How long does a cough from the flu typically last. What are the common causes of a persistent cough after viral infections. How can you differentiate between a post-viral cough and other underlying conditions. What are the most effective treatments for lingering coughs after flu or colds.

Understanding Post-Viral Cough: A Lingering Symptom After Flu

A post-viral cough, also known as a post-infectious cough, is a common occurrence following viral respiratory infections such as the flu, common cold, or COVID-19. This persistent cough can be frustrating for many individuals, as it often continues long after other symptoms have resolved. By definition, a post-viral cough lasts for 3-8 weeks after recovery from other symptoms of the initial infection.

Why does this cough persist? Experts believe several factors may contribute:

• Increased sensitivity of cough receptors in the body
• Temporary bronchial hyper-responsiveness
• Damage to the cells lining the airways during the initial infection
• Excess mucus production
• Possible nerve involvement, including inflammation due to the immune response

It’s important to note that while a post-viral cough typically resolves on its own, it can be quite bothersome and may impact daily activities. In some cases, it may persist for months, particularly after COVID-19 infection.

Common Respiratory Infections Leading to Post-Viral Cough

Various viral infections can trigger a lingering cough. These include:

• Influenza (flu)
• Common cold
• Bronchitis
• Croup
• Viral pneumonia
• Pharyngitis
• Bronchiolitis
• COVID-19

While not viral in nature, pertussis (whooping cough) can also lead to a persistent cough, classified as a post-infectious cough. It’s crucial to distinguish between these various causes to ensure proper treatment and management.

Distinguishing Post-Viral Cough from Underlying Medical Conditions

Sometimes, a lingering cough may not be solely due to a recent viral infection but could indicate an underlying medical condition. These conditions can either exacerbate a post-viral cough or mimic its symptoms. Some common culprits include:

Asthma

Asthma causes inflammation and sensitivity in the airways. When a person with asthma contracts the flu, the additional inflammation can trigger asthma attacks or worsen existing symptoms. Symptoms of asthma include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath

Laryngeal Pharyngeal Reflux (LPR)

LPR involves stomach acid traveling up through the esophagus and into the throat. This can irritate and inflame the vocal cords, leading to a persistent cough. Other symptoms of LPR may include:

• Frequent throat clearing
• Hoarseness
• A feeling of something stuck in the throat

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Research suggests that OSA can cause a chronic cough, though the exact mechanism remains unclear. It may involve:

• Airway inflammation
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Cough reflex sensitivity

Symptoms of OSA include snoring, daytime fatigue, pauses in breathing during sleep, memory difficulties, irritability, headaches, and dry mouth.

Diagnosing and Treating Post-Viral Cough

If you’re experiencing a persistent cough after a viral infection, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. They will typically:

1. Perform a physical examination
2. Ask about recent infections and other symptoms
3. Possibly order a chest X-ray to rule out underlying conditions
4. Run tests on sputum samples to check for current infections

If other causes are ruled out, a diagnosis of post-viral cough may be made. While there is no specific treatment for this type of cough, several strategies can help manage symptoms:

• Over-the-counter cough suppressants
• Honey to soothe the throat
• Staying hydrated
• Using a humidifier to moisten the air
• Avoiding irritants like smoke or strong odors

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications such as inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators if they suspect underlying inflammation or airway reactivity.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Post-Viral Cough

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought increased attention to post-viral coughs. Unlike other respiratory infections, a cough following COVID-19 can persist for months in some individuals. This prolonged duration has led researchers to investigate potential mechanisms, including:

• Long-term inflammation in the airways
• Damage to lung tissue
• Neurological involvement affecting cough reflexes

As our understanding of COVID-19 and its long-term effects continues to evolve, management strategies for post-COVID cough may be refined. It’s crucial for individuals experiencing prolonged cough after COVID-19 to seek medical attention for proper evaluation and management.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Lingering Cough

While many post-viral coughs resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

• Coughing up blood
• Severe chest pain
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• High fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Cough lasting more than 8 weeks

These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition and should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare professional.

