What medication should be taken for dry cough without phlegm?
Aug 28, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
In general, the main causes of dry cough without phlegm include dry environment, smoking irritation, acute pharyngitis, cough variant asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Patients can choose medications such as dextromethorphan guaifenesin syrup, dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablets, or omeprazole enteric-coated capsules to alleviate symptoms. In daily life, it is important to maintain an appropriate indoor humidity level.
Generally, the main causes of dry cough without phlegm include dry environment, smoking irritation, acute pharyngitis, cough variant asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Patients can choose medications such as dextromethorphan guaifenesin syrup, dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablets, or omeprazole enteric-coated capsules according to their conditions. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Dry Environment
Prolonged exposure to a low-humidity environment can cause moisture loss from the mucous membranes of the throat, leading to dryness and sensitivity, which triggers dry cough without phlegm. It is recommended to use a humidifier to increase environmental humidity, drink plenty of warm water to soothe the throat, and, under medical guidance, take medications such as Chuanbei枇杷膏 (Fritillaria and loquat syrup),蜜炼川贝枇杷膏 (honey-processed Fritillaria and loquat syrup), or compound licorice oral solution to relieve throat dryness and reduce coughing.
2. Smoking Irritation
Harmful substances in tobacco, such as nicotine and tar, continuously irritate the mucous membranes of the throat and respiratory tract, causing mucosal inflammation and resulting in dry cough without phlegm. Immediate smoking cessation is necessary, and exposure to secondhand smoke should also be avoided. Under medical guidance, patients can take medications such as dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablets, pentoxifylline citrate tablets, or compound pholcodine oral solution to suppress the cough reflex and alleviate symptoms.
3. Acute Pharyngitis
Viral or bacterial infections can cause acute inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, leading to mucosal congestion and edema, which stimulates nerves and results in dry cough without phlegm. Adequate rest is important, and spicy foods should be avoided. Under medical guidance, patients can take medications such as Lanqin oral liquid, Pudi Lan anti-inflammatory oral liquid, or amoxicillin clavulanate potassium tablets (used for bacterial infections) to reduce inflammation and swelling, alleviate throat irritation, and relieve coughing.
4. Cough Variant Asthma
Airway hyperresponsiveness causes airway spasms and contractions upon exposure to allergens, leading to dry cough without phlegm. Exposure to allergens should be avoided, and under medical guidance, medications such as budesonide formoterol powder inhaler, salbutamol aerosol, or montelukast sodium tablets can be taken to dilate airways, reduce inflammation, and control coughing.
5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus irritates the mucous membranes of the throat and airways, causing dry cough without phlegm. Overeating should be avoided, and no food should be consumed two hours before bedtime. Under medical guidance, medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, or domperidone tablets can be used to inhibit gastric acid secretion, enhance gastric motility, and reduce reflux irritation.
In daily life, it is important to maintain an appropriate indoor humidity level and avoid dry environments; smoking should be completely avoided, and exposure to dust, smoke, and other irritants should be minimized; the diet should be light, avoiding overly sweet or spicy foods; and persistent dry cough should be promptly evaluated by a doctor to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
