What illness may cause a dry cough without phlegm?

Generally, the main causes of dry cough without phlegm may include airway mucosal hypersensitivity, environmental irritants, cough variant asthma, upper airway cough syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a regular hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Airway Mucosal Sensitivity

In some individuals, the airway mucosa is highly reactive to irritants such as cold air and dust. Exposure to these stimuli may easily trigger dry cough without phlegm production. It is advisable to avoid irritating gases in daily life, wear a mask when going outdoors, use a humidifier indoors to maintain an appropriate humidity level, and reduce airway irritation.

2. Environmental Irritation Factors

Long-term exposure to air pollution, smoking environments, or contact with irritating odors such as perfume and cooking fumes can continuously irritate the respiratory mucosa, leading to dry cough without phlegm. It is important to improve the living environment, stay away from polluted areas, quit smoking, avoid secondhand smoke, and use an exhaust fan while cooking to reduce油烟 irritation.

3. Cough Variant Asthma

Dry cough is the main symptom, with airway hyperresponsiveness. Cough worsens upon exposure to allergens, and symptoms are more noticeable at night or in the early morning. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as budesonide-formoterol powder inhaler, salbutamol aerosol, and montelukast sodium chewable tablets can be used to relieve airway spasms and inflammation.

4. Upper Airway Cough Syndrome

Secretions from conditions like rhinitis and sinusitis may drain into the throat area, stimulating cough receptors and causing dry cough. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as mometasone furoate nasal spray, loratadine tablets, and eucalyptus oil soft capsules can be used to reduce nasal inflammation and minimize secretions drainage.

5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Stomach contents may reflux into the esophagus and throat, irritating the mucosa and causing dry cough, often accompanied by acid regurgitation and heartburn. Avoid overeating, refrain from eating 2-3 hours before bedtime, and under a doctor's guidance, take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, and aluminum magnesium carbonate chewable tablets to suppress gastric acid secretion and promote gastric emptying.

In daily life, it is important to maintain fresh indoor air and regular ventilation; follow a light diet and avoid spicy or overly sweet foods; drink adequate water to keep the respiratory tract moist; if dry cough persists for more than two weeks or is accompanied by chest pain or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention promptly.