What Causes A Post Infectious Or Post Viral Cough?

Posted on Mon, 13 Jan 2025

Question: What causes a post infectious or post viral cough? Is it the agitation on the airway from coughing so much? First time I ever experienced this was now. I’m 4 weeks from when I had a really bad cold with extensive coughing. I’m still having clear mucus come up. But the urge to cough seems that have drastically stopped.

Anything I can do to not get this again after my next cold etc? Drink more water? Take expectorants etc?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is because of inflammation and bronchoconstriction.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I can understand your concern.
Post infectious or post viral cough is mostly due to lung inflammation and bronchoconstriction.
Lung infection causes changes in lung environment.
These changes usually subside in 2-3 weeks.
But in some patients, these changes cause prolonged lung inflammation and bronchoconstriction which cause cough.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (16 hours later)

Is there something I can do to help prevent that during next bad cough/cold? Maybe take budesonide inhaler early on?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, you can take budesonide inhaler.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes, you can take budesonide inhaler if cough is persistent beyond 2-3 weeks.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj