Dry cough (non-productive cough) can be accompanied by a dry and irritated throat, often caused by exposure to cold air, especially during seasonal changes.
Cold weather with low humidity can dry the airways, increasing the risk of dehydration of the respiratory mucosa. When cold air enters the airways, the lungs automatically respond by constricting, triggering a cough reflex. Initially, the cough is typically dry, without phlegm.
If not treated promptly, the lungs may be at risk of damage, leading to a persistent productive cough.
Causes of Coughing in Cold Weather
- Inhaling cold air can irritate the airways and trigger symptoms of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or bronchitis. Coughing is a common symptom of these respiratory inflammatory diseases. Besides a dry cough, patients may experience wheezing and shortness of breath.
- Dry mucous membranes from inhaling cold air can irritate and itch the throat, increasing the reaction to allergens. A dry cough due to weather allergies is the body’s immune response to sudden environmental changes. The longer the exposure to weather allergens, the more frequent the coughing.
- Not keeping warm properly can weaken the immune system, making it easier for viruses and bacteria to attack, increasing the likelihood of respiratory infections such as colds and flu, which can cause coughing.
- Post-nasal drip is the condition where excess mucus flows down the throat, which can cause a dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, and increased coughing at night. Patients with a prolonged dry cough should see a doctor for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
- In addition to weather-related causes, patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) often experience dry cough. The acid from the stomach refluxes into the throat, irritating the esophagus and triggering a cough reflex. A dry cough from reflux is often accompanied by sensations of chest pain, sore throat, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing.
Using a scarf and mask when going outside in cold weather protects the upper respiratory tract.
How to Prevent and Reduce Dry Cough in Cold Weather
Below are some health care tips for the respiratory system to help prevent dry cough when it’s cold:
- Use a scarf and mask when going outside in cold weather to protect the upper respiratory tract. Wearing a scarf over the nose and mouth helps retain moisture and warmth during inhalation, reducing irritation of the throat and lung mucosa.
- Gargle with salt water 2-3 times a day to reduce irritation and prevent throat dryness and itchiness after exposure to cold air.
- Use a humidifier to moisten the indoor environment, keeping the throat and nasal membranes hydrated to effectively protect the body. Regularly ventilate rooms to benefit the airways and prevent respiratory inflammation due to cold weather.
- In addition to following medical advice, patients can consider further recommendations from their doctors to implement additional measures to help improve persistent dry cough.
- Keep living spaces clean and maintain good indoor air quality to avoid irritating the throat and causing coughing. Consider equipping a humidifier to increase humidity indoors.
- Avoid exposure to irritants that may trigger coughing, such as pet dander, dust, and pollen.
- Gargle with salt water.
- Avoid smoking and inhaling smoke from others.
- Maintain a balanced diet. In your diet, try to avoid lying down after meals, and limit the intake of spicy foods.
- Drink plenty of water to keep the throat warm.
Herbal remedies for dry cough and sore throat