Preventing Post-Viral Cough and Respiratory Infections

While it’s not always possible to prevent a post-viral cough, you can take steps to reduce your risk of contracting respiratory infections in the first place:

• Practice good hand hygiene
• Get vaccinated against influenza and other preventable respiratory diseases
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and regular exercise
• Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick
• Wear a mask in crowded public spaces, especially during flu season

By reducing your chances of getting sick, you can also lower the likelihood of developing a post-viral cough.

The Role of Immune System in Post-Viral Cough

The immune system plays a crucial role in both fighting off viral infections and potentially contributing to the persistence of a post-viral cough. During a viral infection, the immune response can lead to inflammation in the airways. While this inflammation is necessary to combat the virus, it can also sensitize nerve endings in the respiratory tract, leading to an increased cough reflex.

In some cases, this heightened sensitivity can persist even after the virus has been cleared from the body, resulting in a lingering cough. Researchers are investigating whether certain individuals may have a genetic predisposition to developing post-viral coughs, possibly due to variations in their immune response or the way their nervous system interacts with the respiratory tract.

Understanding the intricate relationship between the immune system and post-viral cough could lead to more targeted treatments in the future. For now, supporting overall immune health through a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management may help reduce the severity and duration of post-viral coughs.

Exploring Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Post-Viral Cough

While conventional medical treatments are the primary approach for managing post-viral coughs, some individuals may be interested in exploring complementary or alternative therapies. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of these treatments can vary, and they should be used in consultation with a healthcare provider. Some alternative approaches that have shown promise in managing coughs include:

• Herbal remedies: Certain herbs like thyme, marshmallow root, and licorice root have traditionally been used to soothe coughs.
• Acupuncture: Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help reduce cough sensitivity and frequency.
• Aromatherapy: Essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint may help relieve congestion and ease coughing.
• Breathing exercises: Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing or pursed-lip breathing may help manage cough symptoms.
• Salt therapy: Inhaling salt-infused air in salt rooms or using salt inhalers is believed by some to help with respiratory issues.

While these alternative therapies may provide relief for some individuals, it’s crucial to remember that they should not replace conventional medical care. Always discuss any alternative treatments with your healthcare provider to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific situation.

The Psychological Impact of Persistent Post-Viral Cough

A lingering cough after a viral infection can have significant psychological effects on individuals, often overlooked in discussions about post-viral coughs. The persistent nature of the cough can lead to:

• Anxiety about underlying health conditions
• Frustration with the slow recovery process
• Sleep disturbances due to nighttime coughing
• Social embarrassment or isolation
• Decreased quality of life

These psychological impacts can, in turn, exacerbate the cough through increased stress and tension. It’s important for healthcare providers to address both the physical and psychological aspects of post-viral coughs. Strategies to manage the psychological impact may include:

• Patient education about the typical course of post-viral coughs
• Stress reduction techniques such as meditation or mindfulness
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy to address anxiety related to the cough
• Support groups or online communities for individuals experiencing similar issues

By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of post-viral coughs, healthcare providers can offer more comprehensive care and improve overall patient outcomes.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Post-Viral Cough Management

The field of post-viral cough research is continuously evolving, with new studies shedding light on potential mechanisms and treatment options. Some areas of current research include:

• Biomarkers: Identifying specific biomarkers that could predict which individuals are more likely to develop persistent coughs after viral infections.
• Neurogenic inflammation: Investigating the role of neurogenic inflammation in perpetuating cough reflexes after viral infections have cleared.
• Targeted therapies: Developing medications that specifically address the hypersensitivity of cough receptors without systemic side effects.
• Long COVID studies: Research into the long-term respiratory effects of COVID-19, including persistent coughs, which may provide insights applicable to other post-viral coughs.
• Microbiome influence: Exploring how changes in the respiratory microbiome during and after viral infections may contribute to lingering coughs.

