Increase in complaints of persistent cough

There has been a notable increase in complaints of cough that lasts for weeks following an infection, significantly affecting people's quality of life.

Experts recommend herbal tea and frequent consumption of warm water for coughs lasting less than 8 weeks, while advising patients to consult a healthcare facility if the cough is accompanied by symptoms such as coughing up blood, fever, or shortness of breath.

POST-INFECTION PERSISTENT COUGH

Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Siahmet Atlı stated that respiratory tract infections increase during seasonal transitions. Reminding that respiratory tract infections have been seen more frequently during the winter months this year, Dr. Atlı said, “Patients mostly present with complaints such as runny nose, sneezing, coughing, general body aches, and fever caused by respiratory tract infections. 

These are mostly caused by factors such as rhinovirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Influenza virus. Of course, everything is normal up to this point. However, a persistent cough begins after people recover from the infection. This cough lasts for more than 3 weeks and less than 8 weeks. 

However, for some of our patients, it can last longer than 8 weeks. This increases unnecessary emergency department visits. This condition disrupts quality of life and causes complaints in many of our patients such as headaches, sleep disorders, urinary incontinence, chest pain, and even throat irritation and blood in phlegm due to excessive coughing,” he said.

“NOT A SITUATION TO BE AFRAID OF"

Expressing his belief that viruses have been seen less frequently for a long time since the pandemic and that this caused an explosion during these winter months, Atlı said, “Since these are viral infections, they cause prolonged cough.

Especially in January and February, more than 50 percent of the applications to our polyclinic were just post-infection cough.

Whatever we call it—flu, common cold, or cold—the cough that starts afterward lasts between 3 and 8 weeks and can resolve on its own in up to 80 percent of cases. There is no need for the person to panic here. However, if it continues for more than 8 weeks and is accompanied by phlegm, coughing up blood, fever, or shortness of breath, then they need to consult a specialist,” he said.

“INDIVIDUALS CAN MANAGE THIS AT HOME"

Pointing out that the cost of post-infection cough to the healthcare system is very high, Atlı said, “Therefore, we see that these patients visit the emergency room in large numbers. We see that children, individuals with weak immune systems, those with respiratory diseases such as COPD and asthma, and cancer and chronic patients are at risk.

Individuals can manage this at home on their own. They can humidify the environment by placing a glass of water on the radiator or stove.

Besides this, they can consume honey mixed with ginger or black pepper before going to bed. Of course, diabetic patients need to be careful about this. On the other hand, we recommend herbal tea and frequent consumption of warm water,” he said.