GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Many people are dealing with a cough that won't go away.
West Michigan doctors say it typically stems from a viral infection.
"What typically causes a nice long, lingering cough is something like RSV or something like human metapneumovirus or parainflu," said Dr. Andrew Jameson, section chief of infectious disease at Trinity Health. "It actually depends on exactly what's circulating in the community right now. I would not be surprised if the people are feeling the impact of RSV, more than anything else right now."
Often with a healthy immune system, the cough will go away. But Dr. Jameson said if the cough continues for more than two weeks or symptoms get worse, talk to your doctor.
"A lot of times what can happen is it's something called a post bronchiolitis cough, or a cough that lingers after the infection is gone," said Dr. John Dykstra of University of Michigan Health-West Hudsonville. "I tell my patients, your airways can be somewhat inflamed, and it takes time for that inflammation to go down even after the infection is gone. That can sometimes linger for two to four weeks."
A doctor can evaluate the underlying cause of the cough. Depending on what that is, they can prescribe steroids, antibiotics or other things to help ease the illness and cough.
"You might end up being on an inhaler for a little while," said Jameson. "If there's some inflammation, if you're really wheezy, and it's actually causing some inflammation in your lungs."
At home, over the counter cough suppressants can help. Also, using a humidifier at night, drinking plenty of liquids and drinking hot tea or honey.
"Grandmas had it right," said Dykstra. "Positive mental attitude, drink plenty of fluids, chicken soup, get your rest, get to bed on time."
Also, wear a mask if you have a cough, so as not to spread that virus to anyone around you.
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