A COVID-19 cough can be a persistent and uncomfortable symptom, often lingering for weeks even after the initial infection has cleared. This cough can manifest as either a dry cough or a productive cough with mucus. Understanding how to manage these symptoms at home and recognizing when professional medical attention is necessary can provide significant relief. This article provides guidance on alleviating a COVID-related cough and identifying warning signs that require medical evaluation.
Managing Your COVID Cough Symptoms
Managing a COVID-19 cough often involves at-home strategies and over-the-counter medications aimed at soothing irritation. Staying well-hydrated is important, as drinking plenty of fluids like water, broths, or warm teas can help thin mucus, making it easier to expel. Warm beverages also provide a soothing effect on irritated airways and the throat.
Using a humidifier introduces moisture into the air, which helps soothe a dry cough and makes breathing more comfortable. Inhaling steam from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water two to three times a day can also loosen trapped mucus, potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of coughing fits.
Honey is known for its cough-relieving properties, coating the throat for a soothing effect. A teaspoon of honey dissolved in warm tea or hot water can offer temporary relief for a sore throat and reduce the urge to cough. For adults, sucking on cough drops, lozenges, or hard candies can keep the mouth and throat moist, which helps soothe irritation.
Elevating your head and chest while sleeping can prevent mucus from accumulating in the airways and obstructing breathing, thereby reducing nighttime coughing. This can be achieved by using extra pillows or a wedge pillow. Resting your voice and allowing your vocal cords to recover can also reduce irritation and the coughing reflex.
When considering over-the-counter (OTC) medications, distinguish between cough suppressants and expectorants. Cough suppressants, such as those containing dextromethorphan, decrease the brain activity that triggers the cough reflex, making them suitable for dry, non-productive coughs. Expectorants, like guaifenesin, thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up and clear, which is more appropriate for a wet or productive cough. Always follow the dosage instructions on the medication label and consult a pharmacist if you are unsure which product is best for your specific symptoms or if you have other medical conditions.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many COVID-19 coughs can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath is a serious warning sign that requires prompt attention. This indicates that your respiratory system may not be functioning adequately.
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest can signal a more severe underlying issue and should not be ignored. New confusion or an inability to wake up or stay awake are also serious indicators requiring emergency care. Changes in skin coloration, such as pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, suggest low oxygen levels and necessitate immediate medical intervention. If any of these signs are present, seek emergency medical help by calling 911 or your local emergency facility, informing them that you are seeking care for someone with or who may have COVID-19.