Be patient for a few days and if o cough do not retreat, visit doctor for rate. This is what they recommend pulmonologists specialists many citizens who are currently suffering from a cough that persists for several days after they develop a cough respiratory system infection from seasonal viruses and after the disappearance of all other symptoms.

Persistent cough after a respiratory infection is a common occurrence that appears extremely frequently this year, probably as a result of a large outbreak of seasonal infections. Especially at a young age, as pediatriciansone infection follows another, with the result that the symptoms almost never disappear.

“Cough has always been a constant symptom of respiratory system infections,” notes on “K” Professor of Pulmonology at EKPA, Physician at Attikon Hospital and President of the Hellenic Pulmonological Society, Stelios Loukidis. As he notes, in most cases, coughing is due to the upper respiratory tract, and postnasal syndrome is due to a cold or flu that irritates the throat. In these cases, the cough is usually more intense at night, and there is also a sore throat.

Mr. Loukidis emphasizes that “unfortunately, especially this year, we are seeing an overconsumption of drugs by patients to treat persistent cough. Patients come to the emergency room “Attikon” and have already received a lot of inhalation drugs or even antibiotics. It should be emphasized that cough is not a disease. This is a symptom. We recommend that people with a cough that persists after the virus be patient, and if two weeks pass and this symptom does not disappear, see a doctor to assess their condition and find out the etiology of the cough.

“Antitussive drugs do not work for every type of cough,” experts say and talk about an outbreak of viruses, as well as many cases of laryngitis.

For kids

Pediatrician and President of the Panhellenic Federation of Independent Pediatricians. Konstantinos Daloukas notes that “In particular, this year we have seen many cases of persistent cough that lasts more than two weeks and in some cases does not go away after taking medication. Most of the children we examine have no clinical signs. Basically, parental care forces us to give certain medications, such as antihistamines, even if we do not expect them to bring results. One possible explanation for the persistent cough is a major virus outbreak this year, which was larger than in the years before the pandemic. We have seen many cases of laryngitis often causing a persistent cough, influenza, RSV, adenoviruses and COVID-19, often one virus after another. I recently spoke to a mother of a teenager who told me that her child has been constantly sick since October.”

As Mr. Dalukas emphasizes, “unless there are clinical signs, a persistent cough is not a serious problem. But while it lasts, it is insoluble and worries the child and the whole family, brings anxiety and irritation. According to him, it is safest to consult a pediatrician before prescribing any treatment. “Cough medicines, inhalers or medicated syrups don’t work for every kind of cough,” he notes.

Fewer Incidents

This week, experts observe a relative downward trend in the incidence of respiratory infections. As Mr. Loukidis points out, “While the virus outbreak is still ongoing, the pattern of admission of patients to emergency departments is not the same as it was 15 days ago. Noticeable decline COVID-19 cases and beyond hospitalization but also in applications for the administration of antiviral drugs. It is indicative that on Monday 242 applications were submitted to the competent commission of the Ministry of Health, while two Mondays ago 650 were submitted,” the professor emphasizes.

Advice for parents

Pediatrician Konstantinos Daloukas recommends methods that can help manage a cough. “There must be a clean and pleasant atmosphere in the house, without tobacco smoke, with the right humidity and temperature. Not too hot and not too cold. Children should not be heavily dressed, as this raises their temperature and causes irritation, which can also lead to coughing. Parents should not give their child warm milk at night, as it softens nasal mucus and aggravates the problem. Instead, children can drink milk during the day and eat solid food in the evening. An important role is played by the position for sleeping and the location of the pillow in a way that is convenient for the child. Finally, parents should clean the baby’s nose before going to bed. “Patience is needed, especially if the children are small. If the cough persists, they should return to the doctor,” he concludes.