Dry Cough Home Remedies and Medicines Guide

Making lifestyle changes is a powerful way to reduce dry coughing effectively. Here are some science-backed methods to try:

1. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated helps thin mucus and keeps your throat moist, which can reduce the urge to cough. Mayo Clinic recommends drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day¹, such as water, herbal teas, and clear broths, which are gentle on the throat.

2. Use a Humidifier if the Air is Dry

Dry air can irritate your throat, which can cause the mucous membranes in your throat to lose moisture. This leads to dryness and irritation, making you cough more frequently. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% to improve indoor air quality² to generally manage dry cough symptoms. Using a humidifier at night, especially if you use air-conditioning, may help you feel better.

3. Elevate Your Head While Sleeping

If you often experience dry coughing at night, try elevating your head with an extra pillow. This position can reduce postnasal drip and acid reflux, two common causes of nighttime coughing. Sleeping at an incline can improve lung function and oxygen saturation³, which may help reduce coughing.

4. Avoid Irritants

Dust, smoke, and other airborne particles are some of the irritants that you can encounter daily and trigger dry cough. Keeping your environment clean and avoiding exposure to irritants, such as tobacco smoke and strong chemical fumes, can minimize your symptoms. 

5. Saltwater Gargle

Gargling with salt water may soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. It helps to loosen and thin mucus in the throat and respiratory tract, making it easier to expel through coughing. Additionally, the warm salt water can provide a soothing effect on the throat, reducing the tickling sensation that often triggers a dry cough.

Studies published in the highlight this simple remedy's effectiveness for respiratory infections and dry coughs alike⁴. Simply dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, gargle, and spit out—don’t swallow.

6. Warm Beverages and Honey

Drinking warm liquids, such as ginger teas or hot water with honey, provides quick relief for some people. Honey has been shown to coat and soothe the throat⁵, reducing dry cough symptoms.

In addition to home remedies, you can explore over-the-counter (OTC) options to help alleviate dry cough symptoms.

Lozenges for dry cough, such as Dextromethorphan HBr (Strepsils) Dry Cough, soothe the throat and reduce the urge to cough, providing effective relief from dry cough. In convenient lozenge form, these can start working in as fast as 60 seconds, melting in your mouth for ease of use and rapid relief.

The active ingredient, Dextromethorphan, suppresses the cough reflex, making it particularly effective for dry, non-productive coughs. In convenient lozenge form,

You may also visit our product page for a full selection of lozenges that may suit your needs.

Certain oral medicine for dry cough, such as cough syrups with Dextromethorphan, target the cough reflex, making it less likely you’ll feel the urge to cough. Alternatively, medications containing demulcents coat the throat, reducing irritation. As with all medications, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before starting a new medication, particularly if you have existing medical conditions or are on other medications.

A dry cough can be managed effectively through a combination of lifestyle adjustments, over-the-counter medications, and professional medical advice. By staying hydrated, avoiding irritants, and elevating your head at night, you can help reduce symptoms naturally.

For immediate relief, lozenges such as Dextromethorphan HBr (Strepsils) Dry Cough lozenges are an effective option, while oral medications may be appropriate for more persistent cases. If symptoms linger or worsen, consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause of your dry cough and explore appropriate treatment options.