Non-productive coughs, are dry coughs that do not produce mucus. A dry, hacking cough may develop towards the end of a cold or after exposure to dust or smoke.

Causes of cough:-

Environmental pollution, common cold, viral infections, bacterial infection (bronchitis, pneumonia and sinusitis). Stress — If the cough disappears during sleep, then stress may be the cause.

Drugs cause persistent, dry, non-productive coughs.

Smoking — Smoke destroys the cells in the lining of the breathing tubes so that mucus cannot be expelled normally, leading to a chronic cough.

Lung cancer and allergies.

Prevention and remedies:-

Do not smoke, A dry, hacking smoker’s cough means your lungs are constantly irritated.

For coughs caused by inhaled irritants-smoke, dust and other pollutants, avoid exposure or wear face mask.

Coughs that follow viral illness may last upto several weeks and often get worse at night. Elevate your head with extra pillows at night.

Avoid outside eating, smoking and alcohol.

The patient should desist from sexual intercourse and sleep during the day.

Avoid cold drinks and ice cream.

The patient must take complete rest.

Do not give decongestants to a child under six years of age unless prescribed by the doctor.

If you are hypertensive, consult your doctor before taking decongestants.

Do gargles 3-4 times a day.

Increase fluid intake to as much as 7-10 glasses of water every day. You are drinking enough if you are urinating more often than usual.

Take medicated steam thrice daily. Dry hacking coughs respond to honey in hot water, tea or lemon juice. The patient should take vitamin-c (500 mg). for seven days. Cough drops can soothe irritated throats, but most have no effect on the cough producing mechanism.

Take ayurvedic medicine sitapaladi churna (half tsp.) An Mulathi powder (1/4 tsp) with one led spoon honey three times a day after meals. Drink desi herbal tea led thrice daily.

The dietary regimen to be followed in cases of cough and allied disorders is to encourage the use of wheat, moong, vegetable and dal Soup.

Juice of ginger (10 ml.) with one tsp. Honey taken thrice a day is also useful.

Dr Anil Dheer