Why do I have a dry cough and runny nose?
The common cold: A wet cough with a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, low-grade fever (below 101.5°F), and postnasal drip (mucus running down the back of the throat). Cause: Any of more than 200 contagious viruses; most common is rhinovirus with more than 100 distinct types!
Can a sinus infection cause a dry cough?
When the mucus drips into the throat, it can trigger a cough. Although this cough is often productive, it can sometimes also be dry. Postnasal drip often occurs with a sinus infection or due to a nasal allergy, such as hay fever.
What causes a dry cough with a sore throat?
Nose and throat infections cause irritation to those areas and produce a hacking dry cough with sore throat. These types of cough are often seen in flu or cold. Sometimes a cough can start off dry but eventually turn wet.
How can I tell if I have a dry cough?
A dry cough doesn’t produce phlegm. It usually starts at the back of the throat and produces a barking or coarse sound. A dry cough does not clear your airways so sufferers often describe it as an unsatisfactory cough. Nose and throat infections cause irritation to those areas and produce a hacking dry cough with sore throat.
What are the causes of a dry hacking cough?
Chronic dry coughs are usually caused by irritation from cigarette smoke, environmental irritants, allergies, postnasal drip, or asthma. Several chronic lung diseases also cause a dry, hacking cough. Some people cough out of habit for no clear reason.
Is stuffy/runny nose a symptom?
A stuffy or congested nose occurs when the tissues lining it become swollen. The swelling is due to inflamed blood vessels. The problem may also include nasal discharge or “runny nose.” If excess mucus runs down the back of your throat (postnasal drip), it may cause a cough or sore throat. The congestion typically goes away by itself within a week.
Can dry cough be allergies?
In short, yes. Usually, allergies create dry coughs (it’s a direct reaction to something you’re sensitive or allergic to in the airways). If that’s the case, you’ll likely have other symptoms (think: itchy, watery eyes; a runny nose; an itchy throat; and sneezing, says Dr. Lee).
