Post-viral cough

A post-viral cough is a lingering cough that follows a viral respiratory tract infection, such as a common cold or flu, and lasting up to eight weeks. Post-viral cough is a clinically recognized condition represented within the European medical literature but is not mentioned in studies from America.^{[citation needed]} Patients usually experience repeated episodes of post-viral cough. The heightened sensitivity in the respiratory tract is demonstrated by inhalation cough challenge.

Cause

One possible cause for post-viral cough is that the receptors that are responsible for stimulating the cough during the respiratory tract infection are up-regulated by respiratory tract infection and continue to stimulate after the virus has disappeared.

Treatment

Post-viral cough can be resistant to treatment. Post-viral cough usually goes away on its own; however, cough suppressants containing codeine may be prescribed. Inhaled steroids may work in some patients. Running or increased cardiovascular activity can help clear the respiratory tract. Often the cause is post-nasal drip, and so nasal steroids or pseudoephedrine might also be helpful.

See also

• Asthma
• Bronchiolitis
• Cough medicine
• Globus pharyngis