NAGGING COUGH

Nagging Cough even after infection has gone?
Antibiotics won't solve it

Airways could still be inflamed, pollution could make it worse or it could point to other respiratory conditions.

Solution

1. Find cause

a. Persistent cough needs assessment. Treatment differs for allergies, asthma, COPD and viral infections.

b. Get checked for tuberculosis if cough comes with fever, weight loss, breathlessness, wheezing, chest pain or blood in sputum

c. Sometimes asthma and vocal cord dysfunction can together cause  voice loss - (Please consult an ENT doctor or a Pulmonologist at the earliest)

2. Treat nasal allergies

If there is a running nose or post-nasal drip, anti allegy tablets or nasal sprays may be prescribed.

3. Use Inhalers

For wheezing or cough-variant asthma where cough can be the only symptom - (But only under the doctor's supervision)

4. Cut pollution exposure

Avoid outdoor exercise on high pollution days. Wear N95 masks outside.

5. Soothe Throat

Warm water may ease irritation. Cough syrups offer temporary relief at best.

6. Avoid self prescribed antibiotics

They do not treat pollution triggered cough. Unnecessary use leads to antibiotic resistance.

Source

The Times of India, 28 October 2026