Say Goodbye To Post-Infectious Cough With These 5 Best Home Remedies!

Hello readers! Have you ever felt dry and continuous coughs even after completing the common cold duration? Well, it is due to “Post-Infectious cough”. Generally, the cold or viral infection lasts for 7-10 days, but sometimes even after clearance of all the symptoms of the viral infection one thing that is “cough” does not clear out and continues to follow a respiratory tract infection such as the common cold or flu. Due to this the individual experiences post-infectious cough.

It generally occurs to one in every ten people who have experienced respiratory infection. However, it’s not just you! We have all gone through the COVID-19 pandemic which is still threatening us with its new “variants of interest” and posing a concern for the respiratory system. It is therefore important to look for preventive measures and find a good treatment solution for this. 

So, here in this blog, we will shed light on the major causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of post-infectious infection. We will also share some easy-to-follow home remedies for post-viral cough.

Table Of Contents

1. Top 5 Home Remedies For Post-Infectious Cough

2. What Causes Post-Infectious Cough?

3. Post-infectious Cough Symptoms

4. Post-Infectious Cough Prevention

5. Post-Infectious Cough Treatment

6. Dietitian’s Recommendation

7. The Final Say

8. FAQs

9. References

Top 5 Home Remedies For Post-Infectious Cough

Here are some easy-to-make drinks that can help control post-infectious cough Homemade drinks can provide soothing relief for post-infectious cough symptoms while also helping to keep the body hydrated and nourished:

1. Ginger Tea

Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. To make ginger tea, you can follow the steps below:

Also Read: Discover 8 Benefits Of Ginger Water With Its Recipe 

2. Turmeric Milk

Combining milk and turmeric is magical for preventing sore throat. The major component of turmeric is “Curcumin” which possesses anti-inflammatory properties and helps in reducing the inflammation in the airways. The soothing properties of milk can help to ease the sore throat. So, to prepare turmeric milk, you need the following things:

Also Read: 8 Home Remedies For Dry Cough

3. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint has a cooling effect due to the presence of a compound called “Menthol” on the throat and may help reduce coughing. Also, its anti-inflammatory properties reduce the chances of infection. To make this just follow the simple steps:

4. Honey And Water

Generally, this combination drink is suggested for weight loss but is also effective for post-infectious coughs. Honey is loaded with antibacterial and antioxidant properties. When you take 1 tsp of honey, it coats the throat lining, thus helping in preventing the unusual irritation. You can simply make warm honey water by following the steps:

5. Warm Saltwater Gargle

Gargling with salt water can help reduce the soreness. It will also help you to reduce the irritation caused by the cough. You can do it before bedtime every day. 

Also Read: Lungs Detox: What Food Cleanse Your Lungs?

What Causes Post-Infectious Cough?

While the initial infection may clear up within a week or two, the cough can persist due to lingering inflammation and irritation of the airways. Some factors can lead to post-viral cough. The post-infectious causes include:

• Asthma

• Congestive heart failure

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Lung cancer 

• Pneumonia or bronchitis

• Smoking

• Bronchitis

• Post-nasal drip

• Pneumonia

  
  

Also Read: Nipah Virus Infection (NiV): Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Post-Infectious Cough Symptoms

If you already have experienced lung infection or viral infection then there are chances that you may face problems like a persistent cough which can last more than three weeks following a respiratory infection. You may observe the following symptoms:

• Hoarseness

• Shortness of breath

• Throat irritation

• Chest discomfort or tightness

• Wheezing

Post-Infectious Cough Prevention

While post-infectious cough cannot always be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing respiratory infections:

1. Practice Good Hand Hygiene

Following good hand hygiene is very important as it reduces the chances of getting an infection. For this, you can use soap and water, especially after touching surfaces in public, sneezing, and coughing. 

You can also use a good and authentic hand sanitiser and try to carry it while travelling or going outside to sanitise your hands.

2. Avoid Close Contact With Sick Individuals

Since a post-infectious cough results from a viral infection, it is essential to keep a distance from sick individuals. Even hand-shaking or sharing personal belongings can make you sick. Therefore it is highly advised not to make close contact with 

people with respiratory infections to reduce your risk of virus exposure.

3. Stay Up To Date On Vaccinations

During the coronavirus pandemic we all have been advised to take the first and the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. But do you know why it is so? This is because infection damages the body's cells and lowers immunity. To keep your body immune and ready to fight even a normal infection. It also helps to protect against common respiratory viruses such as pneumonia and influenza.

Also Read: 5 Winter Diseases, Their Causes And Prevention

4. Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle

Lastly, a healthy lifestyle is very important to keep distance from infections. To achieve this, you should start focusing on your diet and workouts. Try to include seasonal fruits and vitamin C-rich veggies to boost your immunity. This includes foods like strawberries, oranges, kiwi or papaya and in veggies you can opt for lemons, cabbage, bell peppers etc.

Along with this following a good workout routine is equally important to get rid of post-infectious cough. Try to invest your 20 minutes in doing exercises like skipping, walking or jogging.

Post-Infectious Cough Treatment

The treatment of post-infectious cough generally targets the alleviating of the symptoms. So, here are some common approaches you can follow

Dietitian’s Recommendation

Although diet plays a significant role in reducing the symptoms of post-infectious cough, maintaining personal hygiene is equally important. As a dietitian, I would recommend you keep yourself hydrated and include the above-mentioned homemade drinks in your routine. Plus, avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods as they can irritate the throat. Eat more anti-inflammatory foods like nuts, berries, and fatty fish. Include probiotics and nutrient-dense foods like curd, milk, whole grains, and vegetables to keep your gut healthy. 

Dt. Akshata Gandevikar

The Final Say

If you're experiencing a persistent cough following a respiratory infection, it's essential to consult with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 

Post-infectious cough can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition, but with proper management and treatment, symptoms can be alleviated, and recovery can occur by understanding the causes, symptoms, prevention, home remedies and treatment options for post-infectious cough.

FAQs

1. What is a post-infectious cough?

When you get an upper respiratory tract infection, there is a high chance of getting a persistent cough that lasts up to 3 weeks, and this situation is known as post-infectious cough.

2. What causes a post-infectious cough?

The major causes of post-infectious cough are:

• Asthma

• Congestive heart failure

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Lung cancer 

• Pneumonia or bronchitis

• Smoking

• Bronchitis

• Post-nasal drip

• Pneumonia

  
  

3. How do you treat a post-infectious cough?

The following are the treatment options for the persistent cough:

• Hydration

• Prescription Medications

• Humidification

• Avoiding irritants

• Speech therapy

• Rest and self-care

  
  

4. How long does a post-infection cough last?

The period varies from person to person, but the post-infectious cough in adults lasts three to eight weeks.

5. What health hazards can occur due to post-infectious cough?

You may experience fatigue, muscle strain, and sleep disturbances due to post-infectious cough.

6. What are Post-infectious Cough Guidelines?

The guidelines include:

• Patient Assessment

• Diagnostic Evaluation

• Pharmacological Treatment

• Non-pharmacological Treatment

• Patient Education.

• Follow-up

  
  

7. Is post-infectious cough contagious?

Yes, it is contagious therefore maintaining proper hygiene is very important to prevent its further infection.

References

• Postinfectious cough: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines 

• Is a lingering cough after a cold normal? | UCLA Health

• Post-infectious cough usually treated with home remedies | UCLA Health

• Lingering Cough After a Cold: Causes and Treatments

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