Hi all, thanks for the replies...

I have had asthma occasionally when my hayfever is "extra-bad"
And as a child I suffered bronchitis every winter

This is different

Thanks Dianyla, I will look out for this combination of tea at the supermarket - don't recognise "yogi tea" as a brand name over here.

Corsair, this doesn't seem to be affected by hot or cold, wet or dry days... it seems to hook straight into the exertion I expend... I have tried cycling with my mouth covered, but just feel hot and claustrophobic...

There is nothing in my throat... nothing "coughs" itself up and there is no sensation of anything but 'dry'... I guess that is because it is described as a graze - i guess further breathing (as i hope I continue to do even after I have finished exercise ) must irritate, kind've like that dry hacking cough you get at night with the flu... but nothing seems to work as far as lozenges go...

Will persevere with warm drinks...

Good to know I'm not alone, though I would not wish this on any, it is such a nuisance...