Dealing With the Persistent Cough of COVID-19

Dealing With the Persistent Cough of COVID-19

One of the most common and annoying symptoms of COVID-19 is a stubborn, lingering cough. This dry, unproductive cough can last for weeks after initial infection and make it hard to get proper rest.

When battling a COVID cough, the two main goals are easing irritation and reducing frequency of coughing fits. With the right medications, home remedies, and lifestyle adjustments, you can manage cough symptoms and recover more comfortably.

How COVID-19 Causes Coughing

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that primarily affects the lungs. The virus infiltrates cells along the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and irritation.

Cells in the airways secrete more mucus in response to the viral invader. This excess mucus drips down the throat and triggers the cough reflex.

Even after the worst respiratory symptoms pass, coughing remains because the irritated lungs need time to fully heal.

Types of Cough Medicine for COVID Relief

Several over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide relief from COVID-19 coughing. These include:

• Cough suppressants - Contain ingredients like dextromethorphan to dampen the cough reflex.
• Expectorants - Help thin and loosen mucus to make coughs more productive.
• Antihistamines - Block histamines that cause drippy noses and throat irritation.
• Analgesics - Relieve pain from throat rawness and chest congestion.

Speak to your doctor about which type or combination cough medicine is right for your symptoms. Be sure to follow dosing instructions carefully.

Home Remedies to Soothe COVID Cough

In addition to medication, several natural remedies can help tame coughing:

• Honey - Has anti-inflammatory effects to coat and soothe sore throats.
• Steam - Inhaling warm moist air loosens mucus and eases airway inflammation.
• Gargling salt water - Rinsing the throat reduces irritation to lessen the urge to cough.
• Peppermint - Naturally calms respiratory muscles and opens clogged airways.
• Eucalyptus - Breaks up mucus, boosts respiratory function, and reduces inflammation.

Ask your doctor before trying any herbal supplements like eucalyptus to treat COVID cough.

OTC Medications for Nighttime Coughing

Coughing while lying down to sleep can be especially frustrating. These OTC medications can suppress nighttime coughs:

• Dextromethorphan - A cough suppressant in many OTC cold medications.
• Guaifenesin and dextromethorphan - An expectorant paired with a cough suppressant.
• Dextromethorphan and doxylamine - Adds an antihistamine to also treat nasal drainage.
• Benzonatate - Numbs cough reflexes; lasts 8-10 hours.

Avoid daytime drowsiness by only taking nighttime cough formulas before bed. Be cautious combining cough medicines with any other sedatives.

Prescription Cough Medications

For very severe coughs, doctors may prescribe:

• Codeine medications - Contain narcotic codeine to powerfully suppress cough reflex.
• Inhaled bronchodilators - Albuterol opens airways and improves breathing.
• Oral steroids - Reduce airway inflammation to curb coughing fits.

Prescriptions come with more risks and side effects. Use only as directed by your physician.

Cough Medicine Safety Tips

To safely manage a COVID cough with medications:

• Read labels carefully - To avoid overdose or interactions.
• Measure doses accurately - Never exceed dosage directions.
• Take only as needed - Don't over-medicate minor coughs.
• See a doctor if not improving - Especially if cough persists over two weeks.
• Watch for side effects - Like drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion.

OTC cough medicines provide temporary relief only. Seek medical advice if cough remains severe despite treatment.

Lifestyle Adjustments to Help COVID Cough

Certain lifestyle measures can also minimize coughing episodes and promote healing:

Increase Fluid Intake

Drinking plenty of water, broths, and other fluids thins out mucus and prevents dehydration from coughing fits. Warm teas with honey also coat and soothe the throat.

Use a Humidifier

Running a humidifier adds moisture to the air, which reduces cough-triggering throat irritation and makes coughs more productive.

Avoid Smoke and Pollution

Secondhand smoke, strong fumes, and air pollution can exacerbate coughs. Stay away from these lung irritants while recovering.

Elevate Your Head

Rest with your head elevated on several pillows to prevent mucus dripping down your throat while lying down. This reduces cough triggering.

