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Everything You Need To Know About Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It leads to inflammation in the air sacs of one or both lungs. These sacs, called alveoli, fill with fluid or pus, making it difficult to breathe.

Both viral and bacterial pneumonia is contagious. This means they can spread from person to person through inhalation of airborne droplets from a sneeze or cough.

You can also get these types of pneumonia by coming into contact with surfaces or objects that are contaminated with pneumonia-causing bacteria or viruses.

You can contract fungal pneumonia from the environment. It does not spread from person to person.

Pneumonia is further classified according to where or how it was acquired:

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). This type of bacterial pneumonia is acquired during a hospital stay. It can be more serious than other types, as the bacteria involved may be more resistant to antibiotics.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This refers to pneumonia that's acquired outside of a medical or institutional setting.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). When people who are using a ventilator get pneumonia, it's called VAP.

Aspiration pneumonia. Inhaling bacteria into your lungs from food, drink, or saliva can cause aspiration pneumonia. It's more likely to occur if you have a swallowing problem, or if you're too sedated from the use of medications, alcohol, or other drugs.

Walking pneumonia

Walking pneumonia is a milder case of pneumonia. People with walking pneumonia may not even know they have pneumonia. Their symptoms may feel more like a mild respiratory infection than pneumonia. However, walking pneumonia may require a longer recovery period.

The symptoms of walking pneumonia can include things like:

mild fever

dry cough lasting longer than a week

chills

shortness of breath

chest pain

reduced appetite

Viruses and bacteria, like Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae, often cause pneumonia. However, in walking pneumonia, the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae most commonly causes the condition.

Learn more about pneumonia during pregancy (maternal pneumonia).

Pneumonia may be classified based off the area of the lungs it's affecting:

Bronchopneumonia

Bronchopneumonia can affect areas throughout both of your lungs. It's often localized close to or around your bronchi. These are the tubes that lead from your windpipe to your lungs.

Lobar pneumonia

Lobar pneumonia affects one or more lobes of your lungs. Each lung is made of lobes, which are defined sections of the lung.

Lobar pneumonia can be further divided into four stages based off how it's progressed:

Congestion. Lung tissue appears heavy and congested. Fluid filled with infectious organisms has accumulated in the air sacs.

Red hepatization. Red bloods cells and immune cells have entered into the fluid. This makes the lungs appear red and solid in appearance.

Gray hepatization. The red blood cells have begun to break down while immune cells remain. The breakdown of red blood cells causes a change in color, from red to gray.

Resolution. Immune cells have begun to clear the infection. A productive cough helps eject remaining fluid from the lungs.

Pneumonia symptoms can be mild to life threatening. They can include:

coughing that may produce phlegm (mucus)

fever

sweating or chills

shortness of breath that happens while doing normal activities, or even while resting

chest pain that's worse when you breathe or cough

feelings of tiredness or fatigue

loss of appetite

nausea or vomiting

headaches

Other symptoms can vary according to your age and general health:

Infants may appear to have no symptoms, but sometimes they may vomit, lack energy, or have trouble drinking or eating.

Children under 5 years old may have fast breathing or wheezing.

Older adults may have milder symptoms. They can also experience confusion or a lower-than-normal body temperature.

Pneumonia happens when germs get into your lungs and cause an infection. The immune system's reaction to clear the infection results in inflammation of the lung's air sacs (alveoli). This inflammation can eventually cause the air sacs to fill up with pus and liquids, causing pneumonia symptoms.

Several types of infectious agents can cause pneumonia, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Bacterial pneumonia

The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Other causes include:

Viral pneumonia

Respiratory viruses are often the cause of pneumonia. Examples of viral infections that can cause pneumonia include:

Although the symptoms of viral and bacterial pneumonia are very similar, viral pneumonia is usually milder. It can improve in 1 to 3 weeks without treatment.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, people with viral pneumonia are at risk of developing bacterial pneumonia.