As research progresses, we may see more personalized approaches to managing post-viral coughs, taking into account individual genetic factors, immune responses, and specific viral pathogens involved. This could lead to more effective treatments and better outcomes for those suffering from persistent coughs after viral infections.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated research into respiratory health and post-viral syndromes, which may have far-reaching implications for our understanding and treatment of post-viral coughs in general. As we continue to learn more about the complex interplay between viruses, the immune system, and respiratory health, we can hope for more targeted and effective interventions in the future.

Post-viral cough (cough after flu): Symptoms, causes, and more

A cough may linger following a virus such as a cold or the flu. After ruling out other issues, the doctor may diagnose a ‘postviral cough.’ Experts are unsure exactly why this happens, but there are a few possible causes.

By definition, a postinfectious cough is one that lingers after an upper respiratory tract infection for 3–8 weeks after recovery from other symptoms, according to scientists. A postviral cough refers specifically to a cough that persists after a viral infection.

However, a cough can persist for months after infection with COVID-19.

There is no specific treatment for this type of cough.

Here, learn more about a cough that continues after recovery from a viral infection such as the flu. We look into the causes, treatments, and when to see a doctor.

A cough may linger after a person has recovered from a viral infection. A doctor may call this a postinfectious or postviral cough.

According to a 2017 review, a postviral cough is one that lingers after recovery from a viral infection, such as a cold or flu. It typically disappears on its own after a few days, though it can last longer. If it continues for 3 weeks or more, a doctor will consider it persistent.

A 2016 review reports that postviral coughs sometimes last 3–8 weeks.

For more information and resources to help keep you and your loved ones healthy this flu season, visit our dedicated hub.

Was this helpful?

A cough may persist after recovery from a range of viral infections, and various underlying conditions can increase the risk.

Respiratory infections

Beyond the flu, the following infections can lead to a postviral cough:

• bronchitis
• the common cold
• croup
• viral pneumonia
• pharyngitis
• bronchiolitis
• COVID-19

A lingering cough can occur after pertussis or whooping cough. This is a postinfectious cough. However, the cause is bacterial, not viral.

Experts believe a postviral cough may stem from increased sensitivity of cough receptors in the body or temporary bronchial hyper-responsiveness. It may be linked to damage in the cells that line the airways during the initial infection.

Excess mucus production may also contribute.

In 2021, scientists investigating a postinfectious cough after COVID-19 suggested that nerve involvement — including nerve inflammation due to the inflammatory response — may result in cough hypersensitivity.

Other underlying medical conditions

Other health issues can cause a cough to linger after a person recovers from an infection.

In this case, the cough may be linked to the underlying condition and not the infection. In other words, it is not a postviral cough.

Asthma

Asthma causes the airways to become swollen and sensitive.

If a person with asthma develops the flu, there will be additional inflammation in the airways. This can trigger asthma attacks or worsen asthma symptoms.

People may not be aware that they have asthma. Because the symptoms can be very mild, it may be easy to mistake them for persistent effects of a respiratory infection, for example.

Other symptoms of asthma include:

• difficulty breathing
• chest tightness
• wheezing
• shortness of breath

Laryngeal pharyngeal reflux

Laryngeal pharyngeal reflux (LPR) involves acid from the stomach traveling up through the esophagus and into the throat.

The acid tends to irritate and inflame the vocal cords, and a cough is a common symptom of this issue, according to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.

A person with this reflux may find it hard to identify the cause of their cough, as LPR often begins after an upper respiratory illness, the Foundation reports.

Other symptoms of LPR may include:

• frequent throat clearing
• hoarseness
• a feeling that something is stuck in the throat

Obstructive sleep apnea

According to 2015 research, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can cause a chronic cough. The connection remains unclear. However, it may involve OSA causing:

• airway inflammation
• gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD
• cough reflex sensitivity

Symptoms of OSA include:

• snoring
• daytime fatigue
• pauses in breathing
• memory and concentration difficulties
• irritability
• headaches
• dry mouth

Anyone experiencing a persistent cough after a viral infection should consult a doctor.

The doctor may perform a physical examination and ask about other symptoms. The person should let the doctor know about any recent infections.

