A cough that lingers after a cold or the flu is usually not something to worry about.
The cough will eventually clear, but you might ease symptoms and prevent complications with home remedies and medication.
This is calledbacterial sinusitis.
Verywell / Laura Porter
It can mimic that of a post-infectious cough until you’re treated with anantibiotic.
A lingering cough can also have causes unrelated to an infection.
Lingering Cough vs.
Chronic Cough
Respiratory infections and colds produce a cough that goes away in several days to a few weeks.
However, a chronic cough lasts longer, sometimes for months or even years.
Tests for diagnosis may include:
Home Remedies
Non-medical treatments may help ease a lingering cough.
Certain home remedies are reasonable approaches to managing a post-infectious cough.
Some people may even find them more soothing than other therapies.
Eucalyptus oil is believed to calm cough by loosening a person’s phlegm.
Who Should Not Use Eucalyptus Oil?
Eucalyptus oil should not be used with children younger than 2.
Do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Never ingest eucalyptus oil because it’s toxic if consumed.
Experts suspect the medicinal effect of honey may be due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
If your urine is clear or pale yellow, it’s a sign that you are well-hydrated.
Saline Rinse
A saline rinse may also help clear out mucus and improve your cough.
Thus, humidifiers and steam showers can be effective methods for managing post-nasal drip.
For children, be sure to use a cool-mist humidifier.
Warm mist humidifiers or vaporizers can burn your child if they get too close to the steam.
Also, clean your humidifier daily, if possible, to prevent bacteria andmold from growing.
Unfortunately, the benefit of these lozenges is questionable.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend allergy and asthma medications.
However, it’s important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing a lingering cough.
You may have a condition known as long COVID in which symptoms persist.
Studies show that the risk of getting a lingering cough increases with the duration of the illness.
The goal of treatment is to ease symptoms.
Cough suppressants, antihistamines, expectorants, or inhaled or oral steroids may offer some relief.
Home remedies like humidifiers, eucalyptus aromatherapy, and gargling with salt water may also help.
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