A dry cough is a cough where no phlegm or mucus (called non-productive) is formed. A dry cough is unpleasant and typically associated with a tick throat. Dry coughs are mostly caused by infectious infections such as colds and measles, but can often be caused by asthma or irritants to the lungs.

A dry cough is a cough where no phlegm or mucus (called non-productive) is formed. A dry cough is unpleasant and typically associated with a tick throat. Dry coughs are mostly caused by infectious infections such as colds and measles, but can often be caused by asthma or irritants to the lungs.

Cough is a reflex response to clean the airways from mucus and irritants such as pollen or smoke. It's always a sign of something serious. A "dry cough" means that it is thick and does not contain any phlegm (thick mucus). "Chesty cough" means the phlegm is created to help clear the airways.