Try Honey and Peppermint

A spoonful of honey coats and soothes the throat. Peppermint also minimizes throat tickles that initiate coughs.

Use Cough Drops

Cough drops with numbing and soothing ingredients like menthol and eucalyptus provide intermittent cough relief throughout the day.

Avoid Triggers Like Acid Reflux

Treat conditions like heartburn that can exacerbate coughing. Don't eat large, acidic meals late at night.

When to See a Doctor for Persistent COVID Cough

While most post-viral coughs resolve without issue, contact your doctor if you experience:

• Cough lasting over 3 weeks
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Wheezing or chest tightness
• Fever returning or not going away
• Cough interfering with sleep
• Fatigue, headache, or body aches
• Cough producing yellow, green, or bloody mucus

These may indicate a secondary respiratory infection or another underlying condition requiring treatment.

Diagnosing Severe or Chronic Cough

To check a cough that won't go away, a doctor may:

• Ask about your symptoms and medical history
• Listen to your lungs with a stethoscope
• Examine your throat
• Order imaging tests like a chest X-ray
• Do a sputum culture
• Conduct pulmonary function tests

This helps identify any complications or determine if a separate condition is causing the cough.

Medical Treatments for Severe COVID Cough

If diagnostics reveal abnormalities, doctors may prescribe:

• Oral or inhaled steroids - Reduce inflammation narrowing airways
• Antibiotics - If bacteria are found in mucus
• Nebulizer treatments - Deliver medication via mist to open airways
• Oxygen therapy - Increase oxygen levels in the blood

Severe or worsening trouble breathing should be evaluated promptly in an emergency setting.

When to Use Caution With Cough Medication

While generally safe when used properly, cough medicine can pose risks for:

Children Under Age 4

Children under 4 should not take OTC cough medicine without a doctor's supervision. It may contain ingredients unsafe for young bodies.

Instead use saline nose spray for congestion. Honey and warm fluids can ease throat discomfort. And elevate kids' heads during sleep.

Older Adults

The elderly are more prone to side effects like dizziness, confusion, and sedation from cough medicine ingredients.

Seniors should consult doctors before taking new medications, get help measuring doses, and watch closely for any worrisome reactions.

Those With Chronic Medical Conditions

People with chronic illness like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, and prostate issues must take extra care when taking new medications.

Drug interactions and side effects are more likely. Have your doctor review all medicines first for safety.

Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

Pregnancy puts women at higher risk from medication side effects. Certain cough medicine ingredients are unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Check with doctors before taking anything new. Safer relief options include honey, humidifiers, fluids, and saline nasal spray.

When to Call 911 for Cough Symptoms

Though rare, seek emergency help immediately if coughing leads to:

• Difficulty speaking or breathing
• Wheezing, gasping, or high-pitched sounds
• Bluish tint to lips or fingers
• Feeling like you're about to pass out

These require swift medical attention to prevent life-threatening respiratory distress.

What Emergency Responders Will Do

For someone with severe coughing and breathing issues, EMTs will:

• Assess airway and vital signs
• Give oxygen therapy
• Help person use any rescue inhalers
• Transport to an emergency department
• Watch closely for respiratory arrest

At the hospital, doctors will provide additional breathing treatments or interventions to stabilize the patient.

Preventing Future Breathing Emergencies

Those who require emergency cough treatment should take measures to prevent future events like:

• Using prescribed inhalers as directed
• Avoiding triggers like smoke, allergens, and weather changes
• Seeing a pulmonologist for regular checkups
• Having an action plan if symptoms flare up

Managing underlying lung conditions is key to reducing risk of recurrent respiratory distress.

The Outlook for Recovering From COVID Cough

With time, rest, and proper care, most post-viral COVID coughs do eventually resolve. Have patience, treat your symptoms, and avoid reinfection to help your lungs heal.

Seeking medical guidance is wise though if cough persists or you experience any concerning symptoms. Proper treatment helps prevent complications from developing.

While annoying, try not to stress too much over a lingering cough - it's a sign your immune system is still actively fighting. With the combination of modern medicine and natural remedies, you can overcome COVID's notorious cough.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.