Cough after COVID: what to know

Viral illness can leave the throat and breathing tubes sensitive, so cold air, talking, exercise or strong smells may trigger coughing. Mucus, nasal drainage or reflux can add irritation. A lingering cough does not by itself show that the infection is still active or identify one particular condition. If it continues, a clinician may listen to your chest and review breathing symptoms, medicines, smoking or vaping exposure, and other possible causes such as Asthma, Acute Bronchitis or Chronic Cough.

Rest when the cough is tiring, drink fluids regularly, and avoid smoke, vaping aerosols, dust and heavily scented products. Warm drinks may soothe a scratchy throat. Try gentle breathing and increase activity gradually if exertion provokes coughing. Follow any COVID or asthma treatment instructions you were given; do not start antibiotics or borrow inhalers without advice. Keep a record of triggers, phlegm, fever, breathlessness and whether the pattern is improving.

Arrange a medical review if the cough is not settling, disrupts sleep, returns after improving, or comes with wheezing, chest pain, fever, unusual tiredness or breathlessness. Seek urgent help for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, or coughing up more than a small streak of blood. People with significant heart or lung disease, a weakened immune system, or pregnancy should seek advice sooner when symptoms change.

Could this be airway sensitivity, nasal drainage, reflux or another cause? Do I need a chest examination or breathing tests? Which treatments are suitable for my medicines and health conditions? What change would mean I should seek urgent care?