When to worry about your cough

Coughing is such a common health concern that most people do not feel the need to visit a doctor. But if it lingers for a long time and is accompanied with any one of the symptoms, then seek medical help immediately.

Coughing up thick, greenish-yellow phlegm

Wheezing

Fever

Shortness of breath

Dizziness

Ankle swelling or weight loss

Here is what should do

Sore throat and coughing are quite common during this season. When we are sick or have lung irritation, our body reacts by coughing, which helps to remove mucus, allergens, or pollutants from the air passage. Coughing is a general sign of cold and goes away on its own after a few days. But in the current scenario, when coughing is also an important sign and symptom of coronavirus, it is important to be more careful about your health condition.

How long does regular coughing last?

A prolonged cough or a chronic cough can be a sign of different underlying health conditions, including COVID-19. In general, the coughing gets better on its own after one or two weeks. If it lasts for more than eight weeks in adults or four weeks in children, then it is considered chronic. As per a study, on an average, cough due to illness sticks around for 18 days.

Causes of chronic coughing

Chronic coughing can be due to numerous health-related complications. Here are some common reasons why your cough lingers for weeks.

Respiratory infection: 

Inflammation of the air passage or irritation in the air passage due to some allergens may be a reason for your cough.

Hyperactive gag reflex and acid reflux: 

Both these conditions may cause prolonged irritation in your throat and make your condition worse from time to time.

Medications: 

Be careful about the drugs you are taking on a day to day basis. Blood pressure drugs are one of the common drugs that leads to coughing.

Smoking: 

Avid smokers generally complain about coughing. This is actually a way through which our body removes chemicals that enter the airways and lungs through nicotine use.

​Some home remedies that might help

Most people rely on over-the-counter drugs in case of coughing, but the medicines are ineffective on the underlying disease. So, be careful about your dose. To soothe your throat you can try these home remedies:

Salt-water gargle: 

Gargling with salt water may help to kill germs and soothe your sore throat.

Honey: 

Having a teaspoon of honey is also effective on the dry cough. The golden liquid has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which can help to kill germs.

Take steam: 

Taking steam can help to provide relief from irritation in your throat.

from LifeStyle