Coughing is a reflex action by our body to get rid of any foreign particles irritating the throat and the upper airway. Mucus produced in the airways also needs to be removed by coughing. Often, viral infections cause inflammation and increase mucus production. Common cold is a viral infection that is accompanied by cough. Many viral infections cause productive as well as dry cough. The acid produced in the stomach regurgitates and irritates the throat causing the cough. Treatment with antacids or home remedy for acidity relieves this cough.

Chronic airways obstructive disease is another disease causing cough with breathlessness. In this case, treatment under medical supervision is advised. Along with cough, viral infections may cause fever and sneezing, too. Most viral infections are self-limiting and so do not need any treatment. In the treatment of these infections only symptomatic relief from fever and sneezing is targeted and no antibiotic is prescribed. In many cases, dry cough due to viral infection lasts long and gets severe at night. Treatment with antibiotics in viral infections is totally unnecessary as it does not alter the outcome of the disease. Some medicines used for the treatment of hypertension may also trigger dry cough.
 

In sinusitis, mucus drained from sinuses trickles to nose and throat causing cough. This condition needs treatment with antibiotics. Viral infection of the lung causing pneumonia is also accompanied by cough.  Dry cough caused due to these viral infections is easily managed by home remedies.

Honey is a wonderful home remedy to soothe the throat and alleviate cough. Ocimum sanctum (holy basil) herb is very effective in treating viral infections. The juice of this herb is mixed with honey and licked to soothe the throat. Turmeric is another herb effective in viral infections. Turmeric powder mixed in honey is an excellent remedy for cough due to viral infections. Putting saline drops in the nasal cavity clears the throat and is a simple home remedy. Gargling with lukewarm saline water also helps in soothing the throat and proves to be a good home remedy for cough. Irritants and mucus get removed from the throat by this home remedy. Chewing rock candy is another home remedy for irritating throat and cough. Ginger is another effective home remedy for cough, sore throat, and fever. Ginger juice mixed with honey is commonly used as a home remedy in India. One should avoid self-treatment with over-the-counter medicines for viral cough.