How Can I Deal With A Lingering Cough From COVID?
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Question
For people who have asthma and had COVID in the past, how can we deal with lingering cough?
Answer
Individuals with asthma who have developed COVID-19 can have a lingering cough. This is even after the illness has resolved. Several things can be done to deal with this issue.
- Make sure to follow your asthma management plan. Take all prescribed asthma medicines appropriately.
- It is important to eat well, stay hydrated, and get enough rest.
- Speak with your doctor if your cough does not improve, becomes chronic, or if new symptoms develop. Examples include fever, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing that becomes worse. You may need a clinic visit, oxygen level check (pulse oximeter reading), lung function test, or a chest x-ray.
- Avoid environmental irritants such as tobacco smoke, strong perfumes, and pollution. Meet with an allergy and asthma specialist if you have not done so already. This could be very useful to check and manage the lingering cough.
Categories
Asthma, COVID-19, Symptoms
Answered by
John M. James, MD, is a board-certified allergist. He is also President of Food Allergy Consulting and Education Services, LLC. He has worked as a medical specialist in the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology for over 30 years. Dr. James received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee. He is board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
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