Dry cough

Not all coughs are the same

Two different types of cough can occur with a cold:

Productive cough: Cough with mucus, which helps the body remove pathogens from the respiratory tract.

Non-productive or dry cough (without phlegm): A cough that does not produce phlegm.

A dry cough usually occurs at the beginning of a cold or acute bronchitis and turns into a productive cough after about two to three days. Once this phase is over, a dry cough often reappears after a cold and usually subsides within three weeks. In rare cases, for example when pathogens such as adenoviruses are involved, the healing phase can last up to eight weeks.

The cause of a dry cough is inflammation in the airways. This leads to irritation of the cough receptors in the larynx, lower throat, and bronchi. This type of unproductive, dry cough is typically accompanied by loud, harsh, sometimes barking or whistling sounds. Since there is no mucus secretion with a dry cough, the persistent cough is often perceived as scratchy and painful.

The cough is often particularly bad in the evening and at night. The constant urge to cough prevents restful sleep and leads to exhaustion in the long term. The constant coughing attacks irritate the mucous membranes of the entire respiratory tract, which can also cause a dry throat, hoarseness, and chest pain.

Our pharmacy offers herbal, homeopathic, and chemical products in the form of teas, drops, syrups, tablets, and lozenges to relieve dry coughs. Come by and we will be happy to advise you.