CHECK:Coughs can take some time to settle - up to four weeks after the initial infection, writes Marion Kerr.
I'VE HAD a cough for more than two weeks now following a heavy cold. Although all my other symptoms have resolved I am left with this annoying hack which just won't go away. Why is this?
The majority of coughs are caused by viral infections that affect the throat, the trachea - the main airway leading to the lungs - and the airways throughout the lungs themselves (the bronchi).
In viral infection, a cough can develop, along with other symptoms such as raised temperature, headache, sore throat and muscular aches and pains. The infection may also affect the nose, sinuses and ears. Coughs are caused by inflammation of the airways and can take some time to settle, sometimes persisting up to four weeks after the initial infection has cleared.
I've tried all sorts of cough mixtures and syrups but nothing eases it. Is there anything else I can take to get rid of it?
If your cough is caused by a virus then you will need to give it time to settle. Although there are various cough medicines aimed at relieving coughs, few have been proven to work.
Some cough mixtures contain active ingredients, such as decongestants which will help to unblock a stuffed nose, while those containing codeine will help suppress the cough. Although they may provide temporary relief, they will not make the cough go away.
Be careful using these preparations and check ingredients carefully, as they may produce side effects such as drowsiness. Some may also contain paracetemol so be careful if you are taking paracetemol tablets as well as you may inadvertently take more than the recommended dose.
Alternatively, try steam inhalation as the warm, moist air will help relieve the inflamed airways. Or try a spoonful of honey, as it has been shown to be good at easing cough.
Could it be anything more serious?
Secondary bacterial infection can occur following an initial viral infection.
If this is the case, then accurate diagnosis and treatment with an antibiotic will be needed. Cough can also be associated with asthma so if a cough isn't clearing then a visit to your GP would be in order to confirm the diagnosis.
Other symptoms that require investigation include fever, chest pain, breathlessness or wheezing and coughing up blood or phlegm.
If you have these, or any other symptoms that are worrying you, then arrange to see your doctor.