GP explains reason coughs last for weeks and when to 'get urgent help'

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Dr Nisa Aslam has explained why it happens and offered some ways to solve it

It’s a scenario many of us have faced: you recover from a cold, only to find that weeks later you’re still dealing with a persistent cough and it shows no signs of going.

GP Dr Nisa Aslam from Puressentiel said: “When you recover from a cold, the virus itself may have long gone, but your airways are raw and inflamed, which means they’re super sensitive. Even normal breathing can cause a tickle and a cough. A cough should slowly become less persistent over time, however to help speed things along, eucalyptus could help.

“Research involving a total of 1,857 people, found that the essential plant ingredient - eucalyptus - was more likely than placebo to improve or resolve overall cough symptoms, and 45 per cent more likely to improve or resolve overall cough symptoms than placebo. Plus, research found that it could be particularly helpful in treating coughs related to conditions like bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections.”

Explaining more about eucalyptus such as Eucalyptus Radiata, Dr Aslam said that, as an antiseptic and expectorant, plant compounds such as Eucalyptus Radiata reduce mucus and help open the airways and ease breathing.

She added: “The European Medicines Agency actually suggests that eucalyptus leaf medicines can be used for the relief of cough associated with a cold. There are also other plant-based ingredients that could help reduce the symptoms of a pesky cough.

"Lemon oil has antimicrobial properties, that can help fight bacteria that cause respiratory tract infections. These include Streptococcus, Klebsiella, Haemophilus and Staphylococcus."

Peppermint may also help thanks to its main active compound, menthol. Dr Aslam said that cough syrups with plant-based ingredients including Eucalyptus Radiata, lemon and peppermint "helps clear the upper respiratory tract by hydrating the mucous membranes, reducing irritation and providing long-lasting protection to help reduce cough frequency".

It’s not uncommon for a cough to linger well after symptoms…

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