A cough is a reflex action that clears the airway of irritants & mucus. A nonproductive cough, also known as a dry cough, it doesn’t produce mucus. A dry hacking cough is usually caused by irritation from cigarette smoke, environmental irritants, allergies, postnasal drip, or asthma. Various chronic lung illness also causes a dry hacking cough. Regardless of the cause, an ongoing dry hacking cough can severely impact life.
Signs & symptoms of a dry hacking cough
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness or pain in the chest
- Trouble sleeping because of wheezing or coughing
- Coughing or wheezing attacks
- A whistling sound while exhaling
- Difficulty speaking
- Frequent urination
- High fever
- Leg or ankle swelling
- Pain while breathing deeply
- Rapid heartbeat
- Severe pain upon swallowing
What is a dry hacking cough causes and fever?
Viral infection can cause influenza (flu), muscle aches, fever & dry cough. Fever & a stuffed up head is likely due to another viral infection, the common cold. Fever with a cough that produces red sputum, maybe pneumonia.
Less common causes of a dry hacking cough
Other causes of a dry cough can include:
- Cigarette smoking
- Environmental irritants
- Allergies
- Obstructive sleep apnoea & snoring;
- Pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs)
- Excessive use of your voice; or
- A change in temperature
Environmental irritants
There are many things in the air that can irritate airways, including smoke, pollution, dust, mold, & pollen can also cause problems. Even clean air that’s too dry or too cold can cause a dry cough.
ACE inhibitors
ACE inhibitors are prescription drugs that treat a variety of conditions, e.g. high blood pressure. One of the common side effects of ACE inhibitors is a chronic dry cough. According to Harvard Health.
Whooping cough
Whooping cough, which is also called pertussis, is a very contagious condition that causes a severe dry cough. It’s followed up by a high-pitched “whoop” sound when breathing in. It can be easily confused for a common cold in its early stages, but it eventually causes uncontrollable coughing fits.
Causes of dry cough in winter
Postnasal drip is a symptom of the common cold & seasonal allergies. Mucus drips down the back of the throat, activating the cough reflex. Allergies & irritants inside the air can trigger the cough reflex, lengthen recuperation time, or reason an overproduction of mucus. Common irritants include smoke, pollen, & pet hair, etc. Many viruses of upper respiratory infection grow in the low humidity of the wintry weather.
Causes of deep dry cough
Dry coughs are often caused by viral illnesses such as colds & flu, but allergies or sore throat irritants can also cause them.
Paroxysmal cough
Paroxysmal cough is a cough with intermittent attacks of powerful, uncontrollable coughing. A paroxysmal cough feels exhausting & painful. People struggle to get a breath & may vomit. Whooping cough frequently causes paroxysmal coughs.
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