They may order an X-ray of the chest to look for signs of any underlying condition that could be causing the cough.

To check for any current infection, the doctor may run tests on a sample of sputum, the thick substance that the lungs create during an upper respiratory infection.

If the doctor has ruled out other possible underlying causes, they may diagnose postviral cough. This issue may last 3–8 weeks.

To help ease a cough at home, a person can try:

• drinking water, warm broths, and teas to stay hydrated
• drinking lemon and honey (not suitable before the age of 12 months)
• avoiding irritants such as pollen, smoke, and dust
• using a humidifier
• breathing in steam from a hot shower or bath to open the airways
• avoiding or quitting smoking
• practice abdominal breathing

To prevent a cough before speaking, try the following:

1. Relax the shoulders, jaw, and tongue.
2. Take a gentle slow breath in through the nose.
3. Breathe out through pursed lips.

If these techniques do not work, a doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Some that can relieve a postviral cough include:

• antihistamines
• decongestants
• cough suppressants
• ipratropium, a prescription inhaled medication that helps open the airway

In 2020, some researchers noted there was a lack of evidence to support any specific treatment. They are looking at whether corticosteroids may help by reducing inflammation.

As always, it is important to review any current medications with the doctor.

A postviral cough can clear within a few days or weeks without treatment. However, anyone with concerns about the cause of a cough should consult a healthcare professional.

It is also important to let a doctor know if treatments are not working. They may be able to recommend other options.

If a postviral cough lasts longer than 8 weeks, speak with the doctor, as there may be a different underlying cause.

Here are some questions people often ask about a postviral cough.

How long does a postviral cough last?

A postinfectious cough is one that lingers for 3–8 weeks after an upper respiratory tract infection. However, in people who have had a COVID-19 infection, a cough may persist for weeks or months.

Is postviral cough serious?

The cough itself is not usually dangerous. However, it can affect a person’s quality of life and overall well-being. It may also be a sign of other complications.

People with a long-term cough after COVID-19, for example, may have other symptoms of “long COVID.” An ongoing cough may also indicate another illness that needs attention, such as asthma or lung cancer.

Is a postviral cough contagious?

It is not possible to transmit a virus through a postviral cough. After a cold, for instance, a person may have a cough for several weeks. However, they can only pass it on for up to 2 weeks after the infection begins.

How do I get rid of a lingering cough?

There is no specific treatment for a postinfectious cough. Doctors may prescribe various drugs. However, there is little evidence that they are consistently effective. Home remedies include staying hydrated and using a humidifier.

A postviral cough is one that lingers after a person has recovered from a viral infection. It may last 3–8 weeks.

These coughs typically clear up on their own. However, treatments and home care techniques can help.

In some cases, an underlying health issue causes a chronic cough that may resemble a postviral cough. Viral infections can exacerbate the issue.

Seek medical advice if a cough lasts longer than 8 weeks, if the cause of a cough is unclear, or if a persistent cough is causing concern.

Post-viral cough (cough after flu): Symptoms, causes, and more

A cough may linger following a virus such as a cold or the flu. After ruling out other issues, the doctor may diagnose a ‘postviral cough.’ Experts are unsure exactly why this happens, but there are a few possible causes.

By definition, a postinfectious cough is one that lingers after an upper respiratory tract infection for 3–8 weeks after recovery from other symptoms, according to scientists. A postviral cough refers specifically to a cough that persists after a viral infection.

However, a cough can persist for months after infection with COVID-19.

There is no specific treatment for this type of cough.

Here, learn more about a cough that continues after recovery from a viral infection such as the flu. We look into the causes, treatments, and when to see a doctor.

A cough may linger after a person has recovered from a viral infection. A doctor may call this a postinfectious or postviral cough.

According to a 2017 review, a postviral cough is one that lingers after recovery from a viral infection, such as a cold or flu. It typically disappears on its own after a few days, though it can last longer. If it continues for 3 weeks or more, a doctor will consider it persistent.

