Persistent Cough Post-COVID? | Dr Leong Hoe Nam @ The Rophi Clinic

Summary

Dr. Leon Honam from the Rophi Clinic explores the common causes and management of chronic cough following COVID-19. He explains that a persistent cough doesn't always indicate long COVID and highlights four primary causes: post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux, airway issues (like asthma), and neuropathic cough. Dr. Honam emphasizes the importance of working with your doctor to identify the cause and manage the condition effectively. Practical tips include controlling the cough, staying hydrated, avoiding triggers, and using steam inhalation. This video is designed to help viewers understand and address their chronic cough with medical guidance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Chronic cough after COVID isn't always long COVID, and may have other causes like post-nasal drip, GERD, asthma, or neuropathic cough.
• 😀 Post-nasal drip and sinusitis are common causes of chronic cough after COVID, often due to mucus dripping into the throat, irritating it.
• 😀 Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause coughing, as stomach acid irritates the throat. Avoiding trigger foods and using PPIs can help.
• 😀 Airway issues like asthma, bronchitis, or post-viral bronchial hyperactivity may be triggered by COVID, requiring treatments like inhalers or steroids.
• 😀 Neuropathic cough results from nerve irritation in the throat. It can be treated with medications like amitriptyline and soothing remedies like honey and warm water.
• 😀 Persistent coughing can damage the throat, so it's important to suppress the cough and avoid constant coughing to prevent further irritation.
• 😀 Staying hydrated and using saline rinses or steam inhalation can help relieve sinus congestion and reduce coughing caused by post-nasal drip.
• 😀 Managing your diet is crucial—avoid spicy, fatty, acidic foods, and coffee, as these can trigger both GERD and coughing.
• 😀 Stress can exacerbate both GERD and airway issues, so it's important to manage stress and prioritize adequate sleep to reduce coughing.
• 😀 It's essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to identify the underlying cause of your chronic cough and explore appropriate treatments.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Dr. Leon Honam's lecture?

The main topic is about chronic cough after COVID-19 infection, its causes, and ways to manage and treat it.

Does a persistent cough after COVID-19 always indicate long COVID?

No, a persistent cough does not always mean long COVID. Chronic cough can have multiple causes and should be evaluated by a doctor.

What are the most common causes of chronic cough after COVID-19 infection?

The most common causes are post-nasal drip or sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), airway issues (such as asthma and bronchitis), and neuropathic cough.

What is post-nasal drip, and how can it contribute to a chronic cough?

Post-nasal drip occurs when mucus from the sinuses drips down the back of the throat, triggering irritation and coughing. It is common after viral infections like COVID-19.

How can post-nasal drip be treated to alleviate chronic cough?

Treatment includes staying hydrated, using sinus rinses, inhaling steam, and, in some cases, using steroid nasal sprays or oral steroids, in consultation with your doctor.

What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and how does it contribute to coughing?

GERD is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritating the throat and causing coughing. It can be aggravated by coughing itself.

What lifestyle changes can help manage GERD-related chronic cough?

Avoiding spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, and reducing or eliminating coffee intake are key lifestyle changes. It is also important to avoid lying down after eating and to manage stress.

What are airway issues, and how do they contribute to chronic cough after COVID-19?

Airway issues such as asthma, bronchitis, or hypersensitive airways can cause persistent coughing after a viral infection. These conditions may be triggered or worsened by the infection.

How can airway issues like asthma be managed to reduce coughing?

Treatment may include inhalers, steroids, or bronchodilators as prescribed by a doctor. It is also helpful to avoid cold air, strong irritants, and exercise in some cases.

What is neuropathic cough, and how is it different from other types of cough?

Neuropathic cough is caused by nerve irritation in the throat, often triggered by environmental factors like cold air or certain foods. It is different from other types of cough because it involves nerve sensitivity rather than respiratory inflammation.

How can neuropathic cough be treated?

Neuropathic cough can be treated with soothing remedies like honey and warm water, and in some cases, medications like amitriptyline can be prescribed to desensitize the nerves.

Why is it important to suppress a chronic cough instead of letting it continue?

Suppressing the cough is important because repeated coughing can damage the throat lining, making the symptoms worse and prolonging recovery.

What role does the partnership between a patient and their doctor play in treating chronic cough?

Working in partnership with a doctor is essential for identifying the root cause of the chronic cough and finding the most effective treatment plan. A combination of treatments may be necessary for successful management.