Fungal pneumonia

Fungi from soil or bird droppings can cause pneumonia. They most often cause pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems. Examples of fungi that can cause pneumonia include:

Pneumocystis jirovecii

Cryptococcus species

Histoplasmosis species

Coccidioides species

Risk factors

Anyone can get pneumonia, but certain groups do have a higher risk. These groups include:

infants from birth to 2 years old

people ages 65 and older

people with weakened immune systems due to:

pregnancy

HIV

the use of certain medications, such as steroids or certain cancer drugs

people with certain chronic medical conditions, such as:

people who've been recently or are currently hospitalized, particularly if they were or are on a ventilator

people who've had a brain disorder, which can affect the ability to swallow or cough, such as:

stroke

head injury

dementia

Parkinson's disease

people who've been regularly exposed to lung irritants, such as air pollution and toxic fumes, especially on the job

people who live in a crowded living environment, such as a prison or nursing home

people who smoke, which makes it more difficult for the body to get rid of mucus in the airways

people who use drugs or drink heavy amounts of alcohol, which weakens the immune system and increases the odds of inhaling saliva or vomit into the lungs due to sedation

Your doctor will start by taking your medical history. They'll ask you questions about when your symptoms first appeared and your health in general.

They'll then give you a physical exam. This will include listening to your lungs with a stethoscope for any abnormal sounds, such as crackling.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms and your risk of complications, your doctor may also order one or more of these tests:

Chest X-ray

An X-ray helps your doctor look for signs of inflammation in your chest. If inflammation is present, the X-ray can also inform your doctor about its location and extent.

Blood culture

This test uses a blood sample to confirm an infection. Culturing can also help identify what may be causing your condition.

Sputum culture

During a sputum culture, a sample of mucus is collected after you've coughed deeply. It's then sent to a lab to be analyzed to identify the cause of the infection.

Pulse oximetry

A pulse oximetry measures the amount of oxygen in your blood. A sensor placed on one of your fingers can indicate whether your lungs are moving enough oxygen through your bloodstream.

CT scan

CT scans provide a clearer and more detailed picture of your lungs.

Fluid sample

If your doctor suspects there's fluid in the pleural space of your chest, they may take a fluid sample using a needle placed between your ribs. This test can help identify the cause of your infection.

Bronchoscopy

A bronchoscopy looks into the airways in your lungs. It does this using a camera on the end of a flexible tube that's gently guided down your throat and into your lungs.

Your doctor may do this test if your initial symptoms are severe, or if you're hospitalized and not responding well to antibiotics.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Your treatment will depend on the type of pneumonia you have, how severe it is, and your general health.

Prescription medications

Your doctor may prescribe a medication to help treat your pneumonia. What you're prescribed will depend on the specific cause of your pneumonia.

Oral antibiotics can treat most cases of bacterial pneumonia. Always take your entire course of antibiotics, even if you begin to feel better. Not doing so can prevent the infection from clearing, and it may be harder to treat in the future.

Antibiotic medications don't work on viruses. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral. However, many cases of viral pneumonia clear on their own with at-home care.

Antifungal medications are used to treat fungal pneumonia. You may have to take this medication for several weeks to clear the infection.

OTC medications

Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications to relieve your pain and fever, as needed. These may include:

Your doctor may also recommend cough medicine to calm your cough so you can rest. Keep in mind coughing helps remove fluid from your lungs, so you don't want to eliminate it entirely.

Home remedies

Although home remedies don't actually treat pneumonia, there are some things you can do to help ease symptoms.

Coughing is one of the most common symptoms of pneumonia. Natural ways to relieve a cough include gargling salt water or drinking peppermint tea.

Cool compresses can work to relieve a fever. Drinking warm water or having a nice warm bowl of soup can help with chills. Here are more home remedies to try.

You can help your recovery and prevent a recurrence by getting a lot of rest and drinking plenty of fluids.

Although home remedies can help ease symptoms, it's important to stick to your treatment plan. Take any prescribed medications as directed.

Hospitalization

If your symptoms are very severe or you have other health problems, you may need to be hospitalized. At the hospital, doctors can keep track of your heart rate, temperature, and breathing. Hospital treatment may include:

antibiotics injected into a vein

respiratory therapy, which involves delivering specific medications directly into the lungs, or teaching you to perform breathing exercises to maximize your oxygenation

oxygen therapy to maintain oxygen levels in your bloodstream (received through a nasal tube, face mask, or ventilator, depending on severity)

Pneumonia may cause complications, especially in people with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions, such as diabetes.

Complications may include:

Worsened chronic conditions. If you have certain preexisting health conditions, pneumonia could make them worse. These conditions include congestive heart failure and emphysema. For certain people, pneumonia increases their risk of having a heart attack.