A 2016 review reports that postviral coughs sometimes last 3–8 weeks.

For more information and resources to help keep you and your loved ones healthy this flu season, visit our dedicated hub.

Was this helpful?

A cough may persist after recovery from a range of viral infections, and various underlying conditions can increase the risk.

Respiratory infections

Beyond the flu, the following infections can lead to a postviral cough:

• bronchitis
• the common cold
• croup
• viral pneumonia
• pharyngitis
• bronchiolitis
• COVID-19

A lingering cough can occur after pertussis or whooping cough. This is a postinfectious cough. However, the cause is bacterial, not viral.

Experts believe a postviral cough may stem from increased sensitivity of cough receptors in the body or temporary bronchial hyper-responsiveness. It may be linked to damage in the cells that line the airways during the initial infection.

Excess mucus production may also contribute.

In 2021, scientists investigating a postinfectious cough after COVID-19 suggested that nerve involvement — including nerve inflammation due to the inflammatory response — may result in cough hypersensitivity.

Other underlying medical conditions

Other health issues can cause a cough to linger after a person recovers from an infection.

In this case, the cough may be linked to the underlying condition and not the infection. In other words, it is not a postviral cough.

Asthma

Asthma causes the airways to become swollen and sensitive.

If a person with asthma develops the flu, there will be additional inflammation in the airways. This can trigger asthma attacks or worsen asthma symptoms.

People may not be aware that they have asthma. Because the symptoms can be very mild, it may be easy to mistake them for persistent effects of a respiratory infection, for example.

Other symptoms of asthma include:

• difficulty breathing
• chest tightness
• wheezing
• shortness of breath

Laryngeal pharyngeal reflux

Laryngeal pharyngeal reflux (LPR) involves acid from the stomach traveling up through the esophagus and into the throat.

The acid tends to irritate and inflame the vocal cords, and a cough is a common symptom of this issue, according to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.

A person with this reflux may find it hard to identify the cause of their cough, as LPR often begins after an upper respiratory illness, the Foundation reports.

Other symptoms of LPR may include:

• frequent throat clearing
• hoarseness
• a feeling that something is stuck in the throat

Obstructive sleep apnea

According to 2015 research, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can cause a chronic cough. The connection remains unclear. However, it may involve OSA causing:

• airway inflammation
• gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD
• cough reflex sensitivity

Symptoms of OSA include:

• snoring
• daytime fatigue
• pauses in breathing
• memory and concentration difficulties
• irritability
• headaches
• dry mouth

Anyone experiencing a persistent cough after a viral infection should consult a doctor.

The doctor may perform a physical examination and ask about other symptoms. The person should let the doctor know about any recent infections.

They may order an X-ray of the chest to look for signs of any underlying condition that could be causing the cough.

To check for any current infection, the doctor may run tests on a sample of sputum, the thick substance that the lungs create during an upper respiratory infection.

If the doctor has ruled out other possible underlying causes, they may diagnose postviral cough. This issue may last 3–8 weeks.

To help ease a cough at home, a person can try:

• drinking water, warm broths, and teas to stay hydrated
• drinking lemon and honey (not suitable before the age of 12 months)
• avoiding irritants such as pollen, smoke, and dust
• using a humidifier
• breathing in steam from a hot shower or bath to open the airways
• avoiding or quitting smoking
• practice abdominal breathing

To prevent a cough before speaking, try the following:

1. Relax the shoulders, jaw, and tongue.
2. Take a gentle slow breath in through the nose.
3. Breathe out through pursed lips.

If these techniques do not work, a doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Some that can relieve a postviral cough include:

• antihistamines
• decongestants
• cough suppressants
• ipratropium, a prescription inhaled medication that helps open the airway

In 2020, some researchers noted there was a lack of evidence to support any specific treatment. They are looking at whether corticosteroids may help by reducing inflammation.

As always, it is important to review any current medications with the doctor.

A postviral cough can clear within a few days or weeks without treatment. However, anyone with concerns about the cause of a cough should consult a healthcare professional.

It is also important to let a doctor know if treatments are not working. They may be able to recommend other options.

If a postviral cough lasts longer than 8 weeks, speak with the doctor, as there may be a different underlying cause.

Here are some questions people often ask about a postviral cough.

How long does a postviral cough last?

A postinfectious cough is one that lingers for 3–8 weeks after an upper respiratory tract infection. However, in people who have had a COVID-19 infection, a cough may persist for weeks or months.

Is postviral cough serious?

The cough itself is not usually dangerous. However, it can affect a person’s quality of life and overall well-being. It may also be a sign of other complications.

People with a long-term cough after COVID-19, for example, may have other symptoms of “long COVID.” An ongoing cough may also indicate another illness that needs attention, such as asthma or lung cancer.

Is a postviral cough contagious?

It is not possible to transmit a virus through a postviral cough. After a cold, for instance, a person may have a cough for several weeks. However, they can only pass it on for up to 2 weeks after the infection begins.

How do I get rid of a lingering cough?

There is no specific treatment for a postinfectious cough. Doctors may prescribe various drugs. However, there is little evidence that they are consistently effective. Home remedies include staying hydrated and using a humidifier.

A postviral cough is one that lingers after a person has recovered from a viral infection. It may last 3–8 weeks.

These coughs typically clear up on their own. However, treatments and home care techniques can help.

In some cases, an underlying health issue causes a chronic cough that may resemble a postviral cough. Viral infections can exacerbate the issue.

Seek medical advice if a cough lasts longer than 8 weeks, if the cause of a cough is unclear, or if a persistent cough is causing concern.

how to get rid of and how to treat cough in adults with influenza and SARS

07/22/2022

3-5 minutes

27 396

Contents

• Causes of cough in colds
• Common misconceptions in the treatment of cough
• When should you see a doctor?
• How to get rid of a cough?

Influenza and SARS are currently the most common diseases in the world, affecting patients of all age groups. Annual epidemics affect up to 10% of the world’s population, and during pandemics, the number of cases increases by almost 5 times. Every year, about 50 million cases of infectious diseases are recorded in Russia, of which 9 are accounted for by ARVI and influenza.0%.

Coughing with colds and flu is common. This is a symptom that is often encountered in clinical medical practice. It is the fifth most common reason for outpatient visits.¹

Causes of cough in case of colds

Cold and flu viruses enter the human body through the nasal mucosa. Trying to cope with the infection, the immune system starts a number of processes. They are aimed at fighting the disease, but at the same time they can cause symptoms that reduce the quality of life of patients.

The cells of the nasal cavity begin to actively produce mucus in order to “wash away” the invading viruses. Runny nose develops. Mucus flows down the back wall of the pharynx, where the branches of the vagus, glossopharyngeal and trigeminal nerves pass. Their irritation leads to coughing. Inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract is also accompanied by symptoms such as cough and sore throat.

Influenza often damages the cell membranes that line the airways. This may be why flu coughs are more severe and longer lasting than common colds.

Common misconceptions in the treatment of cough

Despite the fact that cough is one of the most common symptoms, many people make serious mistakes in trying to cope with it. Let’s consider the most common of them.

Misconception #1: Cough needs antibiotics

Antibiotics kill bacteria but do not work on viruses. Meanwhile, coughing is most often caused by viral infections. Therefore, the appointment of antibacterial drugs in this case is not justified. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics if the patient has a bacterial infection.

Unjustified use of antibacterial agents can lead to serious consequences. The most dangerous among them is the emergence of “superbugs” resistant to antibiotics. This means that the treatment of various bacterial infections has become simply ineffective.

Therefore, it is worth remembering that a cough with a cold in an adult or a child is not a reason to prescribe antibiotics.³

Misconception No. 2: Hot drinks help to cope with a cough and cure an infection

This statement is only partly true. Warm liquids, such as broth or tea with honey, can help soothe your throat, reduce irritation, and ease a cough. The same can be said about hot steam inhalation. Moreover, this method must be used very carefully so as not to provoke a burn of the respiratory tract.

