Why Winter Coughs Linger Longer Than You Think

It was the first occasion when your humble wintertime cough had refused to give up, and you had given the credit to the weather, the office air conditioning, and even to your boss (really…?). The two weeks

turned into four, and there you were, still chipping away, yet everyone had gone on with their life. You know what it feels like when you walk into a room and begin coughing alone like background music. Here is why it happens-

Your Airways Do Not Like Cold, Dry Air

The air in the winter is cold and dry, and your airways are not fans. Inhaling such cold air, the mucous membrane of your throat and bronchi is irritated. The inflammation and additional mucus are the reaction of the body and are cleared with a cough. This irritation may persist even when the primary infection has disappeared. That is, you no longer cough all the time because you are sick; it is because your airways are attempting to relax due to this drama.

The Infection May Be Gone, but the Reflex Remains

Here goes the interesting part: the cough reflex turns into a kind of protective instinct. The nerves of the throat and the chest are exaggerated when you have a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Even a little cold water, or dust, or even speaking excessively, will produce a coughing fit. It is like the body alarm mechanism has been left on. The danger has already slipped by, yet the alarm is still ringing.

Indoor Life Isn’t Helping

We believe that being at home makes us feel safe, yet winter homes and workplaces may serve as danger traps due to using dry heaters, dusty carpets, curtains, counter perfumes, incense, or a combination of these. All these may irritate already-irritated airways and make the cough cycle continue.

When You Should Worry

Symptoms of most winter coughs are gone in 3-4 weeks, although they may seem interminable. However, the time has come to visit a doctor in case you observe a cough for more than 4-6 weeks, pain in the chest, wheezing, shortness of breath, mucus containing blood, or a high and persistent fever.

Be Graceful To Your Coughing Self

Actually, the warm fluids, inhalation of steam, the use of honey (unless you have diabetes or an allergy), and even a humidifier can do more than that extra-strong medicine. And you are not feeling weak because you continue coughing even after you are over your cold. It is because of the fact that your body is merely continuing the story and is doing it at its own pace—one little cough at a time.