Say Goodbye to Your Persistent Cough: Tips for Managing a Cough After COVID-19

Managing a Persistent Cough

• Introduction: A cough is the body’s way of keeping foreign particles or irritants out of the lungs and clearing extra mucus from the airways. A persistent cough is a cough that does not go away and can disrupt sleep and cause feelings of exhaustion.

Steps for Managing a Dry Cough:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day.
• Consider the environment you are in and whether certain cleaning products, detergents, air fresheners, or scented candles may be irritating your airways or lungs.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to your surroundings.
• Suck on a throat lozenge or hard candy during coughing spells.
• Consult with a doctor before taking cough medicine as it may have serious side effects depending on your pre-existing health concerns.

Managing Mucus:

• Mucus is normal after respiratory illness and helps to rid the lungs of extra mucus. It should be thin and clear.
• Drink plenty of fluids to thin out thick or sticky mucus.
• Other treatments such as a nebulizer or puffer may be helpful, but consult with a doctor first.

Controlled Coughing Technique:

• This technique can help remove mucus from the lungs, as opposed to an uncontrolled cough which can be tiring and not under your control.
• To perform a controlled cough, sit comfortably in a chair with your feet on the ground and lean your head slightly forward. Inhale deeply through your nose or mouth, then cough twice. The first cough will loosen the mucus and the second will move it up to your throat. Spit the mucus into a tissue to observe the color, and repeat two or three more times.

Huffing Technique:

• The huffing technique involves exhaling in short, forceful bursts to move mucus higher up into the airway before coughing it up.
• To perform the huffing technique, sit in a comfortable chair with your feet on the ground and lean slightly forward. Inhale deeply through your nose or mouth, then exhale in short, forceful bursts while making a sound like you’re trying to fog up a mirror. Repeat the process two or three more times until you feel that you have cleared your airway. If you feel mucus in your throat, cough it up and spit it into a tissue.

Managing Nasal Congestion:

• Add moisture to the air you breathe using a humidifier on your furnace or a portable humidifier. Clean the humidifier regularly to prevent mold and bacteria from growing.
• Take a steamy shower or bath and drink plenty of water.
• Use a saline nasal mist or spray to flush out your nose with a neti pot or bulb syringe. This can help clear out dust, dirt, and pollen.
• Talk to a doctor about using a corticosteroid nasal spray if your nasal congestion persists and other remedies are not effective.

Conclusion:

• Managing a persistent cough involves staying hydrated, considering your environment, using a humidifier, and possibly using cough drops or consulting with a doctor about cough medicine. Mucus is normal after respiratory illness and can be managed by drinking fluids and possibly using a nebulizer or puffer. Controlled coughing and huffing techniques can be helpful for clearing mucus from the airways, and nasal congestion can be managed through the use of humidifiers, saline sprays, and possibly corticosteroid nasal sprays.

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