Dry coughs: definition, causes and remedies

What is a dry cough and why do I have a dry cough as soon as I lie down? What can I do to alleviate a dry cough? What are the possible causes of a dry cough? Find out all you need to know about dry coughs here – from the definition to treatment.

14.07.2025 Petra Baumberger 6 minutes

Dry coughs: definition

A dry cough is also known as an unproductive cough. That means a cough that doesn’t produce any mucus. Dry coughs are usually caused by an irritated lower respiratory tract (bronchial tubes, larynx, trachea). In some cases, however, irritation of the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat) can also lead to a dry cough. Experts differentiate between acute and chronic dry coughs. An acute dry cough lasts less than three to four weeks, while a chronic dry cough lasts longer.

Dry coughs: possible causes

Whether it’s a stubborn dry cough or a dry cough while talking – there are many possible causes:

  • One trigger for dry coughs is bronchitis. In addition to a bronchial cough, this can also lead to fever, headaches and aching limbs. Occasionally, bronchitis may cause wheezing or rattling while breathing.
  • Inflamed sinuses may also be the reason for a dry cough. This type of dry cough is often accompanied by headaches and facial pain.
  • A dry cough often occurs at the beginning or end of a cold. At the start of a cold, the body tries to get rid of the pathogens by coughing. At the end of a cold, the mucous membranes are often irritated, resulting in a dry cough.
  • Dry coughs can also be caused by asthma. This often severe dry cough occurs in sudden fits and is accompanied by shortness of breath and wheezing.
  • Throat inflammation also leads to a constantly scratchy throat and sometimes a dry cough. The mucous membrane of the throat is reddened and irritated.
  • A dry cough can also be caused by allergies, such as a food allergy. A pollen allergy or a dust mite allergy can also trigger a dry cough in some people. Dry air puts additional strain on the airways.
  • In some cases, a dry cough is the result of cardiac insufficiency (heart failure). Fatigue and low blood pressure are also signs of this type of dry cough.
  • Another possible cause of a dry cough is pneumonia. This usually occurs with other symptoms such as fever or chills. Severe cases can cause shortness of breath. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or other rare lung diseases can also cause dry coughs.
  • Respiratory tract irritations often lead to a dry cough. These can be caused by smoke, dust, dry air, chemicals, essential oils, fragrances and scented candles, as well as plug-in mosquito repellent.
  • Dry coughs can also be related to mental health. Experts refer to this type of cough as a psychogenic cough. Tension and stress exacerbate the complaints.
  • Damage to the vagus nerve can also lead to a dry cough. This nerve-related (neurogenic) cough often occurs after a viral infection that affects the pathways of the vagus nerve. A neurogenic cough often also affects the vocal cord nerves, which belong to the vagus nerve.
  • In some cases, stopping smoking can lead to a dry cough: the ciliary hairs regenerate, resume their normal function and transport mucus more effectively. Increased coughing is possible during this phase as the body tries to get rid of accumulated mucus.

In addition to these, there are other causes of dry coughs. With some medications – particularly heart medication – a dry cough is a common side effect. Hormonal changes, for example before, during and after menopause, also influence the mucous membranes and in some cases lead to dry coughs. And last but not least, dry coughs themselves irritate the throat, which may cause further coughing.

Is a dry cough coronavirus?

A dry cough is a possible symptom of COVID-19. In this case, it often occurs together with fever, a runny nose, loss of taste and smell, as well as other complaints. In cases of long COVID, the dry cough may persist even after the infection has subsided. In rare cases, coronavirus affects the brain and nerves, which intensifies the coughing reflex.

Dry coughs at night

Dry coughs often occur at night when lying down. There are several reasons for this – for example, a cold or a respiratory illness. But why do dry coughs get worse at night when you have a cold? If you have a blocked nose, you breathe more through your mouth. This dries out the mucous membranes in your throat. As a result, the cough receptors are irritated and you have a dry cough when you lie down. In addition, when you lie down, nasal secretions – the fluid produced by the nasal mucosa – enter your throat more quickly. This also triggers an urge to cough.

Heartburn can also cause a dry cough at night. This is because, when you lie down, stomach acid flows back up and sometimes irritates your airways. Sleeping with your upper body elevated usually helps to relieve coughing.

Dry coughs: when should you see your doctor?

