What should I do if I have a persistent dry cough?
May 26, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Persistent, unrelenting dry cough requires active symptomatic drug therapy. Specifically:
- Chronic pharyngitis may present as a persistent dry cough.
- Alternatively, a dry cough may indicate cough-variant asthma. For cough-variant asthma, oral montelukast sodium can be used for anti-allergic treatment, and budesonide inhaler can help relieve bronchospasm.
Coughing is a highly persistent condition that often recurs repeatedly once it begins. So, what should one do when experiencing persistent, non-productive (dry) coughing?
What to Do for Persistent Dry Cough
Persistent dry cough warrants prompt, targeted pharmacological treatment. Specifically: chronic pharyngitis may be the underlying cause of prolonged dry cough. Alternatively, cough-variant asthma could be responsible. For cough-variant asthma, oral montelukast sodium can be used for anti-allergic therapy, while budesonide inhaler helps relieve bronchospasm. Kumquats may also help alleviate dry cough: they possess anti-inflammatory, expectorant, qi-regulating, and antitussive properties. Consume both the peel and pulp together. After eating kumquats, the throat typically feels moist and fragrant. Additionally, proactively improve your living environment—avoid allergens, consume more vegetables and fruits, and maintain a positive mood.
Persistent dry cough is a relatively common clinical presentation, though its exact etiology remains unclear. On one hand, it may stem from viral, bacterial, mycoplasmal, or chlamydial infections triggered by the infant’s common cold—leading to acute bronchitis or pneumonia and resulting in intractable dry cough. On the other hand, pertussis caused by Bordetella pertussis infection cannot be ruled out.
Furthermore, cough-variant asthma induced by allergic reactions to certain substances in infants must also be considered. Active treatment is essential. We recommend taking your child to a hospital for evaluation. Under physician guidance, tests—including complete blood count, physical chest examination, chest X-ray, allergen testing, bacterial culture, and antibiotic sensitivity testing—should be performed. We hope this information proves helpful!
