Dry Cough

Not all coughs are the same

During a cold, two different types of cough can occur:

Productive cough: Cough with mucus, which helps the body transport pathogens out of the airways.

Non-productive or dry cough (without mucus): Cough where no mucus is expelled.

Typically, a dry cough occurs at the beginning of a cold or acute bronchitis and turns into a phlegm-producing cough after about two to three

days. Once this phase is over, the dry cough often reappears after a cold and usually subsides within three weeks. In rare cases, for example when pathogens such as adenoviruses are involved, the recovery phase can extend up to eight weeks.

The cause of a dry cough is inflammation in the airways. This leads to irritation of the cough receptors in the larynx, lower throat, and bronchi. Typical for the non-productive, dry type of cough are loud, rough, sometimes barking or whistling sounds. Since no mucus is expelled, the persistent cough is often perceived as scratchy and painful.

The cough is often particularly severe in the evening and at night. The constant urge to cough prevents restful sleep and can lead to fatigue over time. Repeated coughing irritates the mucous membranes throughout the airways, which may also cause a dry throat, hoarseness, or chest pain.

In our pharmacy, we offer herbal, homeopathic, and chemical products in the form of teas, drops, syrups, tablets, and lozenges to relieve dry cough. Visit us – we are happy to advise you!