Misconception No. 3: Cough will sooner or later go away on its own

Indeed, in the case of seasonal infections, the cough often resolves on its own after 7-14 days, as the immune system copes with the virus. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes bacteria enter the body, weakened by the viral load, and bacterial complications develop. In this case, antibiotic treatment cannot be dispensed with.

Protracted or chronic cough may be a symptom of serious diseases that require treatment in a medical institution.

When should you see a doctor?

Sometimes a cough is not just a symptom of a cold. Its sudden appearance in an elderly person, especially in the presence of symptoms such as rapid breathing or impaired consciousness, may indicate the development of pneumonia. An acute cough accompanied by choking or chest pain is a symptom of airway obstruction (blockage). A sudden cough with blood may indicate the development of pulmonary embolism. All of these conditions require immediate medical attention.⁴

In general, all people with a cough should consult a doctor, especially if the following symptoms are present:

• heat;

• dyspnea;

• secretion of thick yellow or green sputum;

• increased sweating at night;

• unexplained weight loss.

The patient is in urgent need of medical attention if the cough is accompanied by:

shortness of breath;

excretion of blood;

sharp pain in the chest;

confusion or loss of consciousness.

A timely visit to a doctor helps to make a correct diagnosis, start treatment and prevent the development of serious complications.

How to get rid of cough?

How to get rid of a cough with a cold? Only a doctor can answer this question unequivocally after a thorough examination of the patient. In most cases, the treatment of cough with a cold is symptomatic and is aimed at alleviating the patient’s condition. As a rule, in this case, drugs are prescribed that facilitate sputum discharge or reduce the number and intensity of dry cough attacks. The treatment of cough for influenza is similar, but the doctor must also ensure that the patient does not develop complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or pleurisy.

Often, for colds, complex drugs are prescribed, such as Coldrex.⁵ It includes components that can help reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms:

• paracetamol may help reduce fever and bone pain;

• phenylephrine helps relieve nasal congestion;

• vitamin C may help to meet the increased need for vitamin C in colds and flu, especially in the initial stages of the disease;

• various forms of the drug are approved for use in children from 6 years of age and adults. ⁵

Choose your Coldrex

When asked whether it is worth fighting an unproductive cough at night, most doctors answer unequivocally: is worth .

Dry, exhausting cough at night with a cold is not helpful, does not clear the airways of irritants, leads to mucosal injury, which, in turn, increases inflammation and slows down recovery. Timely treatment with antitussive drugs helps to avoid a decrease in the patient’s quality of life and the development of complications.

Tags

Symptoms

References

1. Klyachkina I.L. Treatment of cough in acute respiratory infection and influenza in patients at risk // Farmateka. – 2010. – No. 5
2. Yella Hewings-Martin Flu and colds: Why do we cough?
3. Namazova-Baranova Leila Seymurovna, Baranov A. A. Antibiotic resistance in the modern world // PF. – 2017. -№5
4. S.I. Ovcharenko Cough: etiology, diagnosis, approaches to treatment // Pulmonology. – 2012
5. Instructions for Coldrex preparations – official website of Coldrex
6. O.V. Zaitseva Cough with ARVI and influenza: when to treat // Handbook of a polyclinic doctor. – 2015. – No. 1

Useful information

Coldrex against colds

No one expects a cold “to visit”: it always comes unexpectedly and can easily disrupt your plans.

Learn more

Colds: signs, symptoms and treatment

The unpleasant symptoms of a cold are familiar to everyone: nasal congestion, “itchy” throat and a feeling of weakness. They can easily spoil the mood and change important plans.

Learn more

Prevention of colds, flu and ARVI

Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) or the common cold, as we used to call them, are the most common diseases in our country.

Learn more

What to do at the first sign of a cold

Traditionally, a cold is an acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI), which has a mild course, often associated with the general hypothermia of the body.

Learn more

Colds without fever

The onset of the cold season means the arrival of the season of colds.

