordinary dry cough should eventually disappear after several treatments. However, if it persists for several weeks, it can be a symptom of a more serious problem involving the lungs.

A dry cough is a sign of a wide variety of serious illnesses. It can result from inflammation, infection, trauma, airway obstruction, malignancy, and other abnormal processes.

In a more serious condition, a persistent dry cough may indicate an infection such as viral laryngitis. An acute dry cough that occurs suddenly and lasts up to three weeks comes with cold. On the other hand, a dry cough that lasts for one month and longer is an indication of asthma or a symptom common among chain smokers.

Asthma is associated with chest pain or chest tightness, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, and wheezing. Meanwhile, chain smokers commonly develop chronic dry cough due to the chemicals inhaled from tobacco.

Causes and Home Remedies for Dry Cough

Chain smokers are advised to stop smoking immediately to avoid serious complications in their respiratory system including lungs and in the heart. Prolonged smoking can even cause certain cancers. Dry coughs can be treated using home remedies and herbs that include:

• Aromatherapy. Essential oils such as eucalyptus and peppermint are particularly effective
• Teas. Concoct teas from herbs such as oregano tops, guava tops, eucalyptus and peppermint leaves.
• Garlic. Munch garlic every night during meal time
• Ginger. Prepare thick slices of ginger and soak them in a cup of hot water. Simmer. Sip.

Source: http://www.simple-remedies.com/