According to statistics, 30 million people see a doctor every year because of cough National Library of Medicine.
If you’re one of the many who either have a persistent cough this winter or know someone who does, emergency medicine physician and ABC News medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton has the tips you need to get on the road to a full recovery. Know when to seek medical help.
I think I have a cold or flu but I am still coughing. what is going on?
Although a person may have a cold or flu infection in the tail, the airways can still be irritated, which leads to a persistent cough.
“We have little air sacs in our lungs. They help us move oxygen into our blood so we can get the air we need, but during this coughing season, mucus builds up and irritates and stimulates the cough receptors in our chest, and that causes a coughing response,” Sutton said on “Good Morning America” Thursday. He explained.
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“A lot of things can cause that mucus build-up. Common things are viral illnesses, but acid reflux, allergies, asthma, things like that can increase mucus build-up, so we’re trying to figure out what’s causing it,” Sutton continued.
How long does a cough usually last? Some people have finally been treated for a cough that lasts for weeks. Is this normal?
A variety of infections and illnesses can cause a cough, so it may be important to see a doctor to determine what is causing it.
Sutton said, “Most of the causes we’re seeing are viral illnesses. We’re seeing increases in flu, RSV and Covid.”
With the virus, Sutton said, the main symptoms usually last three weeks.
“That’s the normal time you get that cough,” Sutton said.
“The symptoms three to six weeks after that, that’s what we call subacute,” he continued. “At that point it’s time to investigate a little more. We’re doing imaging, trying to figure out what else could be causing it, but it could be something called post-infection, which is just your. Lung healing.”
If you’ve had a cough for more than two months, that’s when you should see a Sutton medical provider and possibly get tests and imaging to determine why you have a chronic cough.
Sutton said: “After eight weeks, it’s something called a chronic cough and it needs more workup, including imaging and sputum testing, and trying to figure out exactly what’s causing it.”
What can I do to take care of the cough and get rid of it as soon as possible?
When you’re at home, there are simple solutions you can incorporate into the kitchen to make them feel better faster.
“We all learned from our childhood that soups and sauces help from our parents, our grandparents. It’s true. It’s absolutely true,” Sutton said.
“You have tea, honey, eucalyptus oil. If you put it in warm water, you have a cool scent, or you put it in your vaporizer, a few drops will help clear your airways. It can be anti-inflammatory.” Added Sutton.
Although doctors say that honey is a common and useful remedy for cough, it is not safe for children under one year of age.
Pediatricians say parents should talk to their child’s pediatrician about what to do for their child’s specific symptoms and make sure it’s the right option or dosage before giving any over-the-counter medication.
At what point should I go to the doctor about a cough?
“Many patients have this question. They come in and the cough sometimes lasts more than four or five weeks, which is definitely a concern and needs to be worked on,” Sutton said.
In general, Sutton recommends seeing a doctor when a cough lasts at least three weeks.
“After three weeks, you have to take an exam. You have to get some kind of imaging and after that it suggests what the intervention is,” Sutton advises. “Some people benefit from over-the-counter medications. Although these medications may help your symptoms, they don’t change the outcome. And so you may need additional interventions, such as steroids or albuterol inhalers, and that comes later. Regular exams and exercise.”
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