Suggest Treatment For Dry Cough

Posted on Thu, 20 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 20 Mar 2014 Answered on

Sat, 5 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello Doctor I am suffering from cough for last 10-12 days. There is no cold and running nose problem. Mostly it is dry cough, and at times little amount of sputum comes out in cough. I have tried 2-3 syrups but no relief. I am a non smoker and non drinker with vegetarian diet. Please help. regards XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (5 hours later)

Brief Answer: It will take couple of weeks more.. Detailed Answer: Hi, I understand your concern. Such acute episodes of dry cough take few weeks to improve. Most of my patient suffer with this condition for atleast 4-6 weeks before they improve. I would recommend that use cough lozenges such as Syp Tusq D. This is available over the counter. But if the cough persists to disturb you throughout the day, it would be better to use a bronchodilator syrups such as salbutamol or terbutaline after discussing with your physician. Besides medications, you can try simple measures at home such as drinking warm glass of water; using ginger tea and deep steam inhalation. You may also try sleeping in a semi reclined posture to ease the distress at night. Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (11 minutes later)

Thank you Dr XXXXXXX I was taking Ginger+Black Pepper boiled in water, and it gives relief for 3 hours. But coughing comes back again. It is not a problem during sleeps, but till the time I am awake I keep coughing. Regards XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Give it some more time... Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXXXX I understand your desperation. But as I said earlier dry cough such as yours is generally refractory to all types of treatment. It is known to last for few weeks. You can try the cough lozenges for few days. If it doesn't help you, you should visit a doctor who after basic tests can prescribe the bronchodilator syrups. Please continue using ginger and warm water. It has beneficial role. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar