Why do colds/flu/bugs seem to end with an annoying cough that lasts for ages?
In: Biology
So there’s a few reasons, some of which have already been discussed. The first could be explained by a superimposed bacterial infection; those are risk would be children, older adults, and those with poor immune function (e.g. on immunosuppressants for auto-immune conditions). More commonly, however, is that people develop a post-viral cough unrelated to a bacterial infection. This phenomenon is generally less understood that we might like, but some more commonly accepted explanations are that the airway is more sensitive as a result of the infection, or that inflammatory mediators associated with the immune response linger around longer than the infection, which can cause local air sensitivity and edema (swelling). This is why an inhaler like salbutamol/ventolin is sometimes prescribed for a post-viral cough to open the airway and reduce swelling. Lastly, a cough is mildly traumatic to the throat and upper airway. This can cause irritation to structures like the vocal cords, which itself can bring on a cough. This leads to a continuous cough cycle because the airway is continuously irritated — think of it like scratching an itch; you scratch and so it itches more, which causes you to scratch more. This is more common than you might think and it generally treated with regularly drinking fluids when one feels the need to cough and avoidance of throat clearing. Certainly, if one has concerns about a lingering cough, one ought to see their Family Physician.
If you live in or have lived the Southwest and have a lingering dry cough, it could be Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis). Discuss with your doctor.
I was diagnosed with a mild version of asthma, “cough variant asthma.” As far as I can tell it’s basically my trachea or whatever is more sensitive. But this after illness dry irritated cough bullshit would go on for 2-3 months after spring allergy season.
Albuterol and advair fixed it. I did fail the methacholine test though.
Coughing irritates the lungs and airways which causes more coughing.
Secondary infections are also common.
Thanks for bringing this up OP and others for the answers. I had flu in December of last year and after that cleared up I suddenly got laringytis, then that cleared but I still have an annoying persistent cough. Makes much more sense now.
Apparently lots of people susceptible to catching “colds” also have acid reflux. The nasal congestion, mucus, etc cause this to flair up and the lingering cough may be a sign of the acid reflux acting up. Taking OTC medications — such as Nexium, Prevacid and Prilosec — can help. It did for me, even though I really didn’t have other “heartburn” symptoms. Reading some of the other very helpful answers makes me think that there are several things going on and it is very easy to have different ones after different colds.
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