Bacteremia. Bacteria from the pneumonia infection may spread to your bloodstream. This can lead to dangerously low blood pressure, septic shock, and, in some cases, organ failure.

Lung abscesses. These are cavities in the lungs that contain pus. Antibiotics can treat them. Sometimes they may require drainage or surgery to remove the pus.

Impaired breathing. You may have trouble getting enough oxygen when you breathe. You may need to use a ventilator.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome. This is a severe form of respiratory failure. It's a medical emergency.

Pleural effusion. If your pneumonia isn't treated, you may develop fluid around your lungs in your pleura, called pleural effusion. The pleura are thin membranes that line the outside of your lungs and the inside of your rib cage. The fluid may become infected and need to be drained.

Kidney, heart, and liver damage. These organs may be damaged if they don't receive enough oxygen, or if there's an overreaction of the immune system to the infection.

Death. In some cases, pneumonia can be fatal. According to the CDC, nearly 44,000 people in the United States died from pneumonia in 2019.

In many cases, pneumonia can be prevented.

Vaccination

The first line of defense against pneumonia is to get vaccinated. There are several vaccines that can help prevent pneumonia.

Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23

These two pneumonia vaccines help protect against pneumonia and meningitis caused by pneumococcal bacteria. Your doctor can tell you which one might be better for you.

Prevnar 13 is effective against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria. The CDC recommends this vaccine for:

children under age 2

people between ages 2 and 64 with chronic conditions that increase their risk of pneumonia

adults ages 65 and older, on the recommendation of their doctor

Pneumovax 23 is effective against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. The CDC recommends it for:

adults ages 65 and older

adults ages 19 to 64 who smoke

people between ages 2 and 64 with chronic conditions that increase their risk of pneumonia

Flu vaccine

Pneumonia can often be a complication of the flu, so be sure to also get an annual flu shot. The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get vaccinated, particularly those who may be at risk of flu complications.

Covid vaccine

COVID-19 can lead to pneumonia. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older should receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Hib vaccine

This vaccine protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), a type of bacterium that can cause pneumonia and meningitis. The CDC recommends this vaccine for:

all children under 5 years old

unvaccinated older children or adults who have certain health conditions

people who've gotten a bone marrow transplant

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, pneumonia vaccines won't prevent all cases of the condition.

But if you're vaccinated, you're likely to have a milder and shorter illness as well as a lower risk of complications.

Other prevention tips

In addition to vaccination, there are other things you can do to avoid pneumonia:

If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking makes you more susceptible to respiratory infections, especially pneumonia.

Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Cover your coughs and sneezes. Promptly dispose used tissues.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle to strengthen your immune system. Get enough rest, eat a balanced diet, and get regular exercise.

Together with vaccination and additional prevention steps, you can help reduce your risk of getting pneumonia. Here are even more prevention tips.

A variety of infectious agents cause pneumonia. With proper recognition and treatment, many cases of pneumonia can be cleared without complications.

For bacterial infections, stopping your antibiotics early can cause the infection to not clear completely. This means your pneumonia could come back.

Stopping antibiotics early can also contribute to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic-resistant infections are more difficult to treat.

Viral pneumonia often resolves in 1 to 3 weeks with at-home treatment. In some cases, you may need antivirals.

Antifungal medications treat fungal pneumonia. It may require a longer period of treatment.

Pneumonia can become dangerous quickly, particularly in young children. Here's how to avoid complications.

Most people respond to treatment and recover from pneumonia. Like your treatment, your recovery time will depend on the type of pneumonia you have, how severe it is, and your general health.

A younger person may feel back to normal in a week after treatment. Others may take longer to recover and may have lingering fatigue. If your symptoms are severe, your recovery may take several weeks.

Consider taking these steps to aid in your recovery and help prevent complications from occurring:

Stick to the treatment plan your doctor has developed, and take all medications as instructed.

Make sure to get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Ask your doctor when you should schedule a follow-up appointment. They may want to perform another chest X-ray to make sure your infection has cleared.

Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The immune system's reaction to this infection causes the lung's air sacs to fill with pus and fluids. This leads to symptoms such as trouble breathing, a cough with or without mucus, fever, and chills.

To diagnose pneumonia, your doctor will do a physical exam and discuss your medical history. They may recommend further testing, such as a chest X-ray.

