For some of us, getting a simple cold or the flu brings about a lingering cough, even after we have beaten the virus. It is annoying to say the least, and many believe that you still have the virus and can contaminate them. According to Dr. Nicole M. Tyler, internal medicine specialist at Cedars Sinai Medical Group in LA, “ A cough can linger longer than other symptoms because the immune system is still trying to get the airways back to normal.” so you may notice a cough persistently hanging around for weeks even as other symptoms of the cold have disappeared.
That lingering and annoying cough can also be triggered by postnasal drip. It could bother you for a couple of weeks, but if it goes on longer than that, you had better seek medical attention. It could be gastric reflux, allergies, or even asthma. Not to mention the COVID – 19 contagion. But for a persistent cough after the flu or a cold, the doctor has outlined ways to address it.
Preventing a persistent cough
Sleep. We know that ample sleep is almost like a cure-all for our body and mind. Particularly when you are sick…rest gives your immune system time to put up a fight. According to Dr. Tyler, “ Resting can help reduce the overall duration of symptoms.” Should a cough keep you from sleep, prop your head up with extra pillows, this will help open up air passages and prevent mucus buildup in your throat, making you breathe easier. Don’t undermine the importance of enough rest.
Avoid irritants in the air you breathe. It goes without saying that when you have a cough, it may be caused by some irritants in the air around you. Smoke, strong perfume and scents, or something you are allergic to, like pollen, dust, and other particles. Having an air purifier will eradicate these irritating particles. You may also want to rely on a humidifier, as it can add moisture to dry air, and make you breathe easier. It is a worthwhile investment, whether you have a cough or not.
Steam up. If you realize that a hot shower is soothing especially when you are sick, it’s because humidity caused by the steam clears up the air and moisturizes nasal passages. This makes for a more relaxed breathing. A vaporizer or steam device boosted with essential oils such as eucalyptus, menthol, and the like, will work wonders for a cough or clogged nasal passages. The oils have antiviral and antimicrobial properties, which will help you breathe better. Even a pail of steaming, boiled water will help if you don’t have a vaporizer.
Do try some honey. Most of us love the taste of honey, but it’s not just about taste. Warm tea with honey can help with a scratchy throat, honey has antibacterial properties. The warm tea will break up mucus in the chest and sinuses as well. But even a spoonful of honey may ease coughing by itself. It can be as effective as OTC cough suppressants that use dextromethorphan. And honey is natural, and natural remedies are really better for our bodies.
Cough meds. Truth be told, when you really can’t stop coughing, cough suppressants and expectorants will provide some relief. If not, ask your doctor, and they may prescribe something stronger. But these meds should only be consumed for at most one week. Not only do they become less effective, but you don’t want to get any side effects (if any).
Protect yourself. The best is really to avoid getting sick in the first place. Especially with the coronavirus still around. Practice social distancing, always wash your hands…this should be a normal routine. You can also take up the habit of carrying lozenges around with you, no harm in it. Zinc or elderberry may also shorten a cold when taken when you feel you are about to get sick. Protect yourself at all costs, a simple cold can be annoying, so why risk getting one?
Anybody can get a cold, there really is no cure for it also. Some are worse than others, and at times, it depends on the general health of the individual. But certain lifestyles are more prone to catching the virus, so live a healthier lifestyle, and avoid getting that persistent cough.
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