Dry cough with a common cold

A dry cough produces little or no mucus and may feel tickly, scratchy, or repetitive. Viral irritation in the throat and upper airways can trigger coughing, and mucus draining from a blocked nose may keep the cough going. Dry air, smoke, perfumes, and talking for long periods can make the urge stronger. A cough that becomes chesty, painful, wheezy, or associated with breathlessness may need a different assessment. Cough does not by itself show which infection is present.

Sip water or warm drinks, keep the air comfortably humid, and avoid smoke and strong fragrances. Honey may soothe a cough for adults and older children, but it should not be given to babies. Rest your voice and sleep with your head comfortably raised if nasal drainage triggers coughing. Ask a pharmacist before using cough remedies, especially for a child, during pregnancy, or alongside regular medicines. Antibiotics do not treat the viral cause of an uncomplicated cold.

Get urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, chest pain, coughing blood, confusion, or fainting. Arrange a clinical review if the cough is worsening, disrupts sleep repeatedly, causes vomiting, comes with wheezing or persistent fever, or does not begin to settle as the other cold symptoms improve. A new earache or significant facial pain also deserves advice.

Ask whether the cough sounds like airway irritation, whether an inhaler or other treatment is appropriate, and which warning signs should prompt reassessment.