What Causes Dry Cough Along With Irritation At Back Of The Throat?

Posted on Thu, 4 Dec 2014

Question: I have had a cough for over a week. It is a pretty dry cough. I went to conveniet care and the doctor told me that he could not give me an antibiotic because this cough is caused by a virus. It is not a problem with my lungs, but seems to be an irritation in the back of my throat. However, is there something I can take that will make me feel better? I have been taking my temperature today and it has ranged from 99.2 to 100.6. I know that having a small rise in temperature can make a person feel poorly.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Symptomatic medicines will suffice...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query.

Dry cough cough be due to various reasons. To mention a few:
1. Flu
2. Sinus related issues causing nasal block and post nasal drip. Nasal block, leads to mouth breathing and irritation of the posterior pharyngeal wall thus inducing cough. Similarly, the post nasal drip can irritate the throat and induce the cough.
3. Acute pharyngitis - the swelling and inflammation in the posterior pharyngeal wall induces cough.
4. Acid reflux from the stomach into the throat can irritate the throat and cause dry cough.

As your doctor has already examined and termed it as viral infection, we need to wait and watch for the inflammation to subside. If the same does not get better in 3-4 days, it would be wiser to start on antibiotics.

Meanwhile, you can try the following:
1. Drink plenty of warm water and do steam inhalation 2-3 times a day, this will reduce the throat irritation.
2. Try taking paracetamol to reduce the fever.
3. If there is nasal congestion you can use saline nasal spray, which will give excellent relief in the nasal symptoms and dry cough.
4. You can also try taking herbal cough syrup made of ivy leaf extract, which is safe and reduces the throat irritation.
5. Proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole or pantoperazole) can be tried if you have acid reflux problems.
6. Avoid chilled food and beverages/coffee.

With these measures you should feel better.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju