Viral infections we know as the common cold and flu. These coughs may occur at the start of the illness or more likely, appear towards the middle or the end of the infection, and may linger long after other symptoms have disappeared
Allergies can also lead to a dry cough. Hayfever, an allergy to grass and tree pollen, causes irritation to the eyes and nose and when the throat is affected, a cough results. If you are unsure about whether or not your dry cough is hayfever-related, you could try taking our quick test to find out. Sensitivity to other particles such as animal fur, known as allergic rhinitis, can also lead to the same symptom
Air pollutants can irritate the back of the throat causing a cough. This is the situation seen when non-smokers enter a smoky room
Acid reflux is now accepted as a cause of dry coughs. What happens is that the acidic contents of the stomach travels upwards to the back of the throat. Minute amounts of acid may then enter the upper respiratory tract, causing inflammation and coughing. This is more likely when one is lying down flat. Acid reflux is a prominent element of GORD or GERD (Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease).