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Cough often accompanies various types of acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections. It usually goes away immediately after other symptoms disappear. However, in some cases, debilitating attacks last for about a month. This cannot be considered a residual phenomenon that does not require treatment. If your cough does not go away after a cold for about 3-5 weeks, you need to urgently make an appointment with a specialist.
The main causes of cough after a cold
Doctors can quickly identify the main factor that leads to health problems. In general, there are not many main causes of cough. All of them can be eliminated with proper treatment. And an experienced doctor will choose the most gentle, but at the same time effective method.
Modern medicine identifies the following main causes of cough after a cold:
- Complication after acute respiratory infection or acute respiratory viral infection
- Diseases of other body systems
- Attachment of a secondary bacterial infection
- Insufficient amount of fluid in the body
- Overuse of nasal sprays during colds
- Dry indoor air
It should also be noted that taking certain groups of medications can provoke coughing. For example, taking antihypertensive drugs.
This problem often occurs in older people who take several medications at once for various ailments. Studies show that about 1 in 5 people taking ACE inhibitors experience a side effect.
It is expressed in a prolonged dry cough. You can correct the problem by contacting a cardiologist.
And also, we should not forget about timely rest and relief from stress. The best remedy for any strong feelings is good sleep. Also try to protect yourself from potential sources of nervous tension, otherwise your cough after a cold will not go away.
Most often, respiratory problems are accompanied by such serious illnesses as whooping cough, pneumonia, and chronic bronchitis. The self-diagnosis system on our website will help you identify them. However, even after passing the test, you need to make an appointment with a therapist, who will accurately determine the reason why the cough does not go away after a cold.
Most likely, the patient will be prescribed a number of additional examinations. Among them may be:
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Source: https://zdorov.online/articles/kashel-posle-prostudy/
Why does the cough not go away for a long time - what to do? | MedBoli.ru
When infectious pathologies are complicated or there are severe diseases of the internal organs, pain in the throat or chest area, difficulty breathing occurs, weakness, shortness of breath are observed, and the cough does not go away for a long time. If attacks persist for more than a month, you need to undergo an examination to identify the cause of the symptoms.
Do not delay going to the doctor if your cough has been bothering you for a long time - it could be a serious illness.
Why doesn't my cough go away?
Colds, acute respiratory infections, and flu are almost always accompanied by inflammatory processes in the organs of the respiratory system. At the initial stage of development of the disease, a dry cough occurs, but with proper treatment, sputum gradually begins to be produced, the bronchi and lungs are cleared. If the therapy is incorrect, the wet cough becomes protracted and overall health worsens.
The main causes of long-lasting cough:
- after respiratory diseases - when taking antibiotics to treat viral infections, failure to comply with bed rest;
- allergy;
- chronic form of pneumonia, tuberculosis, bronchial asthma - diseases are accompanied by weakness, low-grade fever, prolonged wet cough, pathologies often develop after a cold, acute bronchitis, tracheitis;
- long-term active or passive smoking - a dry, hysterical cough continues for years, residual effects are observed for a long time even after giving up the addiction;
- chronic bronchitis, laryngitis, tracheitis - the diagnosis is made if the cough continues for more than 3 months over the last 2 years;
- work in hazardous work , frequent stress;
- severe diseases of the cardiovascular, pulmonary and digestive systems - pathologies occur without fever and are accompanied by heavy breathing, increased fatigue, and dyspeptic disorders;
- chronic diseases of the oropharynx - with rhinitis, sinusitis, mucus and snot flow down the mucous membrane of the larynx, irritate it, the person coughs, especially at night;
- presence of foreign objects in the respiratory tract;
- chemical and thermal burns of the throat mucosa;
- roundworm infection – worm larvae migrate to the respiratory system;
- the presence of malignant neoplasms in the organs of the respiratory system - chronic cough with sputum, which has a dark color, an unpleasant smell of rot;
- in children, chronic cough occurs with whooping cough, measles, false croup.
Important! A lingering cough almost always indicates the presence of chronic diseases; problems arise from self-medication or failure to follow doctor’s recommendations.
Which doctor should I contact?
If a dry, expectorating cough persists for more than 4 weeks, visit your doctor or pediatrician. After an examination, questioning, and initial diagnosis, the doctor will write a referral to a specialized specialist. Diseases that are accompanied by prolonged coughing are treated by a pulmonologist, an allergist, a phthisiatrician, a cardiologist, and an infectious disease specialist.
Diagnostics
- With a prolonged cough, any self-medication can result in the development of severe or fatal complications; only a comprehensive examination will help identify the cause of the problem.
-
- As a diagnostic method, a chest x-ray is performed to exclude tuberculosis and other serious diseases.
- Diagnostic methods:
- General and biochemical blood test;
- bacteriological examination of sputum;
- test for tumor markers , allergens;
- Mantoux test;
- Chest x-ray - will allow you to see any changes in the tissues of the lungs and bronchi;
- thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic method; a device is inserted through a puncture in the chest to study the condition of the lungs; it is prescribed for tuberculosis, pleurisy, and cancer;
- spirometry – study of external respiration functions to identify bronchopulmonary pathologies at the initial stage of development;
- tousography - measuring the frequency and intensity of dry cough attacks;
- bronchoscopy – study of the condition of the bronchi using a miniature video camera; during the examination, tissue samples are taken for histology;
- bronchography - x-ray with contrast agent.
If the bronchi and lungs are clean, an ECG, ultrasound of the abdominal organs, and other studies are prescribed to identify diseases of the heart, blood vessels, and gastrointestinal tract.
Treatment of prolonged cough
If a prolonged cough is a residual phenomenon after a cold, bronchitis, flu or pneumonia, drink more fluids to cleanse the body of toxic substances. To eliminate the pathologies that caused unpleasant symptoms, medications are prescribed. Traditional recipes and physiotherapy will help speed up the healing process.
During a prolonged cough, it is better for children to spend more time in the fresh air
In a child, a residual dry or wet cough after a cold or respiratory system disease is a common occurrence and can last a month or longer. In children, immunity recovers slowly, especially after antibiotic therapy; coughing will help prevent clogging of the airways with pus and phlegm.
Dr. Komarovsky recommends not using medications to combat the residual effects of a cold. It is enough to maintain an optimal microclimate in the room, carry out wet cleaning more often, walk more in the fresh air, take vitamins and drink more.
Important! Normally, an adult or child should cough no more than 10 times a day.
Medicines
- The choice of effective drugs to combat different types of long-term cough depends on the severity of the disease, age and general well-being of the person.
- How to treat a persistent cough:
-
- Zodak is used for allergic cough
- antibacterial drugs - Sumamed, Amoxiclav, Ceftriaxone, prescribed for bacterial pathologies of the respiratory system;
- antihistamines - Zodak, Claritin, will help with severe coughs of allergic origin, reduce swelling of the laryngeal mucosa;
- antitussives - Sinekod, Codeine, are effective for dry, barking cough, the drugs have many contraindications and side effects, they are taken for a short time;
- mucolytics - ACC, Ambroxol, will eliminate unproductive cough, promote the formation of sputum, accelerate the process of its elimination;
- expectorants - Gerbion, Bromhexine, improve sputum discharge during wet coughs, cleanse the bronchi;
- corticosteroids – Prednisolone, prescribed for respiratory failure;
- physiotherapy - UHF, electrophoresis with drugs, magnetic therapy, breathing exercises, pine baths, sessions in the salt room.
Expectorants and mucolytics should not be taken for a dry cough - mucus accumulates in the respiratory organs and purulent processes occur.
Folk remedies
- If the cough does not go away for a long time, unconventional methods of therapy are used only in combination with medications - folk remedies will soften a dry cough, improve sputum discharge, and eliminate the manifestation of the inflammatory process.
-
- Radish juice will soften cough - folk remedies are used together with pharmaceutical ones
- Simple recipes:
- Add 15 ml of apple cider vinegar and honey to 300 ml of warm water, soak a thin natural fabric in the solution, secure it on the chest with a woolen scarf. Session duration is 20 minutes.
- For a sore throat, sore throat, or dry sore throat in a child, a compress of beer will help - heat 200 ml of the drink to a temperature of 40–50 degrees, soak gauze, secure it around the neck with a film and a warm scarf. The duration of the procedure is half an hour.
- Mix in equal proportions the inflorescences of linden, chamomile, thyme, violet, coltsfoot. Pour 2 tbsp. l. collect 400 ml of boiling water, leave in a closed container for 25 minutes. Drink the infusion 50–100 ml three times a day. The medicine promotes coughing.
- Heat regular salt in a dry frying pan, cool slightly, pour into a fabric bag, and wrap in a towel. Place the compress between the shoulder blades and on the chest, hold until the salt cools completely.
- To remove phlegm, wash and cut off the top of the black radish, make a hole, pour 1 tbsp into it. l. honey. After 3-4 hours the juice will appear, take 15 ml 4-6 times a day.
Important! Inhalations, warm compresses and foot baths can only be performed if the adult and child do not have fever or purulent sputum.
Possible consequences and complications
- If the cough is not treated, diseases of the respiratory, digestive, and cardiovascular systems will become chronic, which is dangerous due to frequent complications and the development of concomitant diseases.
-
- The most harmless consequence of a prolonged cough is sleep disturbance
- Consequences:
- sleep disturbance;
- bouts of vomiting;
- rib damage;
- spontaneous pneumothorax;
- involuntary urination, defecation;
- women experience uterine prolapse;
- herniation;
- pulmonary edema, heart failure, aortic aneurysm;
- anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema, suffocation, apnea.
A severe coughing attack reduces the flow of oxygen to the brain, which can cause fainting.
The main manifestations of respiratory and acute pathologies of the respiratory tract with proper treatment disappear within 1–3 weeks. If the cough bothers you for a very long time and is accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms, this is a sign of chronic or serious illness.
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Source: https://MedBoli.ru/zabolevaniya/pochemu-dolgo-ne-prohodit-kashel-chto-delat
Why does a cough not go away after a cold, how to deal with it
Cough, long-term symptom
With viral infections and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, cough is a standard symptom, but for what reason does the cough not go away after a cold, when all the symptoms have already subsided. If the cough lasts longer than three weeks, it is called protracted; its appearance can be caused by all sorts of reasons.
Smokers are a risk group
A continuing cough after a cold is most often observed in smokers (see Cough from smoking: can you get rid of it).
The reason for this cough lies in the bronchi, which are often chronically inflamed due to constant irritation from tobacco smoke.
Smoker's bronchitis is very often discovered after illness, since it is then that patients pay due attention to this symptom.
Periodic coughing attacks in smokers are accompanied by sputum discharge. Most often, coughing attacks appear only in the morning, and during the day they turn into barely noticeable coughing.
Quitting smoking at this time can provoke more severe coughing attacks, which usually becomes a reason to consult a doctor. After some time, the cough will go away on its own; the use of expectorants in this case is desirable, but not necessary.
Quitting smoking is the only answer to the question of how to get rid of a cough after a cold.
Sorry, I don't smoke
I don't smoke, but the cough bothers me
If you have not joined the largest group of coughing people, then you should look for other reasons.
Make sure that the cough is not caused by external causes, of which there are many these days; a long cough after a cold can be painful with constant exposure to polluted air or allergens.
The video in this article will tell you about the causes of cough, which should not be associated with a cold, even if it appeared immediately after an illness.
If there are no external irritants, and after a cold the cough does not go away for a long time, then this is a clear reason to consult a doctor. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe diagnostic tests to identify pathology.
Medical error
Unfortunately, doctors are people too, and they can make mistakes. If the cough remains after a cold, then an error in diagnosis may be to blame. Thus, a common viral infection may well be mistaken for a sore throat (see Cough with a sore throat: causes), although the treatment of these two diseases is different.
As a result, the prescribed treatment does not bear the desired fruit and the cough remains. Most often, for inflammatory diseases caused by bacteria, antibiotics are prescribed, which are not capable of providing a therapeutic effect for a viral infection such as ARVI. If for any reason you doubt the doctor’s qualifications, and you still have a dry cough after a cold, then you should consult another specialist.
Important! Preferably choose doctors with a narrow specialization, since their knowledge in this area is deeper. A pulmonologist will find pulmonary pathology much faster than a general practitioner.
Diseases similar in symptoms to the common cold:
- Bronchitis;
- Rhinitis;
- Pneumonia;
- Pharyngitis;
- Angina;
- Whooping cough;
- False croup (in children);
- Allergic reaction, etc.
The photo shows some pathologies of the bronchopulmonary system, including the symptom of cough.
Norm and pathology
Two in one
In some cases, doctors painstakingly examine the patient, but this does not bear fruit; a dry cough after a cold continues to torment the patient for many more days.
Many diseases of the bronchopulmonary system have very similar symptoms:
- Cough;
- Runny nose;
- Temperature;
- Lack of appetite;
- Weakness, malaise, etc.
These diseases can occur successfully both independently and in combination with a cold. Thus, two separate diseases occur with the same symptoms, and a cured cold will not resolve the cough from parallel bronchitis.
How to get rid of a cough after a cold in the case of another disease depends on the diagnosis, since some sores require immediate intervention from specialists.
Side effects
In pursuit of the rhythm of life, we very often forget that doctors strongly recommend spending the entire time of illness observing bed rest. At the first appearance of symptoms, we rush to a nearby pharmacy, and, based on the recommendations of the pharmacist, we choose remedies for fever, cough, malaise, and vitamins for change.
Most often, the box and instructions for the coveted drugs end up in the trash, but in vain. Thanks to the efforts of the pharmacist, the cold remains behind, but the cough does not go away.
Note! Never throw away the box and instructions for the drug. The data indicated there will help determine in case of complications. Also, before use, you must check the expiration date indicated on the package!
A possible cause of this illness is the manifestation of side effects, and by continuing to take cough medicine, you can provoke it again and again. How to get rid of a cough after a cold if you are already taking cough medicine.
Try stopping the drug, or replacing it with one that has been familiar to you for a very long time. The price of licorice root syrup, for example, will not hit your pocket hard, but you will be sure that the medicine will not cause you side effects.
Do not take the drug without reading the instructions
The cough does not go away for a very long time
If a lot has passed since the cold, but the cough still reminds you from time to time, then you can forget about the sores that have not been completely cured. Most likely, you have become the owner of a chronic disease.
Chronic diseases, unfortunately, can appear even at an early age. The diagnosis of bronchial asthma is made in children under school age.
If a cough bothers a child, then it is necessary to visit a pediatrician, and under no circumstances self-medicate.
Sometimes it is even worth refusing to use traditional recipes, since they can only aggravate the course of a chronic disease, provoking an acute stage.
If you have previously suffered from a chronic disease with cough symptoms, then you probably know how to treat a dry cough after a cold, against the background of an exacerbation.
How to treat at home
Nowadays, pharmacy counters are overflowing with an excess of cough medications, so you can either treat a dry cough after a cold yourself or leave this issue to your doctor. Of course, the option of going to the clinic is more labor-intensive, but at the same time quite safe in terms of health.
Speaking about self-treatment, two main development paths can be distinguished:
- Use of Pharmaceuticals
- Treatment based on traditional medicine
A pharmacist can tell you which drug is best suited in a particular case.
Note! A pharmacist is not a doctor and cannot reliably offer treatment based only on complaints. When you go to a pharmacy without a prescription, you are responsible for your own health.
What they can offer you at the pharmacy to purchase without a prescription:
| Group | Name |
| Local preparations |
|
| Expectorants |
|
| Mucolytic agents |
|
How to treat dry cough after a cold with tablets
Traditional medicine recipes
Traditional medicine recipes are familiar to everyone practically from the cradle, so you should choose them only at your own discretion.
The herbs of plantain, mint, coltsfoot, wild rosemary are also successfully used in pharmacy for the production of breast infusions, so decoctions based on them will not harm.
The recipe that you got from your great-grandmother, and has helped the whole family for coughs for many years, will also come in handy, because if there were no side effects to such treatment, then it is unlikely to happen in this situation.
Milk with butter also will not worsen your health even with chronic diseases, so it can and even should be used. Recipes using honey, radish, anise, etc. can also come to the rescue.
Source: https://Kashel.su/problemy/ne-prohodit/kashel-ne-prohodit-posle-prostudy-231
Residual cough – when the symptom is dangerous
Residual cough is a common reflex phenomenon that is observed after recent laryngitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis or other respiratory tract pathology. According to experts, it is not considered a deviation from the norm. Over time, the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract is restored and this reflex disappears.
Why doesn't my cough go away after a cold?
According to statistics, this phenomenon is observed in 99 out of 100 cases. Its occurrence can be explained. So, before the disease, the bronchi function smoothly, coping well with their purpose.
Some cells produce a secretion - a viscous mass that “retains” dust and other small debris. In addition, there are cilia on the surface of bronchial tissues.
With their help, phlegm is picked up and moved to the exit (to the throat).
During illness, this entire well-established system is disrupted: viruses are “embedded” in the epithelial cells of bronchial tissues. These pathogenic microorganisms provoke destruction of the surface (hematomas, inflammation and swelling are formed here).
In response to such an “invasion,” the body increases the production of bronchial secretions. In some cases, it produces about a liter per day of this viscous liquid. However, due to swelling, the lumen narrows and the bronchi cannot remove all this mucus.
As a result, in order to get rid of this phlegm, the person begins to cough.
After the destruction of the viral pathogen, deep bronchial cells begin to restore the mucosa. However, the process of tissue regeneration is not a matter of one day. During this period, the mucous membrane is very vulnerable to any irritants, so the cough after a cold does not go away. This reflex persists until the damaged tissue is completely restored.
How long does the residual cough last?
In each specific case, the duration of this reflex phenomenon may vary. This depends on the course of the disease that provoked the residual cough, the body’s immune system and a number of other factors.
This reflex is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- A cough after a cold does not go away for another 2-3 weeks (in some cases it can bother you for a whole month).
- The patient's general condition is good: he does not experience weakness, does not have a fever, or shortness of breath.
- A long cough after a cold is accompanied by minimal sputum production. The secretion produced is transparent, it does not have an unpleasant odor or streaks of blood.
- The intensity of the attacks gradually subsides.
Why does a cough last a long time after a cold?
If the residual reflex lingers, you cannot let the situation take its course. When a cough after a cold does not go away for a month, you should definitely go to the doctor. However, there are a number of substances that can severely irritate already damaged mucous membranes. They provoke a residual cough. These factors include the following:
- too cold air;
- strong aromas;
- plant pollen;
- smoke;
- dust;
- increased or, on the contrary, decreased air humidity.
Dry cough after a cold
The unproductive reflex phenomenon should gradually pass. However, if a residual dry cough lingers, this may indicate that there are serious problems in the body. More often, such attacks are caused by the following specific diseases:
- fungal infection of the pharynx;
- chlamydia;
- mediastinal tumor;
- chronic pathologies of the central nervous system;
- allergies.
Cough with phlegm after a cold
A productive residual reflex phenomenon is also the norm. An alarming signal is the fact that after a cold the cough does not go away for a long time and the patient’s condition worsens.
He may be overcome by weakness, excessive sweating, weight loss and other unpleasant “companions”.
All this cannot be left without due attention! However, self-medication is also dangerous! There is only one way out - you need to contact a qualified doctor as soon as possible.
Coughing up blood after a cold
When faced with such a problem, it is important to pay special attention to the amount of impurities. If blood comes out in the sputum after a cold when you cough in the form of single reddish-rusty streaks, most likely some small blood vessel is damaged.
In this case, there is no reason to panic. The situation is much more serious if after a cold there is a cough with a large amount of blood in the sputum. This is a reason to immediately contact a pulmonologist.
Most often, blood in sputum is a symptom of such dangerous diseases:
- lung cancer;
- tuberculosis;
- pulmonary infarction.
Night cough after a cold
Normally, a residual reflex phenomenon is observed in the morning, that is, after waking up. If a lingering cough begins to overcome you at night, it is important to understand what caused it. Often this reflex occurs when the air in the room is dry. In this case, you just need to ventilate the room or use a humidifier, and the problem will disappear. However, residual cough at night after ARVI can also be caused by the following factors:
- pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
- allergy to some irritant present in this room;
- heartburn;
- a foreign object entering the nasopharynx;
- cancer of the lungs or bronchi.
How to cure residual cough?
Normally, such a reflex phenomenon does not require therapeutic intervention. If a residual lingering cough causes significant discomfort to the patient, additional treatment is prescribed. All prescriptions must be made by a doctor. He is an expert in his field, so he knows how to treat residual cough. During therapy, both pharmaceutical and traditional “drugs” can be prescribed.
In addition, physiotherapy has proven itself well in how to get rid of a cough after a cold. The following procedures are especially effective:
Residual cough medications
When choosing therapy, the doctor takes into account what type of reflex phenomenon is observed in the patient. Here's how to get rid of residual cough with medication:
- NSAIDs – both selective and non-selective drugs can be used. Such medications not only fight the inflammatory process, but also relieve discomforting pain. Ibuprofen, Analgin, Aspirin, Paracetamol are most often prescribed.
- Corticosteroids - these drugs are used to combat allergic cough. The following medications can be prescribed: Prednisolone, Epinephrine, Beclomethasone, Hydrocortisone.
