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dry coughs

overview

dry coughs that continue after other cold symptoms clear or that occur without other symptoms may be caused by a variety of health problems.

some people start coughing when they breathe very dry, heated air. this can be caused by environmental irritation or allergies. this type of cough may be more noticeable when you first turn on your furnace in the fall, because dust and other irritants that have collected over the summer are blown into the air.

chronic dry coughs are usually caused by irritation from cigarette smoke, environmental irritants, allergies, post-nasal drip, or asthma. several chronic lung diseases also cause a dry, hacking cough. some people cough out of habit for no clear reason.

gastric reflux may also cause a chronic dry cough. usually you will also have other symptoms, such as heartburn, burning in the throat, or increased saliva.

less common causes of a dry cough include:

a doctor can evaluate your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.

related information

credits

current as of: august 6, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy. to learn more about healthwise, visit healthwise.org. © 1995-2022 healthwise, incorporated. healthwise, healthwise for every health decision, and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise, incorporated.

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