A persistent cough after COVID can be frustrating and disrupt your daily routine. While there’s no single “cure,” several treatments can ease your discomfort and promote healing. Understanding the nature of a COVID cough is the first step in finding strategies that work best for you. Let’s delve into the options and when to seek help from your primary care provider.

COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system. Here’s why a cough might develop:

• COVID-19 attacks cells in your respiratory tract, from your nose and throat to deep within your lungs. This triggers your immune system’s defense mechanisms.
• Inflammation is your body’s way of bringing in immune cells to fight the virus. This swelling makes your airways narrower and more sensitive.
• A hypersensitive airway misinterprets minor irritants like dust or dry air as a threat, leading to the cough reflex to try and clear the airway.

• Your respiratory tract produces mucus to trap dust, bacteria, etc. When you’re fighting an infection, mucus production ramps up, becoming thicker and more abundant.
• Coughing is meant to help expel excess mucus, dead cells, and debris from the battle between the virus and your immune system.

• In severe COVID cases, the virus can damage delicate lung tissues and air sacs (alveoli). This damage impairs oxygen exchange and makes it harder to breathe.
• As a consequence, lung scarring (fibrosis) can develop, causing stiffness and contributing to a persistent, sometimes unproductive cough.

For most people, a COVID cough improves within a few weeks. However, some might experience a lingering cough for months – known as “post-COVID cough.”

• Dry Cough: A non-productive cough, feels ticklish or scratchy in your throat.
• Wet Cough: Produces phlegm or mucus. May indicate remaining inflammation or infection.

• Treatment depends on the severity and type of cough you have. Here’s the breakdown:

• Rest: Essential for your body’s recovery process.
• Hydration: Fluids like water, broths, caffeine-free teas help thin mucus.
• Humidifiers: Add moisture to the air, soothing irritated airways.
• Honey: Can coat the throat and has mild antibacterial properties.

• Cough suppressants (dextromethorphan): Help with dry, irritating coughs.
• Expectorants (guaifenesin): Loosen mucus for easier expulsion.
• Decongestants: Can aid with stuffiness impacting your cough.
• Always read labels carefully, especially if you have underlying conditions or take other medications.

• Inhalers: Several types of inhalers might be prescribed for post-COVID cough, depending on the underlying cause:
• Bronchodilators: These open up the airways for easier breathing, often used if asthma is a factor. Examples include albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin) or ipratropium (Atrovent).
• Steroid inhalers: These reduce inflammation in the airways, particularly helpful for a persistent, lingering cough. Examples include fluticasone (Flovent) or budesonide (Pulmicort). [Image example: Close-up of a person using an inhaler]
• Antibiotics: These fight bacterial infections. A doctor might prescribe them if they suspect a secondary infection like bronchitis or pneumonia has developed in addition to your COVID recovery. Types include azithromycin (Z-Pak), or amoxicillin, among others.

Don’t hesitate to consult your primary care doctor, nurse practitioner, or internist in Kendall if you experience:

• Cough lasting over 4 weeks
• Worsening cough, shortness of breath, chest pain
• Fever, indicating a possible secondary infection
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing

At Hiriart & Lopez MD, our primary care doctors understand the unique challenges of post-COVID recovery. If a lingering cough is affecting your quality of life, we offer personalized assessment and treatment guidance.

Schedule an appointment today! Let us help you find relief and optimize your post-COVID recovery. Call our office at (305) 274-8779 or visit us at 9950 SW 107th Ave STE 101, Miami, FL, 33176.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and doesn’t replace personalized medical advice. Always consult a doctor for accurate diagnosis and treatment, especially for persistent symptoms or concerns.