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.
