Irritation of the lining tissues of the throat and airways trigger nerve cells that stimulate a cough response. Infections of the upper respiratory tract, from the nose through the upper airways, are frequent causes of dry cough. Dry cough may also signal the development of lung cancer. Accurate diagnosis remains a cornerstone for appropriate medical management of dry cough.
Common Cold
Dry cough remains a frequent symptom of the common cold, as known as an upper respiratory infection. Other symptoms include runny nose, sneezing and a sore or scratchy throat. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases relates that at least 200 different viruses cause the common cold by infecting the tissues of the nose and throat.
Influenza
Influenza viruses cause seasonal flu, an infectious illness characterized by fever, head and body aches, fatigue, sore throat and dry cough. Influenza viruses types A and B circulate during flu season, which typically begins in late fall and ebbs in the spring. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cautions that the sudden onset of phlegm production during a case of the flu may indicate the development of pneumonia, a common complication of influenza.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinus tissues, frequently occurs after a common cold. Viruses or bacteria may infect and inflame the tissues causing obstruction in the normal flow of sinus mucus. Symptoms include facial pressure, headache, bad breath and nasal stuffiness. A post-nasal drip--mucus flow down the back of the throat--frequently occurs with sinusitis. This flow often irritates the throat causing a persistent dry cough. The American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery notes that an estimated 37 million cases of sinusitis occur in the United States each year.
Tracheitis
A bacterial infection of the airway leading to the lungs, the trachea, may cause intense bouts of deep, dry coughing. The infection, known as tracheitis, most commonly affects young children, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other symptoms of tracheitis include high fever, airway noise with breathing and shortness of breath. Marked swelling of the trachea can lead to significant airway obstruction. Tracheitis is a medical emergency.
Croup
Viral infection and associated swelling of the voice box and adjoining tissues characterizes the illness croup. Information provided by the University of Virginia Health System notes that croup most commonly affects infants and children younger than age 5. Symptoms include runny nose, fever and the development of a dry, barking cough. Laryngitis and airway noise with breathing may also occur. Although many children recover without medical therapy, health care providers may prescribe treatment for children with significant swelling.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer may present with a persistent cough, notes the National Cancer Institute. Growth of a tumor in the airway may cause irritation, triggering a chronic dry cough. The American Cancer Society reports that in 2009, more than 219,400 women and men in the United States were diagnosed with lung cancer.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Common Cold and Runny Nose
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Common Cold, Overview
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Key Facts About Seasonal Influenza
- American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery: Sinusitis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Tracheitis
