Dry cough and sore throat

Dry cough and sore throat are two symptoms which typically occur in many illnesses of the upper respiratory tract. They may affect people suffering from allergies, asthma and infections caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. These two symptoms are unpleasant and they particularly affect patients during night. Patients do not sleep properly and are irritated and nervous during the day. Sore throat develops as a consequence of irritation of the trachea while cough occurs due to irritation of the throat, trachea or the bronchial tubes in the lungs.

Causes of Dry Cough and Sore Throat

In some medical conditions dry cough and sore throat occur at the same time. However, usually the throat becomes sore first and then a person develops dry cough.

Sore throat and dry cough may be induced by several factors. They are both symptoms of asthma, allergies and may also occur due to inhalation of foreign particles or certain irritants and pollutants. In acute and chronic sinusitis postnasal drip and sinus discharge cause irritation of the throat and cough. The mucus is in this case very thick and the cough is basically considered dry.

Sore throat and dry cough always occur in infections of the upper respiratory tract caused by numerous infective agents. Even infections of lower respiratory tract may start with sore throat and once the infection has spread onto the lower part of the respiratory tract one develops dry cough.

Medicamentous Treatment and Home Remedies for Dry Cough and Sore Throat

Dry cough treatment as well as treatment of sore throat basically depends on the underlying cause. Still, there are certain medications which can successfully alleviate both of the symptoms. Namely, dry cough can be reduced if not eliminated with a cough medicine. Patients suffering from sore throat can be prescribed pain killers or they may take lozenges available over-the counter. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. If sore throat and dry cough are caused by postnasal drip the problem can be partially alleviated with nasal decongestants.

Apart from medicamentous therapy there are several home remedies effective in case of dry cough and sore throat. One of these remedies is warm saline water. The throat is supposed to be gargled with warm saline water several times per day. One may also benefit from lemon juice mixed with a few drops of honey. Furthermore, a mixture of 1 to 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and a glass of water is another effective home remedy for sore throat and dry cough. Tea is excellent beverage for both symptoms. Apart from the previously mentioned a few more herbs are excellent for dry cough and sore throat and they include ginger, garlic, aloe vera juice, sage, slippery elm, licorice etc.