What causes a chronic cough after a cold? Many of my patients are complaining of lingering cough after getting over a cold this winter. Why does the cough last long after the cold is gone? Several reasons are sited for that nagging cough that just won’t quit. Post nasal drip may be irritating the upper airways which are often more sensitive after getting over the common cold. Cold air, or even dust can cause a fit of coughing when airways are raw. Other more serious concerns are pertussis (whooping cough) or bronchitis which should be addressed by your doctor.
Chronic cough can last from 4-8 weeks and interfere with your sleep. Some spouses report sleeping in separate rooms due to a partner’s nagging cough.
If your cough is nothing serious and still lingers, it is recommended to try to suppress the cough so as not to keep irritating the airways.
Some natural remedies that may help are:
- Fluids – drink, drink, drink to stay hydrated and thin mucus.
- Marshmallow Root or Slippery Elm which are demulcent slippery herbs used to soothe mucus membranes.
- Honey in herbal tea
According to Web MD you should see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms with a lingering cough:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood, bloody mucus, or pink foamy mucus
- Coughing up green, tan, or yellow mucus
- Fever, chills, or chest pain when you breathe deeply
Acupuncture for Chronic Cough
And if all else fails, there’s acupuncture. I offer effective rapid treatment using just a few needles for all cough and breathing issues.
