What should you know about a long cough after COVID?

After a respiratory infection, sensitive airways can remain inflamed and trigger coughing with cold air, talking or exertion. A post-viral cough can be dry or bring up mucus. Other explanations include a Common Cold, Acid Reflux, Allergic Rhinitis or Asthma. A cough lasting a long time may be classed as Chronic Cough, and the cause cannot be confirmed from duration alone. Bronchiectasis and other lung conditions may need consideration when there is repeated chest infection or regular sputum.

Drink fluids, avoid tobacco smoke and notice whether cold air, exercise, meals or lying down trigger symptoms. Honey in a warm drink may soothe an adult throat, but avoid honey for infants. Do not start antibiotics or inhalers without clinical advice. Arrange a review if the cough is not settling, interferes with sleep or activity, or follows a significant breathing illness; the clinician may listen to your chest and decide whether further tests are needed.

Get urgent medical help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, blue or grey lips, confusion, coughing blood or a rapid deterioration. Prompt review is also needed for fever that returns, unexplained weight loss, night sweats or a cough with worsening breathlessness.

Ask whether your cough sounds post-viral, reflux-related or asthma-related, whether medication could be contributing, and which changes should prompt an earlier review.