Post-viral prolonged cough a cause for concern, say medical experts

A sudden increase in the number of post-viral protracted cough cases has emerged as a cause for concern in the state. Medical experts attribute this to seasonal changes.

Professor and head of the Department of Pulmonology, Government Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, Dr. According to A. Fathahudeen, this trend became evident in late December last year.

“In the last two months, there has been a steady increase in the cases of patients experiencing prolonged cough and sudden loss of voice. Upper respiratory tract infection and seasonal viral diseases that cause cough are quite common. This may be due to the sudden change in temperature. Quite unusually, a few cases of prolonged dry cough have come to our attention this season,” Fathahudeen said.

According to him, this trend may be due to a viral infection. “Common viruses noticed today are rhino virus, respiratory syncytial virus and other seasonal viruses. Post-Covid lung problems may have suppressed the defense abilities of our lungs,” he added.

Antibiotics have no role in treating the infection unless prescribed by a pulmonologist, he said. “We generally advise patients to wear masks, avoid crowds, inhale steam and hydrate themselves appropriately. Patients should drink warm liquids and rest their voices adequately. The infection usually subsides within seven to 10 days. If it persists for more than three weeks, X-rays and sputum examination are recommended,” Fathahudeen said.

Although hospitals in Ernakulam are not reporting a rise in viral infections and post-viral cough cases, patients are seeking treatment for prolonged cough.

Professor and Head of Department of Chest Diseases, Ernakulam Government Medical College Hospital, Dr. PT Anandan said patients complained of prolonged post-viral cough. “We have not observed an unusual increase in infections here. This is a seasonal trend. It is usually observed during the post-winter transition when there is an increase in respiratory infections,” he added.

He said any cough lasting more than two weeks should be thoroughly investigated. “We need to rule out other causes of cough, such as acute bronchitis or tuberculosis. After viral infections, we recommend supportive treatment such as steam inhalation, antihistamines or inhaled medications.”

Professor and head of the Department of General Medicine, Ernakulam Government Medical College Hospital, Dr. Jacob K. Jacob warned that post-viral cough should not be ignored, even if the condition is not alarming.

“Self-medication should be avoided. If left untreated, the infection can lead to further complications in high-risk patients such as the elderly,” he said.

Dr. “While I have not observed an increase in cases, post-viral cough is seasonal and needs to be treated medically,” Jacob added.