- Antihistamines are the first aid for allergies. Drugs in this group stop the release of histamine and minimize the sensitivity of cells to this substance. The following medications can be prescribed: Suprastin, Fenkarol, Pipolfen, Cetrin.
- Mucolytics are drugs that help thin bronchial secretions. ACC, Mukobene, Bronchobos, Lazolvan are most often prescribed. Ambroxol, Ambrohexal.
Folk remedies for residual cough
Alternative medicine “drugs” will help alleviate the condition. They are time-tested, so there is no doubt about their reliability. Drinking plenty of fluids is important during treatment. All drinks consumed must be warm.
You can drink decoctions, herbal teas (linden, rosehip), uzvar, compote, jelly and so on. Drinking plenty of fluids will speed up the process of liquefying mucus and removing it out. In addition, treating residual cough involves adjusting the diet.
It is advisable that the menu be rich in vitamins.
How long does it take for a cough to go away, how to speed up treatment?
To find out how long a cough lasts during ARVI, you need to determine the nature of the disease. The symptom occurs due to damage to the nasopharyngeal mucosa by an infection - adenovirus, rhinovirus, coronavirus, etc.
In the absence of complications, already 2 days after infection, a dry cough becomes productive and completely disappears within 3-4 days. But if the infection penetrates the lower respiratory tract, the symptomatic picture is replenished with new signs.
The cough becomes dry, barking, paroxysmal, suffocating, prolonged or chronic.
How long does a cough with ARVI last and why does it not go away for a long time?
ARVI is a group of viral respiratory diseases characterized by an acute course. Viral cough occurs as a result of damage to the upper respiratory tract by respiratory syncytial infection, coronaviruses, reoviruses, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, etc.
During the initial period of the disease, viruses multiply in the mucous membrane of the nose and larynx. This leads to rhinitis (runny nose), coughing attacks, and burning sensation in the laryngopharynx. You can understand how long it takes for a cough to go away with an uncomplicated ARVI by the presence of mucous discharge. With timely initiation of therapy, the symptom completely disappears within 5-6 days.
Very often, ARVI in adults is complicated by bacterial infections. Their penetration into the lower respiratory tract leads to inflammation of the bronchi, larynx, and trachea. Because of this, the cough becomes:
- Protracted – lasts from 21 days to 3 months. Occurs as a result of bacterial damage to the ENT organs or allergic reactions to the penetration of irritating substances into the mucosa.
- Chronic – lasts more than 3 months. Often becomes a symptom of chronic pathology.
The greatest health hazard is chronic cough, as it is provoked by the following diseases:
- pulmonary tuberculosis;
- bronchial asthma;
- myocardial failure;
- Chronical bronchitis;
- postnasal drip.
For a long time, tuberculosis may no longer manifest itself, so if coughing attacks occur, you should consult a doctor.
Sometimes a cough is a symptom of allergic manifestations that occur against the background of rhinoconjunctivitis and hay fever. In this case, the disease is accompanied by lacrimation, sore throat, and severe swelling of the mucous membranes of the ENT organs.
Types of cough due to viral infections
Cough during a viral infection belongs to the category of catarrhal (inflammatory) manifestations of ARVI. Its character depends on several factors:
- type of pathogen;
- virus reproduction rates;
- immune status;
- presence of chronic diseases.
At the initial stage of ARVI, the cough is unproductive, that is, during coughing, sputum is not separated from the ENT organs. When taking mucolytic drugs, it becomes moist (productive), which ensures the cleansing of the airways from bronchopulmonary mucus (sputum).
An unproductive cough, a burning sensation in the throat and nasal cavity are the first symptoms of ARVI in adults. They arise as a result of non-purulent inflammation of the ciliated epithelium, which covers the surface of the nasopharynx and hypopharynx. To make the patient feel better, antitussives are prescribed.
A nonproductive cough during ARVI in an adult is accompanied by a feeling of sore and sore throat. When coughing, the sputum does not come out, but a deep chest sound occurs. Its appearance is associated with an increase in the sensitivity of cough receptors against the background of inflammation of the laryngopharyngeal mucosa.
A dry cough during ARVI is sometimes accompanied by a paroxysmal course. If his productivity does not increase within 2-3 days, the patient is prescribed mucolytics. They dilute bronchopulmonary mucus, which accelerates its removal from the ENT organs.
