A dry cough is a common reflex action to clear the breathing passages and airways. A dry cough refers to a cough free from mucus or phlegm which occurs when a person comes in contact with micro-organisms, bacteria, or any other foreign body particles. A dry cough is annoying and troublesome and makes a person restless. It also causes difficulty in breathing and sleeping. A dry cough is very common in children and sensitive people. The most common cause of a dry cough is viral infections like the common cold and flu. In some persons, a dry cough occurs in a continuous spasm, making the person anxious. A dry cough may be the result of overexertion or a psychological condition. Sometimes, people develop a habit of coughing, especially under stress or even without any stress. A dry cough may also occur due to gastroesophageal reflux along with vomiting.
Homeopathic treatment for a dry cough works at a dynamic level and treats a person as a whole. The advantage of homeopathic medicines is that they stop the recurring tendency of the disease process. These medicines are made up of natural substances and are very safe. Other conventional treatments distort the body’s natural healing processes and make the body dull. In homeopathy, the body’s restorative processes are used to bring it back to health. These medicines do not cause any side effects or slow down body processes.
Homeopathic Treatment for a Dry Cough
Top grade homeopathic medicines for a cough that is dry are Bryonia, Drosera, and Stannum Metallicum. Bryonia acts well for a dry, hacking cough with a sharp pain in the sides of the chest. Drosera is a well indicated homeopathic medicine for a dry cough which is prolonged and continuous and is accompanied by a violent tickling in the larynx. Stannum Metallicum is very effective in cases of a dry cough when a person cannot do anything without coughing.
1. For a Dry Cough which Occurs in Spasms
Very effective medicines for a dry cough which occurs in spasms, or a spasmodic dry cough, are Cocculus Indicus and Antimonium Crudum. Cocculus Indicus is a very helpful remedy for a dry cough which is spasmodic, especially in anemic or hysterical women. A dry cough in paroxysms with a burning sensation in the chest is treated well with Antimonium Crudum.
2. For a Dry Cough in Children
The most effective medicines for a dry cough in children are Chamomilla, Senega, and Squilla. Chamomilla works well in children who have a dry cough with hoarseness and irritability. Chamomilla is also beneficial in cases in children where the highlighting symptom is a cough provoked by anger. Senega is another beneficial medicine for a dry cough with pain in parts of the chest. It is best suited for fat and chubby children. Squilla works well for a dry cough in children where the child rubs his face with the fist while coughing.
3. For a Dry Cough, Especially at Night
Beneficial medicines for a dry cough occurring at night are Arsenic Album and Nux Vomica. Arsenic Album acts well for a dry cough that gets worse after midnight, and from lying on the back. A dry cough with great exhaustion, anemia, and nervous irritability is treated well with Arsenic Album. Cases of a bursting headache with a dry cough at night, which prevents sleep, is addressed well by Nux Vomica.
4. For a Dry Cough in Cold Weather
Very effective medicines for a dry cough in cold weather are Baryta Carbonica and Dulcamara. Baryta Carbonica acts well when a person gets a dry cough after exposure to cold air. A dry cough, which usually starts after getting the feet wet, is treated well with Baryta Carbonica. Dulcamara is an excellent remedy for a dry cough, primarily occurring in cold, wet weather.
5. For a Continuous Dry Cough
Beneficial medicines for a constant dry cough are China, Drosera, and Ignatia. China acts well for a dry cough which occurs continuously, right after eating or laughing. Drosera is an excellent medicine for prolonged and incessant dry cough attacks. Dry cough attacks follow each other very rapidly, and the person has difficulty in breathing. Ignatia is of help in a dry cough which comes in quick successive shocks. Coughing fits which increase the desire to cough are treated effectively with Ignatia.
6. For a Dry Cough which Comes on After Exertion
Suitable medicines for a dry cough which comes on after exertion are Phosphorus and Stannum Metallicum. Phosphorus is useful in a dry cough arising from reading aloud, talking, or laughing. A dry cough with a bursting pain in the head is treated well with Phosphorus. Stannum Metallicum acts well for cases of a dry cough which is a result of short breaths from any little exertion. The person cannot do anything without coughing.
7. for a Dry Cough with Difficulty in Breathing
The most effective medicines for a dry cough with difficulty in breathing are Spongia and Agaricus Muscarius. Spongia is very useful in a dry cough with marked suffocation. The person suffers from a dry cough and feels as if he is breathing through a sponge. Agaricus Muscarius is an excellent medicine for a dry cough with dyspnoea. Cases, where the patient has to sit up while coughing or gets breathless, are treated well with Agaricus Muscarius.
8. For a Dry Cough Accompanied by Vomiting
The most effective medicines for a dry cough accompanied by vomiting are Drosera and Kali Carbonicum. Drosera acts well for a dry cough followed by retching and vomiting. Kali Carbonicum is very useful for a dry cough that occurs in spasms along with gagging or vomiting of food, drink, and sour phlegm. A dry cough which gets worse after eating or drinking is treated well with Kali Carbonicum.