Simple ways to treat cough after Covid-19

Drinking plenty of water, inhaling steam from the nose and throat, and drinking ginger and honey tea can help improve persistent cough symptoms after Covid-19.

Persistent coughing can last for weeks or months after a Covid-19 infection. According to Dr. Dang Thanh Do, a specialist in Respiratory Medicine at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi , after entering the body, the virus affects the vagus nerve or damages the larynx and throat lining, causing coughing. Patients with Covid-19 complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or pulmonary fibrosis may still experience prolonged coughing after recovery. During the recovery phase, the body produces a cough reflex to remove secretions and phlegm from the airways. Patients with chronic lung disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease who require multiple medications are also at risk of persistent coughing after contracting Covid-19.

People with mucus dripping from their nose down the back of their throat, causing throat irritation, may experience persistent coughing. Additionally, prolonged coughing can stem from causes such as viral or bacterial respiratory infections (influenza virus, pneumococcal bacteria, adenovirus, etc.), seasonal allergies, cigarette smoke, or chemicals.

If a cough is frequent, prolonged, causes fatigue, insomnia, and affects quality of life, the patient should see a doctor to determine the exact cause. If the cough is not due to an underlying medical condition, the patient should adopt a proper diet and exercise regimen; the cough will gradually improve. Dr. Thanh Do suggests simple methods to reduce coughing after COVID-19.

Drink enough water

Drinking plenty of water, especially warm water, helps warm the throat, increase blood circulation, reduce irritation, relieve dryness, thin mucus, and thus reduce coughing. Adults should drink about 2 liters of water per day. Some drinks that help reduce coughing include herbal teas (ginger tea, honey lemongrass tea, chamomile tea), warm fruit juices, etc.

Drinking enough water helps reduce throat dryness and thin mucus, thereby effectively reducing coughing. (Image: Freepik) — Drinking enough water helps reduce throat dryness and thin mucus, thereby effectively reducing coughing. (Image: *Freepik)*

Rinse your mouth with salt water.

Gargling with salt water helps kill bacteria, loosen mucus, and reduce sore throat pain, thereby shortening the duration of coughing. You can use half a teaspoon of salt mixed with 240ml of warm water to gargle, or use 0.9% physiological saline solution available at pharmacies.

Practice active breathing

Practice deep breathing exercises such as pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing about 2-3 times a day, for 15 minutes each time, to enhance gas exchange and improve lung function.

Pursed-lip breathing : Lie or sit comfortably, relax your neck and shoulders, and relax your whole body; inhale slowly through your nose; exhale slowly with your lips pursed as if whistling, with the exhalation time being twice the inhalation time.

Diaphragmatic breathing : Lie on your back or sit upright, relax your neck and shoulders, and keep your whole body relaxed; place one hand on your abdomen and the other on your chest; inhale slowly, evenly, and deeply through your nose, feeling your abdomen expand; keep your chest still; gradually contract your abdomen as you exhale slowly through your mouth.

Elevate your head while sleeping.

When lying down, gravity causes mucus to accumulate in the throat instead of draining out. Therefore, coughing often occurs more frequently at night as the mucus is expelled. Elevating your head while sleeping can help alleviate this problem. Additionally, sleeping this way can reduce acid reflux – another common cause of nighttime coughing.

Stay away from cigarette smoke.

According to doctors in Chengdu, people with COVID-19 who are frequently exposed to cigarette smoke may experience worsening coughs because smoke reduces the elasticity of the alveoli, narrows lung capacity, and alters the structure of the bronchial mucosa, causing the bronchial walls to thicken and the lumen to narrow, hindering airflow. Nicotine paralyzes the cilia, and mucus and toxins accumulate in the lungs, causing pulmonary obstruction. Insufficient oxygen supply to the body leads to shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and an increased risk of respiratory diseases. Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke can improve persistent coughing after COVID-19 infection.

Vitamin D supplements

Sunlight is the body's source of vitamin D. However, to get enough vitamin D, the skin must be exposed to sunlight during periods of high ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, for safety, you should consult your doctor about using vitamin D supplements in appropriate dosages. In addition to vitamin D, you should also supplement with vitamin C and zinc to boost immunity. Eating a balanced diet, increasing your intake of green vegetables and fruits, and consuming yogurt will help improve your immune system. You should avoid cold foods and drinks as they can irritate the throat and cause persistent coughing.

Nasal and throat steaming

Warm steam moisturizes dry and irritated airways, thinning mucus and thus reducing coughing frequency. You can use an essential oil diffuser or steam your nose and throat with tea tree, cinnamon, lemongrass, or peppermint essential oils mixed with hot water, steaming your nose and throat about 2-3 times a day. Note that you shouldn't bring your face too close to the water to avoid burns; you can use a towel to cover your head for added effectiveness. Additionally, you should take warm baths instead of cold ones to reduce coughing.

Trinh Mai

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