UNLOCKING RELIEF: CONQUERING POSTINFECTIOUS COUGH IN ADULTS

A subacute cough with symptoms lasting three to eight weeks is referred to as a postinfectious cough. An inflammatory cascade initiated by the previous infection increases bronchial sensitivity and mucus production while decreasing mucus clearance. Affects 11%–25% of adults.

A prior respiratory infection, the absence of alarming physical examination abnormalities, and the rule out of various subacute cough mimics are necessary for this clinical diagnosis. Patients who have inspiratory whooping, and paroxysmal cough should be evaluated for pertussis.

A chest radiograph should be ordered if there is hemoptysis, systemic symptoms, dysphagia, severe dyspnea, or hoarseness. Long-term smoking or recurrent pneumonia are two further indications of infection.

Postinfectious cough is a self-limiting condition, as evidenced by the majority of trials showing improvement in cough symptoms without therapy.

By reassuring patients that their post-infectious cough is temporary and self-limited, prescriptions for unneeded medications, including antibiotics, can be minimized. Physicians ought to counsel clients to schedule a follow-up visit if, after eight weeks, their cough does not go away.