Treatment depends on the cause of the infection. It may involve antibiotics, antiviral medication, or antifungal medication.

Pneumonia often clears up in a few weeks. See a doctor right away if your symptoms get worse, as you may need to be hospitalized to prevent or treat more serious complications.

Lung Organoids Reveal How Pathogens Infect Human Lung Tissue

How do pathogens invade the lungs? Using human lung microtissues, a team at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel has uncovered the strategy used by a dangerous pathogen. The bacterium targets specific lung cells and has developed a sophisticated strategy to break through the lungs' line of defense.

Earlier in 2024, the WHO published a list of 12 of the world's most dangerous bacterial pathogens that are resistant to multiple antibiotics and pose a grave threat to human health. This list includes Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a much-feared nosocomial pathogen that causes severe and life-threatening pneumonia. This pathogen is especially threatening to immunocompromised patients and those on mechanical ventilation, with mortality rates up to 50%.

The lung barrier is penetrable

Pseudomonas aeruginosa has developed a broad range of strategies to invade the lungs and the body. Researchers led by Prof. Urs Jenal at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, have now gained novel insights into the infection process using lab-grown lung microtissues generated from human stem cells.

In the journal Nature Microbiology, they describe how Pseudomonas breaches the top layer of lung tissue and invades deeper areas. This study was conducted as part of the National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) "AntiResist."

Our lungs are lined by a thin layer of tightly packed cells that protects the deeper layers of lung tissue. The surface is covered with mucus, which traps particles such as microorganisms and is removed from the airways by specialized cells. This layer serves as an effective, almost impenetrable barrier against invading pathogens. However, Pseudomonas bacteria have found a way to breach it. But how the pathogen crosses the tissue barrier has remained a mystery until now.

Lung organoids provide new insight into infections in humans

"We have grown human lung microtissues that realistically mimic the infection process inside a patient's body," explains Jenal.

"These lung models enabled us to uncover the pathogen's infection strategy. It uses the mucus-producing goblet cells as Trojan horses to invade and cross the barrier tissue. By targeting the goblet cells, which make up only a small part of the lung mucosa, the bacteria can breach the defense line and open the gate."

With a large arsenal of virulence factors, known as secretion systems, the pathogen specifically attacks and invades the goblet cells, replicates inside the cells and ultimately kills them. The burst of the dead cells leads to ruptures in the tissue layer, making the protective barrier leaky. The pathogens exploit this weak spot: They rapidly colonize the rupture sites and spread into deeper tissue regions.

New sensor for monitoring bacteria

Using human lung organoids, the scientists have been able to elucidate the sophisticated infection strategies of Pseudomonas. However, it remains unclear how the pathogens adapt their behavior during the infection process. For example, they must first be mobile to spread over the tissue surface, then quickly adhere to lung cells upon contact, and later activate their virulence factors. It is known that the bacteria can rapidly change their behavior thanks to small signaling molecules. Until now, however, the technology to study these correlations was not available.

Jenal's team has now developed a biosensor to measure and track a small signaling molecule called c-di-GMP in individual bacteria. The method was described in Nature Communications.

"This is a technological breakthrough," says Jenal. "Now we can monitor in real time and with high resolution how this signaling molecule is regulated during infection and how it controls the pathogen's virulence. We now have a detailed view on when and where individual bacterial cells activate certain programs to regulate their behavior. This method enables us to investigate lung infections in more detail."

Organ models mimic conditions in patients

"Thanks to the development of human lung organoids, we now have a much better understanding of how the pathogens behave in human tissue and presumably in patients," emphasizes Jenal. "This brings us a big step closer to the goal of NCCR AntiResist."

Organoids of the human lung and other organs like the bladder allow the researchers to study the effects of antibiotics in tissue, for example, identifying where and how bacteria survive during treatment. Such organ models will be indispensable in the future for developing new and effective strategies to combat pathogens.

More information: Goblet cell invasion promotes breaching of respiratory epithelia by an opportunistic human pathogen., Nature Microbiology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01718-6

Andreas Kaczmarczyk et al, A genetically encoded biosensor to monitor dynamic changes of c-di-GMP with high temporal resolution, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48295-0

Citation: Lung organoids reveal how pathogens infect human lung tissue (2024, June 10) retrieved 28 June 2024 from https://phys.Org/news/2024-06-lung-organoids-reveal-pathogens-infect.Html

This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

What Causes A Dry Cough?

