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

The spike in the number of post-viral prolonged cough cases has emerged as cause for concern in the State. Medical experts have attributed it to seasonal changes.

According to Dr. A. Fathahudeen, Professor and head of the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Government Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, the trend became apparent in late December last year.

“Over the past two months, there has been a steady rise in cases of patients experiencing prolonged cough and sudden loss of voice. Seasonal viral illnesses causing upper respiratory tract infection and cough are quite common. This could be due to the sudden change in temperature. Quite unusually, several cases of prolonged dry cough have come to our notice this season,” said Dr. Fathahudeen.

According to him, the trend may be due to a viral infection. “The common viruses noticed nowadays are the rhino virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and other seasonal viruses. Post-Covid lung issues may have suppressed the defence capabilities of our lungs,” he added.

Antibiotics have no role in treating the infection unless a pulmonologist prescribes them, he said. “We usually advise patients to wear masks, avoid crowds, take steam inhalation, and keep themselves properly hydrated. Patients should drink hot fluids and give adequate rest to voice. The infection usually subsides within seven to 10 days. If it persists for more than three weeks, X-ray and sputum examination are advised,” Dr. Fathahudeen said.

While hospitals in Ernakulam have not reported a spike in viral infections and post-viral cough cases, patients have been seeking treatment for prolonged cough.

Dr. P.T. Anandan, Professor and head of the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Government Medical College Hospital, Ernakulam, said patients were complaining about post-viral prolonged cough. “We have not observed an unusual spike in infections here. It is a seasonal trend. It is usually observed during the post-winter transition, when there is a rise in respiratory infections,” he added.

He said that any cough persisting beyond two weeks must be thoroughly investigated. “We need to rule out other reasons for cough such as acute bronchitis or tuberculosis. If it is post-viral, then we suggest supportive treatment such as steam inhalation, anti-histamines, or inhaled medications.

Dr. Jacob K. Jacob, Professor and head of the Department of General Medicine at Government Medical College Hospital, Ernakulam, cautioned that though the situation was not alarming, post-viral cough should not be ignored.

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

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