Dry coughing produces little or no mucus. A persistent dry cough usually occurs because of irritation in the throat. There are many causes of a chronic dry cough. Not all of them occur because of serious underlying conditions. People concerned about a dry cough that doesn't go away should consult with a doctor.
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is a severe and chronic form of heartburn. Stomach acid backs up into the lower esophagus to cause a burning sensation in the chest and the throat. The action irritates nerve receptors and leads to a persistent dry cough, according to PDRhealth, the Physicians' Desk Reference website. Sometimes particles of acid are inhaled into the lungs that cause a cough to expel the acid substances.
Asthma
Asthma is a common cause of dry cough, according to Health911.com. The airways may become clogged with mucus to cause the coughing. Asthma usually has several symptoms, but some people with mild asthma may have coughing as the only symptom.
Smoking
Cigarette smoking irritates the lungs. The lungs get rid of the irritants through coughing. Smoking destroys cilia, which protect the airways from harmful materials, so coughing results. People who smoke often have chronic or smoker's cough. Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer, but symptoms of lung cancer usually include mucus.
Congestive Heart Failure
Dry, persistent coughing may indicate congestive heart failure, especially if the cough gets worse at night, PDRhealth says. The heart is unable to pump blood to other organs during congestive heart failure, which may cause congestion.
Medications
ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers may cause a chronic dry cough. These medications are prescribed for high blood pressure. The coughing is a common side effect, according to DailyStrength.
Allergies
Post-nasal drip from allergies is a common cause of dry coughing, DailyStrength says. Mucus drips down the back of the throat leading to chronic cough.
Temperature Changes
Air conditioning or heating systems can cause a rapid change in the temperature and humidity when entering a building. The climate-controlled systems can dry respiratory membranes in the body to trigger dry coughing, according to Health911.com. Pollution can also produce dry coughing.
Sore Throat
People getting over a bout with sore throats may experience persistent dry coughing.
Tuberculosis
Dry coughing is one of the symptoms of tuberculosis. However, the coughing eventually produces coughing with mucus stained with blood.
Emotions
Coughing may sometimes be the result of stress, nervousness or psychological reasons, PDRhealth says. Coughing from stress usually disappears at night. Some people cough out of habit or for emotional reason with no known physical cause.
