Dealing with a cough is never fun, but it’s become especially concerning since the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a problem you’ll want to solve right away, because a cough means you get side looks when you go out in public.
However, a cough can linger far beyond the initial illness, raising many questions about why it persists and how to finally get rid of it. Know: A persistent cough is annoying, but it’s a problem that many people deal with after recovering from an illness. “About 1 in 4 people who get a cold or other respiratory infection will experience a persistent cough.” Aline M. Holmesan associate professor at Rutgers University’s School of Nursing told Yahoo Life.
Here’s what you need to know about why your cough persists and when you should see a doctor.
Why does my cough persist?
Respiratory illnesses usually have what is known in the medical community as an “acute” phase, or what most people think of as an infection itself. Dr. Thomas Russo, A professor and infectious disease expert at the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, New York, told Yahoo Life. He explains that this is why the disease then goes through periods of decline and recovery, and slowly gets better. In many cases, recovery does not magically occur once the acute phase of the illness is over. Getting back to baseline takes time, Russo says. If you continue to cough even after you feel better, it may simply be “residual inflammation” while the damaged airway tissue heals from the infection, she explains.
“Coughing is protective. Coughing removes irritants from the lungs and protects the airways.” Dr. Jonathan Parsons, A pulmonologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center told Yahoo Life. However, residual inflammation “is not necessarily a sign that the infection is progressing or persisting,” Parsons said.
Postnasal drip can cause a lingering cough even after the acute phase of the illness is over, Holmes said. “If you have postnasal drip, that runny nose can be very irritating to your throat,” she says. “This is a result of your body still working to clear mucus from your lungs and upper airways, which can take some time even if your body is fine.”
Holmes said the condition tends to be worse at night because lying down allows mucus to flow down the back of the throat and into the lungs, prompting coughing. “It makes it difficult to rest,” she says.
How can I get rid of a cough quickly?
Unfortunately, a persistent cough can last for a long time. “Patients often begin to feel better seven to 10 days after an acute upper respiratory tract infection, but the cough can last quite a while,” Parsons says. “Often in these scenarios, a prolonged cough can last for three to four weeks.”
If you’re experiencing discomfort and dealing with postnasal drip, Holmes suggests using a combination of expectorants and over-the-counter medications, such as: Guaifenesin. “These work by thinning the mucus in your airways, making it easier to cough,” she says.
You can also try honey. “Honey has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties,” Holmes says. “Many people love using hot tea with honey or using a humidifier.”
If you don’t have postnasal drip and you think your cough is due to persistent inflammation, Dr. Holmes recommends using an over-the-counter antihistamine.
When to talk to your doctor about a persistent cough
Again, it is common to deal with a lingering cough for up to a month after recovering from the initial illness. However, Parsons recommends contacting your health care provider if you experience more severe symptoms, such as fever, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
That said, if you’re concerned, if your cough is affecting your quality of life, or if it lasts for more than a few weeks, it’s okay to talk to your health care provider, Holmes says. “You should also talk to your GP if you have a history of respiratory conditions such as asthma,” she says. “They may want to rule out worsening medical problems.”
Keep this in mind, says Parsons. “In most cases, the cough will go away on its own and eventually go away on its own.”