A productive cough during a cold indicates the beginning of recovery. In uncomplicated ARVI, sputum viscosity decreases 3-4 days after infection. A wet cough speeds up the clearing of viscous mucus from the respiratory system and also prevents its accumulation in the bronchi.
With non-purulent inflammation, the amount of mucus in the respiratory tract increases 7-10 times. If cough productivity does not increase within 3 days, the patient is prescribed mucolytics.
Their untimely intake is fraught not only with the accumulation of sputum in the bronchi, but also with the addition of a bacterial infection. To speed up the coughing up of mucus during ARVI, take expectorant medications.
They thin the mucus, increasing the amount of water in it. This helps to quickly remove mucus from the lungs.
If coughing attacks are accompanied by suffocation, this indicates complications of ARVI. The symptom occurs against the background of such diseases:
- bronchial asthma;
- pulmonary tuberculosis;
- laryngitis;
- pathologies of the nervous system;
- Chronical bronchitis;
- obstructive pulmonary disease.
A suffocating cough during ARVI in young children becomes a manifestation of false croup, tracheobronchitis, and whooping cough. The appearance of foamy sputum indicates esophageal-bronchial fistulas.
Difficulty breathing indicates insufficient airway patency, that is, swelling of the mucous membranes. Similar manifestations of ARVI occur with severe complications - bronchitis, pneumonia.
A barking viral cough in a child is accompanied by chest pain, burning in the laryngopharynx, and hoarseness. It occurs as a complication of ARVI and signals tracheitis or laryngitis. The symptom indicates an infection of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, larynx and trachea.
Cough attacks during colds are caused by the following factors:
Source: https://kgkb6.ru/kashel/ostatochnyj-kashel-chem-lechit-pochemu-posle-prostudy-dolgo-ne-prohodit-kashel.html
Cough does not go away after a cold
Causes of cough after a cold
The cause of cough after a cold is a virus that causes swelling of the airways. It increases the sensitivity of the lungs, which causes the cough reflex. This is a painful illness, because attacks occur not only during the day, but also at night.
This condition causes dizziness, headaches, increased sweating, and urinary incontinence.
Another cause is pneumonia. This is a serious complication, accompanied by a chesty cough with unpleasant and nagging pain in the chest or back. The person has difficulty breathing and headaches.
If measures are not taken in a timely manner, the sputum will not come out of the lungs, and an adhesions or pleurisy will form.
This can lead to tuberculosis, which must be treated with physiotherapy and a course of antibiotics.
A long, dry cough indicates bronchitis, when the cough is concentrated in the middle part of the lungs. The bronchi filled with mucus cause whistling in the chest area and prolonged coughing attacks. Timely treatment will help prevent pneumonia. In this case, the doctor will prescribe expectorant medications.
Cough relief after a cold
Coughing is a defense mechanism as it removes mucus from the respiratory system. It happens that treatment aimed at suppressing it can cause harm to the body. To relieve attacks, especially at night, you can use proven methods. To do this you will need:
- honey;
- bottled water;
- tea;
- infrared heater;
- cough syrup;
- expectorants;
- antihistamines;
- cough drops.
Instructions for cough relief
- First of all, you need to determine the cause of the cough as a symptom of a disease.
- Stop smoking, as cigarette smoke is a respiratory irritant.
- Remove possible chemical irritants.
- Use a humidifier.
- Drink more fluids, it relieves dry coughs and removes mucus.
- If you have allergies, use antihistamines.
- Drink hot drinks - tea with honey, broths.
- Take cough drops, expectorants and antitussives.
Cough after a cold: treatment
Often, after recovery, a wet cough still remains. This suggests that there are bacteria in the weakened body. Inflamed bronchi lead to a lingering cough. Self-medication is not appropriate here. It is necessary to take an x-ray and take blood and sputum tests. To prevent a cough from leading to a chronic disease, antibiotics are prescribed.
Decoctions of sage and oak bark help well in this case. Combined fees can also be used. Essential oils are used as inhalations.
Cough does not go away for a long time after a cold
A cough that does not go away for a long time after a cold is called post-infectious. The mucous membranes affected by a cold continue to become irritated and inflamed. This can last for two months or more, and is accompanied by itching, sore throat and general malaise.
Along with the use of herbal syrups, you need to warm up the chest and back area without affecting the heart area. Use warming ointments, mustard plasters, badger fat or vinegar solution.
