Hi doctor, I would like to ask about my grandpa's coughing situation as it already lasted for almost three weeks. He has been taking his medicines since then. But his cough still remains the same. Are there any suggested medicines or easy home remedies to follow?
Hi. It seems your grandfather is having a cough for three weeks. Cough in adults are classified as acute, subacute, or chronic based on the duration. Acute cough lasts up to three weeks, subacute cough lasts three to eight weeks, and chronic cough lasts longer than eight weeks. Subacute cough often has a post-infectious origin and will typically resolve without treatment. It is usually secondary to asthma or bacterial sinusitis. Reassurance is a good approach in otherwise healthy patients. Oral or inhaled corticosteroids, Ipratropium, or cough suppressants may be prescribed to help with sleep. The viral infection or bacterial infection mostly produce a fever and cough with expectoration. These symptoms you did not mention, I assume they are absent. Post viral cough can be last up to six weeks. I would like to ask about red flags symptoms such as weight loss, night sweats, and hemoptysis. If they are present you need further evaluation on an urgent basis. Other common causes of chronic cough (usually more than eight weeks) are allergic. Most often, chronic cough is due to postnasal drainage, asthma, and/or gastroesophageal disease. Some drugs such as ACE inhibitor (a type of anti-hypertensive medication) also results in chronic cough. Stopping such medication helps. Other remedies are steam inhalation alone or with menthol. Cough drops or lozenges soothe an irritated throat. Saltwater gargle. Honey is also helpful. Antacid for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and at night sleep with two pillows so that head remains elevated.