In most cases, a dry cough is harmless. However, you should consult a doctor in the following cases:

  • Dry coughing occurs together with shortness of breath and a feeling of suffocation
  • You have a severe dry cough, which leads to vomiting
  • A dry cough causes you to cough up blood
  • You have had a dry cough for eight weeks
  • In addition to coughing, you have other complaints such as fever or chest pain

Dry coughs in children

If your child has a dry cough, they will need to see a doctor if:

  • They are a newborn baby less than three months old
  • The dry cough does not stop or keeps returning
  • The coughing starts suddenly
  • Your child has a barking cough
  • The cause is a flu-like infection and the cough does not improve
  • The cough is accompanied by pain
  • Your child has other symptoms such as fever or shortness of breath

Dry coughs: what can you do?

Whether it’s home remedies, medication or breathing exercises: there are many things you can do to alleviate a dry cough. Below is an overview of possible remedies that may help relieve your dry cough.

Treat a dry cough with home remedies

There are various home remedies available for severe dry coughs:

  • Honey is a classic home remedy for dry coughs. Dissolve a teaspoon of honey in tea. Be aware that honey is a raw food and is therefore only suitable for children above the age of one. For babies under the age of one, a sliced onion placed on the bedside table might help.
  • Onions are also a suitable home remedy for a dry cough in children and adults. Peel and chop an onion and place it in a sealable container. Now add two tablespoons of sugar, shake the container and wait about two hours. During this time, onion syrup is produced. Take two tablespoons of this several times a day.
  • Is a cold the cause of your dry cough? Inhaling steam may help. Put hot water in a bowl and inhale the steam. Put a towel over your head to prevent the steam from escaping. Breathe in alternately through your nose and mouth for 10 to 20 minutes. If necessary, add chamomile flowers or essential oils such as fennel or eucalyptus oil to the water. Caution – risk of scalding: this home remedy for dry coughs is only recommended for teenagers and adults. Jet nebulisers or ultrasonic nebulisers are suitable for babies and toddlers.
  • Tea is a home remedy that can also help with a dry cough. Choose flavours with lime blossom, mallow or vervain.
  • Chest compresses with beeswax are another home remedy for dry coughs. These are available in pharmacies, health food shops and some drugstores. Use the compress according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Dry coughs during pregnancy

Most home remedies for dry coughs are gentle and are therefore well suited for treating severe dry coughs during pregnancy. However, talk to your doctor before using home remedies. This applies in particular to essential oils such as eucalyptus oil and plant-based remedies, which may have side effects during pregnancy.

Did you know that cough syrup for dry coughs often contains alcohol? Avoid such remedies and speak to your doctor. They will tell you which remedies are suitable for you.

Dry coughs: medication

Certain medications can also be used to treat a dry cough:

  • Lozenges for dry coughs: these are often based on medicinal plants such as marsh mallow, ribwort plantain or Cetraria islandica. However, many lozenges for dry coughs are not suitable for children under the age of six. Always pay attention to the manufacturer’s information. Be careful with lozenges and cough drops containing sugar: sugar feeds bacteria and may therefore exacerbate dry coughs.
  • Cough syrup for dry coughs: syrups for dry coughs are also often based on medicinal plants – such as ivy or marsh mallow. Cough syrup for dry coughs is suitable for adults and – in most cases – for children aged two and over. Cough syrups are available from pharmacies.
  • Cough suppressants: these medications for dry coughs are available as tablets, drops or syrup. They contain active substances such as morclofone, codeine or butamirate.

What else helps with a dry cough?

In addition to medication and home remedies, there are other remedies and measures to help alleviate a dry cough:

  • Homeopathic remedies for dry coughs: many people trust homeopathy for a dry cough – for example, globules containing belladonna or aconitum. They can alleviate coughs in some cases.
  • Acupressure for dry coughs: some acupressure points may help relieve dry coughs. One of these points is about two thumbs-widths below the outer end of your collarbone. Another site for acupressure in dry coughs is on the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger.
  • Red light for dry coughs: heat treatment with red light may help. Make sure you always maintain the distance from the red light as indicated in the instructions for use. Wear safety goggles and keep your eyes closed.
  • Many leafy herbs, such as thyme, oregano and marjoram, contain essential oils which have a soothing effect on the airways and possibly relieve dry coughs.
  • What else helps with dry coughs? A well-functioning immune system helps the body overcome dry coughs. Breathing exercises are particularly effective – they calm the bronchial tubes and promote oxygen uptake. A balanced diet, plenty of exercise, restful sleep and targeted stress management also strengthen your immune system.

Whether it’s a pollen allergy or a cold – there are many causes of dry coughs and many ways to alleviate them. But if your dry cough lasts for a long time or you have a dry cough every night and home remedies or medication don’t help, talk to your doctor: in this case, a different treatment method may be required.

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