Learn more

Influenza: signs, symptoms and treatment

Influenza is an acute respiratory illness that can affect the upper and lower respiratory tract.

Learn more

If you have any questions

You can ask them through the feedback form

what to do and how to treat adults and children

Posted: 09February

Updated: May 16

Reading time: 4 minutes

Coughing after the flu worries patients and makes them worry about possible complications. We will find out why the unpleasant symptom does not go away for a long time and at what point you still need to see a doctor.

Why a cough does not go away for a long time after the flu

Influenza viruses “live” in the respiratory tract and provoke inflammation that affects the walls of the trachea and bronchi. It is believed that prolonged coughing is due to damage to the mucous membrane due to the widespread spread of infection. The inflammatory process causes swelling and temporary hyperreactivity of the bronchi, so a cough attack occurs even from the slightest irritation.

There are other causes of residual cough after the flu.

• Activation of a persistent (long-term persistence in the body) infection.
  In the respiratory organs, intracellular pathogens – Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae – can persist for a long time. Microorganisms may not manifest themselves in any way until suitable conditions arise, namely, the weakening of the body’s defenses.
• Violation of the process of natural airway clearance and hypersecretion of mucus.
  Due to damage to the epithelium of the walls of the bronchi, the excretion of mucus slows down. The condition is aggravated by excessive synthesis of sputum against the background of the inflammatory process. As a result, a large amount of mucous secretion accumulates in the airways, which mechanically irritates the cough receptors and provokes a wet cough.
• Postnasal drip.
  A dry cough after the flu can be caused by mucus draining from the nasal cavity or sinuses into the pharynx along its back wall. This has an irritating effect on the receptors, so there are sharp coughing attacks.
• Gastroesophageal reflux.
  Although reflux disease is not caused by a viral infection, the flu can make it worse. Cough attacks in the early days cause an increase in pressure inside the abdominal cavity, because of this, the contents of the stomach are more often thrown into the esophagus and aggravate reflux. In turn, irritation with gastric juice provokes a prolonged cough without fever.
• Development of complications and secondary infection.
  Swine flu and other respiratory infections weaken the body’s defenses, so a person becomes vulnerable to other diseases. In such conditions, tracheobronchitis, pharyngitis, tracheitis, laryngitis and pneumonia can develop. All these pathologies occur with characteristic symptoms – with a runny nose, fever, constant cough.

How long can a cough last after the flu? That is how long it takes for the damaged epithelium of the airway walls to recover.

By this time, the patient is no longer contagious.

Recovery time is individual and depends on the following factors:

• initial condition of respiratory organs;
• duration and severity of respiratory infection;
• presence of chronic diseases of the respiratory system;
• smoking – people who smoke are more likely to experience prolonged coughing.

Residual cough can be distinguished from complications by the following features:

• the mucus that the patient coughs up is clear, without impurities, while coughing up blood is a sure symptom of problems that have arisen;
• body temperature within normal limits;
• no shortness of breath;
• a strong cough is observed for no longer than 2 weeks, by the end of this period it appears no more than 5 times a day.

It is necessary to see a doctor when the cough does not go away for a month after recovery, or if chest pains bother you during attacks. If during the examination the specialist has doubts, he will refer you to an x-ray of the lungs or computed tomography to rule out complications.

How to treat a cough after the flu

Complex drug therapy is used to treat cough attacks, which includes antiviral agents, mucolytics, expectorant drugs. If bacterial complications are confirmed, then antibiotics are prescribed.

Here are some simple non-drug measures that can help reduce the frequency of coughing attacks:

• drink more warm liquids;
• to do drainage massage to facilitate the removal of sputum;
• perform breathing exercises;
• maintain indoor air humidity at 40-60%;
• eat well;
• walk in the fresh air.

However, for a full recovery it is necessary to use medicines. For residual cough, doctors often prescribe Rengalin, which treats both dry and wet coughs. It fights inflammation in the airways, helps to facilitate the excretion of sputum and relieve swelling of the mucous membrane.