Nicole,
I have had that dry cough before and I know how horrible it is. Virtually every sinus infection gives me that type of cough. I cough for hours and it is totally non-productive. I usually have a little blood too from all of the irritation.
I'll tell you what helps me....maybe it will help you too.
1) extra salty pretzels - When I munch on these, the tickle subsides. All of the salt breaks up the congestion. Weirdly, gargling salt doesn't do the same thing for me.
2) onions - Eat raw onion pieces throughout the day. They always make me productive when my cough is dry. I store chopped onions in the freezer and take out a few pieces here and there. They are easier to tolerate (for me) when they are cold/frozen.
3) boil some water in a cup, lean over it, throw a towel over your head, and inhale the steam. This also breaks up congestion.
4) haven't tried this, but have read alot about cayenne pepper stopping bleeding. I think you can dissolve it in water and take sips of it. You would need to google this one further.
5) This has worked for me at night before. Rub Vick's vapor rub on your FEET and put socks on. Weird, but when you're desperate, you'll try anything! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
Hope some of these help.