Supplement your diet with foods that are traditional healers. For example, bake black radish in the oven. Prepare juice from honey and onion. Weakened immunity needs to be strengthened with vitamins and microelements, as well as hardening procedures.
Dry cough persists after a cold
If a dry cough does not go away for a long time, then allergies may be the cause. Get tested to identify the allergen. After this, you need to take all necessary measures so that he is not near you.
For dry cough, use honey with finely chopped garlic and onion. Along with the antibacterial effect, this will soften your throat.
Cough does not go away after a cold: asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects five percent of adults and ten percent of children. A cold in asthma significantly worsens the condition and can lead to a new round of the disease. During normal breathing, the smooth muscles of the bronchi are in a relaxed state. During an asthma attack, changes occur:
- the lumen of the bronchi narrows, and bronchospasm occurs;
- inflammation and swelling of tissues appears;
- mucus becomes more viscous
These symptoms lead to suffocation, coughing, and wheezing. Cold viruses significantly aggravate this condition.
Doctors define a cough in asthma as chronic if it lasts more than a month. It causes a sore throat and can occur during exercise or laughing, or at night.
To prevent complications, get an annual flu shot. Maintain good personal hygiene, especially wash your hands regularly.
Source: https://prostyda.com/lechenie-prostudy/100-ne-prokhodit-kashel-posle-prostudy
What to do if the cough does not go away after a cold?
If a cough after a cold does not go away for a long time, this is an alarming signal. This can be either a symptom of an advanced case of acute respiratory disease or other pathologies of the respiratory system.
Cough is a reflex reaction of the body in the form of increased exhalation due to sharp and dynamic spasms of the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract. Cough is a protective mechanism that allows you to clear the respiratory tract of pathogenic microbes, excess mucus (sputum), and allergens.
Pathologies, the main symptom of which is a persistent cough for a long time, can be both complications of a cold and other serious diseases masquerading as ARVI.
The most common complications of a cold:
- pneumonia (with and without exudate);
- purulent endobronchitis.
The cause of complications of colds is inadequate treatment or neglect, as well as violation of the isolation and protective regime.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia ⎯ acute inflammation of the lungs. It can be focal (a small area of inflammation) or diffuse (a diffuse, vaguely limited infectious process that spreads to the entire pulmonary segment, or even to its entire lobe).
Infection can enter the lungs in three ways:
- descending - from the upper respiratory tract, the infectious-inflammatory process “descends” into the lung tissue. The most common way. This is how pneumonia occurs after respiratory infections;
- hematogenous - the pathogen enters the lungs through the blood. This happens with the flu (the virus from the nasopharynx enters the bloodstream, and from there into the lungs) or bacterial damage to any organ with the spread of the infectious process (sepsis);
- lymphogenous ⎯ is rare, but plays a decisive role in the spread of the infectious process from one segment (lobe) of the lung to another.
Purulent endobronchitis
Purulent endobronchitis is inflammation in the bronchial mucosa:
- it can be local (affects one segment of the bronchial tree) and diffuse (the process occurs on both sides and involves several bronchial segments);
- occurs due to deepening of infection in the respiratory tract with poor sputum discharge and reduced local immunity;
- characterized by severe swelling and thickening of the mucosa, purulent discharge, persistent narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi by more than 70%.
If a cough with sputum does not go away after a cold, examine the lungs and bronchial tree in detail!
Pathologies of the respiratory system masquerading as a common cold
Tuberculosis
It is caused by a special pathogen - Mycobacterium tuberculosis (another name is Koch's bacillus). This microbe is characterized by extreme resistance in the external environment (for example, in cracks in the walls of buildings, Koch's bacillus can persist for years and even decades) and developed insensitivity to traditional antibiotics.
A specific sign of tuberculosis infection is profuse sweating at night.
If a person is accompanied by a long cough after a cold, this is a serious reason to see a TB doctor.
Bronchial asthma or allergic bronchitis
Frequent colds can be both a precursor and a provoking factor of bronchial asthma, and occur against the background of allergic damage to the small bronchi.
In addition, the clinical course of bronchial asthma may be similar to a prolonged respiratory infection: severe cough, weakness, slight increase in temperature. Bronchial asthma is distinguished from ARVI by attacks of suffocation that occur due to sharp and sudden broncho-obstruction (narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi).
Source: http://forcys.ru/article/chto_delat_esli_posle_prostudy_ne_prohodit_kashel-134/
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