15 Home Remedies for Dry Cough & Itchy Throat at Night
Coughing plays an essential role in eliminating bothersome and infectious elements in the body but can be very annoying. The best home remedies for dry cough, promoting wellness at home, depend on the underlying cause such as allergies, infections, and acid reflux.
When we lie down, mucus in the nose and throat begins to accumulate. We generally find it more comfortable to breathe through our nose unless oral breathing becomes the only option. However, when we do breathe through our mouths at night, the air dries and irritates the nerves in the back of the throat, triggering uncontrolled coughing. Understanding how to relieve an itchy throat at night by trying a home remedy for dry cough can help mitigate this issue and provide a more comfortable sleep. In addition to spending the night awake and feeling tired of “waking up” constantly, the back and neck pain can be unbearable. The dryness in the chest and throat can make even inhaling feel like a struggle. Do not despair, though! You can overcome night cough and sleep deeply by following these simple home remedies for dry cough at night or whenever needed.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, chronic cough affects about 10-20% of the general population, with most people experiencing a dry or slightly productive cough. It can be difficult to diagnose and manage because it has many potential causes.
Home Remedies for Dry Cough and Itchy Throat: Effective Natural Solutions
Here is a list of home remedies for dry cough you can try to overcome a dry cough or itchy throat at night:
1. Sleep Inclined
During sleep, mucus produced in the nose, chest, and throat can drain down and irritate the back of your throat, triggering a cough. This can be especially bothersome at night. If you've ever experienced a cough-free night's sleep, you know how annoying it can be. This is one of the home remedies for dry cough that works in such situations—just elevate your head a little while sleeping. You don't need to sit completely upright—simply prop yourself up with extra pillows. This itchy throat home remedy allows gravity to help drain mucus naturally, reducing throat irritation and nighttime coughing.
2. Take a Hot Bath
After a long day of sneezing, relaxation can be a big help. For even greater relief from mucus congestion in your nose and chest, consider taking a steam bath. This home remedy for dry cough involves inhaling slowly for a few minutes, then try coughing or blowing your nose gently to clear the excess mucus.
3. Gargle
A cheap and simple preventive procedure to relieve irritation and get rid of cough before it occurs involves using home remedies for itchy throat. If you add a little lemon or honey to the hot water, you will get the perfect home remedy for dry cough to soften and moisturize your throat, allowing you to swallow and breathe easily during the night.
4. Prepare the Room
You have dust and the last thing you want is to walk in the middle of the night looking for a glass of milk, candy, or sleeping pills. You need to rest, so it’s important to organize your room to be the perfect place to sleep. Keep everything on your bedside table: water, wipes, a varied drink to calm the cough if it happens in the middle of sleep and wakes you up, and remember to turn off all electronic devices. Trying such home remedies for itchy throat can also help ensure you have a restful night without interruptions.
5. Change Your Bed Covers
Dust mites and other allergens lie in your bed, waiting for the night to attack. When we feel congested, they increase the cough and make it difficult for us to breathe, which bothers our throat. Utilizing home remedies for itchy throat can help soothe these symptoms. It is important to change the covers at least once a week and wash them at a temperature of at least 60 degrees to kill bacteria, germs, and fluids that can interfere with your sleep. It is also desirable to dry them outdoors because sunlight is very effective in eliminating microorganisms. Remember to ventilate your room every day. Leaving fresh air for a few minutes is the easiest way to get rid of the germs that cause the soaking of the pillow and bed.
6. Chew Candy
They do not need to be a pharmacy; any pill or food that is absorbed can relieve throat irritation, especially if it contains refreshing ingredients such as eucalyptus or mint, common in home remedies for sore throat. Sweets provide immediate comfort and relief from the annoying cold symptoms: by sucking on them, we stimulate the production of saliva which helps to soothe a sore throat when swallowing and allows mucus to flow freely rather than getting stuck.
7. Monitor the Humidity Level
The humidifier helps you breathe better when you are busy because it prevents your throat from drying out during sleep. Ideally, this itchy throat home remedy works best when you keep the humidity levels in the room at 50% so that the air is not too humid and the room doesn’t become extremely cold. If you need to maintain a good moisture level, it is best to choose the right moisturizer for the room where you sleep.
8. Keep Yourself Hydrated
This itchy throat remedy suggests drinking plenty of fluids while keeping your throat moist. Staying hydrated is a simple yet effective dry throat home remedy which calms the cough reflex and helps hydrate the mucous membranes by reducing the sensation of irritation and sore throat.
9. Eat Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains a substance called theobromine whose consumption causes more effective cough inhibitors than common codeine syrup. This substance is also found in tea, which can help to prevent the cough, making it an effective itchy throat home remedy.
10. Avoid Caffeine Intake
Caffeine should be avoided as it can make your throat drier and also keep you awake at night, which can hinder the effectiveness of any home remedy for dry cough.
11. Do Thyme Inhalations
Pour boiling water into a bowl and add 5 drops of thyme or eucalyptus oil to it. Place your face towards the bowl and cover your head with a towel. Take a deep breath for a few minutes. This method serves as an effective itchy throat home remedy.
12. Thyme Drink
You can also drink boiled thyme (boil a teaspoon of the plant in a glass of water for 5 minutes and drink it before it gets too cold) as a remedy for how to relieve an itchy throat at night.
13. Ginger Drink
Another home remedy for dry cough at night or any time of the day is boiling the ginger root (cut half a centimeter from its root per glass of water and simmer it). This soothing concoction is one of the popular home remedies for cough, helping to loosen mucus and ease irritation.
How to Prevent and Manage Dry Cough and Itchy Throat
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day keeps your throat moist and reduces irritation.
- Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air will help keep your throat from drying out, particularly in the winter.
- Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoking, strong scents, and allergens that can cause coughing.
- Elevate Your Head: Sleeping with an additional pillow will help lessen throat irritation and prevent mucus from accumulating.
Integrating Home Remedies into Your Wellness Routine
Incorporating home remedies into your wellness practice requires consistency and focus. Begin by integrating them into your everyday routine, such as drinking herbal teas before bedtime or sleeping with a humidifier. Keep these remedies handy so they become a natural part of your routine. For example, have a bottle of honey on your nightstand and essential oils near your bed. The idea is to be proactive rather than reactive, ensuring that symptoms are not only treated but also prevented. By doing so, you promote long-term respiratory health.
When Should You See a Doctor for Dry Cough and Itchy Throat?
Not all cases of dry cough and itchy throat require medical attention, especially if the symptoms are mild. However, you should consult a doctor if:
- Your cough persists for more than three weeks.
- You cough up blood or have thick, greenish-yellow phlegm.
- You experience shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest pain.
- You have a high fever that doesn't go down with over-the-counter medication.
- Your dry cough and itchy throat are accompanied by unexplained weight loss.
- You experience persistent fatigue or weakness.
- The symptoms significantly interfere with your daily activities or sleep.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. How do I stop my throat from itching and coughing at night?
Stay hydrated, use a humidifier, and elevate your head. These simple actions will help calm your throat and relieve nighttime coughing.
Q. How to cure dry cough and itchy throat?
Staying hydrated and keeping your environment humid can help relieve discomfort. Integrate these into your everyday routine for longer-term relief.
Q. Why is my throat itchy and making me dry cough?
Irritants such as dry air, allergies, and even mild diseases can irritate the throat, resulting in an uncomfortable dry cough.
Q. What kills throat bacteria fast?
Gargling with warm salt water can help destroy bacteria and relieve throat discomfort, providing immediate relief.
Written and Edited By:
Admin, First Response Healthcare
Medically Reviewed By:
Medical Director at First Response Healthcare