Medically reviewed by Sameena Zahoor, MDMedically reviewed by Sameena Zahoor, MD

Coughing is your body's way of protecting your lungs from irritants. This reflex helps remove or eject harmful substances from your airways, preventing them from entering your lungs. Everybody coughs sometimes—but a frequent dry cough can be a sign of a health condition that needs treatment.

A dry cough can be either acute (lasting up to three weeks), subacute (lasting 3-8 weeks), or chronic (lasting more than eight weeks). Coughing is one of the most common reasons people visit their healthcare providers. In fact, up to 12% of the world population lives with chronic cough. That said, several treatment options are available to help improve your cough and any accompanying symptoms.

Several health conditions and environmental factors can cause a dry cough. Inhaling dust or dry air are common triggers for an acute cough, while health conditions such as acid reflux, asthma, and COVID-19 can cause a chronic cough. If your cough has lasted a long time, seeing a healthcare provider is essential to getting the treatment you need.

What Does a Dry Cough Feel Like?

Coughs can be wet (productive) or dry (nonproductive). A wet cough brings up mucus (phlegm) or other liquid from the throat. Wet coughs often result from health conditions that increase mucus production in the throat. A dry cough, however, does not cause any mucus. Depending on its cause, a dry cough can come on suddenly and go away quickly or develop slowly and linger for a long time.

Common Causes of a Dry Cough

There are several possible causes of dry cough, ranging from health conditions causing irritation or swelling in your throat to an environmental irritant that's triggering your symptoms. Some causes of a dry cough are more serious than others, so it's always important to seek advice from a healthcare provider to learn about the exact cause of your cough.

Allergies

Environmental allergies are a common cause of dry cough. An allergic reaction happens when your body's immune system mistakes a harmless substance for a dangerous one and tries to fight it off.

Common environmental allergens include tree pollen, pet dander, and mold. Allergies to these substances may worsen during certain seasons, called seasonal allergies or hay fever. Other symptoms of seasonal allergies include sneezing, stuffy nose, and itchy eyes.

Asthma

People with asthma experience swelling and a feeling of tightness in their airways. Coughing is one of the most common symptoms of asthma. Wheezing and shortness of breath often occur alongside a dry cough. However, some people have a type of asthma called cough-variant asthma. For those with this condition, coughing is the only symptom.

Asthma-related dry cough often occurs at night, and other triggers for this type of cough include::

Inhaling irritants or allergens

Certain medications

Food additives

Exercise

Extreme weather, such as very cold air or hot and humid air

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux happens when acid flows backward from your stomach into your esophagus. It is medically known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Symptoms of GER can occur in anyone occasionally, but severe or long-lasting GER is called gastroesophageal reflux disease—commonly known as GERD. About 20% of people in the United States live with GERD.

A similar condition to GER and GERD is laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), which occurs when acid backs up into your esophagus and in your voice box (larynx). Both GERD and LPR can cause dry cough because the stomach acid that flows back into your throat can irritate the lining of your esophagus. This can trigger coughing. Other symptoms of GERD and LPR can cause you to cough, including:

Stomach contents flowing back into the throat (known as regurgitation or microaspiration)

The sensation that something is stuck in your throat

Burning or sore throat

Trouble breathing or swallowing

Hoarse voice

Respiratory Infections

A dry cough that is particularly hard to shake can be a symptom of respiratory tract infections.

Upper respiratory infections are usually caused by viruses like COVID-19, the common cold, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Lower respiratory infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria, which tend to be more serious. Pneumonia and bronchitis are examples of lower respiratory infections. COVID-19 can also spread to the lower tract in some cases.

During the active infection, your cough may be wet. You may also have other symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and sore throat. However, a dry cough can linger for several weeks after the infection passes. This is called a postinfectious cough.

Pertussis (whooping cough) is another respiratory infection that can cause extreme coughing. The main symptom is severe coughing fits that sometimes end with a "whoop" sound. These coughing episodes can last up to three months and tend to worsen at night.

Lung Disease

A cough can also be a symptom of lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In COPD, the walls of your airways and the air sacs in your lungs are damaged. This reduces your ability to take in air when you breathe. Oftentimes, a COPD-related cough is dry but sometimes can be wet. Shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms that occurs alongside coughing.

Smoking is the primary risk factor for COPD, but high exposure to other toxins in the air can raise your chances of developing COPD. These toxins include secondhand smoke, chemical fumes, and air pollution.

Poor Air Quality

Even if you do not develop lung disease, exposure to pollutants or irritants in the air around you can lead to a dry cough. For example, living in a large city with high levels of air pollution or inhaling secondhand smoke can trigger a cough. This is because the irritants in the air trigger inflammation in the airways. People with asthma are especially prone to these irritants.

Less Common Causes

There are a number of other possible causes of acute or chronic dry cough, including:

Non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis (NAEB): A condition that causes inflammation in the respiratory tract and dry cough but not other asthma symptoms, like wheezing and chest tightness

Certain medications: Prescription drugs such as ACE inhibitors can cause dry cough as a side effect

Lung cancer: While cancer is not a common cause of dry cough, more than half of people with lung cancer experience chronic cough

Heart problems: Heart failure can lead to pulmonary edema, which causes too much fluid to build up in your lungs and creates swelling in the airways to trigger coughing

Unknown causes: Sometimes, people live with a chronic cough with no discernible cause, which healthcare providers call chronic idiopathic cough, chronic refractory cough, or cough hypersensitivity syndrome

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

A dry cough is usually not a cause for concern, and an acute (short-term) cough usually goes away on its own. However, if your cough is severe, produces mucus or blood, or lasts longer than two weeks, contact your healthcare provider. You may also want to contact your provider immediately if your cough occurs alongside symptoms like trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling in your legs, or fever. They can help you understand the cause of your cough and recommend treatment options.

A primary healthcare provider, allergist, or pulmonologist (lung specialist) can diagnose the cause of a dry cough. Your provider will likely also perform tests to determine why you are coughing, such as:

Physical exam to listen to your lungs, check your vital signs, and look at your ears, nose, and throat

Chest imaging, such as an X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan

Lung function tests such as spirometry

Barium swallow test to assess for GERD

Blood tests

Treatment

If your dry cough requires treatment, the goal of treatment is to target the underlying cause of your coughing. Generally, medications are available to help manage the symptoms of many conditions that can cause a dry cough, including:

Environmental allergies: Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines or allergy shots (immunotherapy)

Asthma and COPD: Inhaled corticosteroids or fast-acting bronchodilators to open the airways

GERD or LPR: Antacids, H2 blockers, and proton-pump inhibitors

Respiratory infections: Antibiotics (for bacterial infections), antivirals (for viral infections, or over-the-counter cold medicines

A range of lifestyle changes can also improve symptoms. If you smoke tobacco, your healthcare provider will encourage you to quit smoking, as smoke can significantly affect your breathing and the health of your airways. Other remedies like sucking on cough drops and using a humidifier in your home can also improve your coughing.

Prevention

While coughing is a symptom that everyone experiences at least once, there are several things you can do to prevent a dry cough or reduce the severity of your symptoms. The exact prevention strategy will depend on the underlying cause of your cough. Consider the following strategies:

Treat underlying health conditions, including GERD and asthma, as your healthcare provider prescribes

Take recommended OTC medications for environmental allergies and acid reflux

Get vaccinated for respiratory infections such as COVID-19, RSV, and the flu

Limit acidic, spicy, and fatty foods, and avoid caffeine and alcohol if you have GERD

Avoid triggers like environmental toxins or secondhand smoke if you have asthma or lung disease

Close the windows and stay inside (if possible) if pollen levels are too high to prevent allergy attacks

Complications

Each cause of a dry cough can lead to its own set of complications. The following complications may especially arise if you don't receive treatment for an underlying condition:

GERD and LPR can damage tooth enamel and vocal cords, leading to inflammation, sores, and bleeding in your esophagus. It can also cause trouble swallowing.

Asthma can reduce lung function and disrupt sleep.

Respiratory infections can worsen conditions like asthma and COPD. They can cause more serious infections like pneumonia and spread to other organs, which can become life-threatening.

A severe dry cough itself also can cause complications, such as:

A Quick Review

Common causes of dry cough include allergies, asthma, acid reflux, and respiratory infections like the common cold and COVID-19. Environmental factors like smoke or pollution can also trigger a dry cough.

Coughing helps protect your lungs by pushing out irritants, but frequent coughing can indicate a health issue that needs treatment. Home remedies and medications can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

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