Post-Infectious Cough: What Researchers Say

Researchers say post-infectious cough is a fairly common condition that affects around eleven to 25 percent of adults after experiencing a respiratory illness.

Quoted from Medicak Daily, Friday, post-infectious cough or post-viral cough is a subacute cough that lasts between three to eight weeks.

“Previous infection triggers an inflammatory reaction, increasing bronchial sensitivity and mucus production while reducing mucus clearance,” say researchers from a recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

A cough is classified as post-infectious if the patient has had a previous respiratory infection and there are no other concerning findings on physical examination, including conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

“Most of the time a cough will go away on its own without any medication or treatment, but it can last longer than you think,” said study author and family physician Dr. Kevin Liang.

The researchers revealed that studies have shown a lack of clear evidence to support the effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and oral medications in treating post-infectious cough.

Researchers also explained that most studies show that coughs tend to get better on their own without medication. Besides the fact that these medications can have side effects and be expensive, using inhalers also releases gases that contribute to climate change.

Any cough that lasts more than eight weeks is considered chronic and requires further assessment to rule out conditions such as asthma or COPD.

It is also a concern when there are signs such as hemoptysis (coughing up blood), systemic symptoms (such as fever, chills, and body aches), difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, or hoarseness.

In such cases, additional investigations are required, usually involving chest radiography. Individuals with recurrent pneumonia or a long history of smoking should seek medical attention if they experience a persistent cough.

“Reassuring patients that post-infectious coughs are time-limited and self-limiting can reduce unnecessary prescriptions, including antibiotics. Clinicians should advise patients to schedule a follow-up appointment for further examination if their cough does not resolve within 8 weeks or if it appears new symptoms,” the researchers wrote.

This news was published on Antaranews.com with the title: Coughing after infection? This is what researchers say

Reporter: Princess Hanifa

Editor: M Fikri Setiawan

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2024-02-16 15:41:14
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