Introduction:
A post-viral cough, also known as a cough after the flu, is a persistent cough that develops after a person has had a viral infection, such as the flu. It can last for several weeks or even months, even after the initial illness has been resolved. A post-viral cough can be a frustrating and uncomfortable symptom, and in some cases, it may interfere with daily activities and sleep. It is important to note that in some cases, a post-viral cough may indicate an underlying medical condition, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In case the cough lasts for more than a few weeks or is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty in breathing or fever, it is crucial to seek medical advice for further assessment and treatment.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Post-viral Cough?
The primary indication and manifestation of post-viral cough is an enduring cough that persists for several weeks or possibly months following recuperation from a viral infection, like influenza.
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Dry Cough: The cough is usually dry and may worsen at night or with exercise.
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Chest Discomfort: People may experience a feeling of tightness or discomfort in the chest due to persistent coughing.
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Shortness of Breath: In some cases, people may feel like they cannot catch their breath, especially during physical activity.
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Sore Throat: The throat may be irritated and sore due to constant coughing.
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Fatigue: Persistent coughing can be exhausting and cause fatigue.
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Nasal Congestion: Sometimes, post-viral cough can be accompanied by nasal congestion, runny nose, and other symptoms of a cold or flu.
What Are the Causes of Post-viral Cough?
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Airway Inflammation: The viral infection can cause inflammation in the airways, which can result in a persistent cough.
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Increased Mucus Production: The virus can stimulate the production of mucus in the airways, which can result in a cough that persists even after the infection has resolved.
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Damage to the Airways: The virus can cause damage to the lining of the airways, which can lead to a cough that persists.
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Asthma or Allergies: People with pre-existing asthma or allergies may experience post-viral cough as a result of the virus exacerbating their underlying condition.
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Respiratory Infections: Infections like bronchitis, common cold, viral pneumonia, pharyngitis, and COVID-19 can cause lingering cough.
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Smoking: The act of smoking can harm the air passages and weaken the immune system, which can impede the body's ability to recuperate from a viral infection, ultimately leading to a persistent cough.
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Acid Reflux: Laryngopharyngeal acid reflux (involves acid traveling from the stomach to the esophagus and throat) may cause irritation to the throat and result in a long-lasting cough.
How to Diagnose a Post-viral Cough?
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Medical History: The healthcare provider will inquire about symptoms, for example, when they started or if the patient had any recent viral infections.
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Physical Examination: The doctor will examine the chest and listen to the breathing sound to assess the severity of the cough and to check for any signs of infection or inflammation in the lungs.
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Diagnostic Tests: If the healthcare provider suspects an underlying condition, they may order tests such as a chest X-ray, pulmonary function tests, or blood tests to aid in identifying the underlying reason for the cough.
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Sputum Analysis: In some cases, the healthcare provider may collect a sample of sputum (the mucus that shows up while coughing) to analyze for signs of infection or inflammation.
What Are the Treatment Options for Post-viral Cough?
The post-viral cough usually resolves on its own within a couple of weeks; however, if it continues for over eight weeks, call the doctor immediately. Treatment options include:
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Over-The-Counter Medications (OTC): These include Ipratropium, oral or inhaled corticosteroids, OTC cough suppressants, OTC antihistamines, and OTC decongestants.
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or herbal tea, warm broths, and teas to help loosen and clear mucus in the airways.
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Rest: Get plenty of rest to allow the body to recover from the viral infection.
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Cough Suppressants: Over-the-counter cough suppressants, such as Dextromethorphan, can help relieve coughing.
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Steam Inhalation: Breathing in the steam from a hot shower or a container of hot water can alleviate coughing and congestion. Using a humidifier can also give the same results.
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Underlying Causes: If the post-viral cough is due to underlying asthma or allergies, treating these conditions with appropriate medications can help alleviate the cough.
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Acid Reflux: If the post-viral cough is due to acid reflux, therapy with medication or modifications in lifestyle, like refraining from spicy or acidic foods, may be necessary.
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Avoid Irritants: Try to avoid smoke, pollution, and other irritants that can exacerbate coughing.
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Honey: Drinking warm water with honey can help soothe the throat and reduce coughing.
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Avoid or Quit Smoking.
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Vaccination: Getting vaccinated against viral infections such as the flu can reduce the risk of post-viral cough.
How to Prevent Coughing Before Speaking?
There is no guarantee that it can prevent someone from coughing, but a few things can be tried, like:
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Relaxing the shoulders, jaw, and tongue.
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Gently taking slow breaths through the nose.
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Breathe out by pursing one’s lips.
Is Post-viral Cough Serious?
Post-viral cough is typically not a serious condition, and in most cases, it will typically resolve spontaneously within a few weeks. In some cases, a post-viral cough may indicate an underlying ailment that necessitates medical intervention, such as pneumonia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or COVID-19 infection. In rare cases, a post-viral cough can additionally indicate a more severe ailment, such as lung cancer or tuberculosis. However, these cases are relatively uncommon, especially in otherwise healthy people.
Conclusion:
While a post-viral cough can be uncomfortable, it is usually not a serious condition. Post-viral cough is often a self-limited condition that will typically resolve spontaneously within a few weeks. It is important to rule out any underlying conditions and receive appropriate treatment. Treatment for post-viral cough usually involves supportive measures such as rest, hydration, and over-the-counter cough suppressants.
