The cough is a nagging symptom especially in the post covid era. Have you ever had a cough that just doesn’t seem to go away. It doesn’t respond to the usual cough syrups and medications.
A persistent cough may affect your ability to work, affect your productivity and your sleep pattern. 20 % of the daily number of patients visiting Home of Homeo complain of post infectious cough.
Usually, the symptoms of cough and cold subside in 7 to 10 days, but for one in four adults the cough can linger on up to 3 weeks after the infection is over. It begins with a fever, body ache and a runny nose. But all these symptoms reduce in a few days except the cough. This type of cough is called post infectious cough.
What is Post Infectious Cough and why does it occur?
Cough is a protective mechanism by which our body gets rid of the irritants in our airways such as viruses, bacteria, dust, fumes etc. When you get infected with a virus or bacteria, the immune system of your body causes an inflammation in the airways in response to those irritants. This inflammation is a protective mechanism which causes some swelling and produces fluids. In post infectious cough cases this inflammation persists even after the virus, or bacteria has been eliminated leading to persistent cough.
Also, if the upper airways remain inflamed the fluid produced, drips down from the back of the throat called postnasal drip. This irritates your throat and adds to the existing cough. The condition aggravates even more when you lie down on your back.
Sometimes a pre-existing condition like asthma is triggered by a recent infection.
When should I get it checked out?
If your cough is associated with the following signs and symptoms a bigger issue might be at loom
• Cough with fever, chills and body ache.
• When you cough out blood.
• Changes in pattern of cough.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Unusual and unexplained weight loss.
• History of any heart or lung diseases.
Homeopathy and Post Infectious Cough
Homoeopathy can be of great use in managing post infectious cough. The medicines are selected basis the individual symptoms, the type of cough, the type of sputum/expectoration, when is the cough at its height and what helps reduce the cough. It is advisable to consult a homoeopathic physician for the treatment of this cough. Homoeopathic remedies such as Aconite, Gelsemium, Spongia, Arsenicum album, Phosphorus are of great help in treatment of patients.
Taking care of your cough
One can follow these simple steps to ease your cough at home:
• Drinking warm water and soups.
• Steam inhalation.
• Using turmeric, honey and jaggery as a form of lozenges can soothe your throat.
• Practice breathing slowly.
• Pranayam.