How to stop a persistent cough?

"Why am I still coughing if I already feel fine?" You've got over the cold, you have no congestion or fever, but the cough is still there. This is one of the most frequent questions we get at our pharmacy counter in winter.

A persistent cough is not usually serious, but it is uncomfortable and can affect quality of life. In this blog article, we explain why it happens and how to stop a persistent cough.

Everything you need to know about a persistent cough

A cough is a defence mechanism used by our body to clear secretions, microorganisms or other substances. 

A cough can be the result of a cold, flu, respiratory tract infection or other processes... but why is a persistent cough so closely associated with a cold?

Cold and persistent cough

The viruses or microorganisms that cause respiratory tract infections damage the lining of the throat and bronchi, which leads to irritation and inflammation. In response to this process, more secretions are produced and, to deal with this excess mucus, a cough develops.

The cough that remains after this type of process is what we call a persistent cough. This cough does not mean there is arelapse or an infection still active, but rather that the healing process of the damaged tissue is slower:

• Residual inflammation of the respiratory mucosa
• Hypersensitivity of the cough receptors
• Persistent thick mucus
• Dryness of the mucosa
• Exposure to environmental irritants

Relief for a persistent cough

To prevent and avoid a persistent cough, we recommend:

• Avoiding smoking and other irritants

• Not overusing your voice and controlling your tone
• Managing dry air by using, for example, humidifiers and avoiding dry environments
• Nasal washes with saline solution or seawater
• Hydration of the nasal passages.

How to get rid of a persistent cough: pharmacy recommendation

At the pharmacy, we can offer different types of products to help you prevent and avoid the cough from lingering, alongside putting hygiene and healthcare measures into practice.

Aboca Grintuss Jarabe

Within cough syrups (those intended to treat coughs), if you are looking for something natural for a persistent cough, we recommend Aboca Grintus Jarabe to relieve cough and phlegm if present. It works by soothing the cough and protecting the mucosa. In addition, as it is a viscous syrup, it helps soothe the throat as it passes over it. 

It is a syrup with a 100% natural formula that can be used by adults. It is advisable to take 2 teaspoons of the product 2-4 times a day, and it is important that the last dose is taken at night before going to bed.

Pranarom Aromaforce Pastillas Garganta

As a way to prevent and improve a persistent cough, we recommend Pranarom Aromaforce Pastillas Garganta. Its natural ingredients (essential oils of peppermint, spearmint, clary sage, bay laurel, oregano, Chinese cinnamon and thujanol thyme) help to hydrate the throat mucosa and relieve irritation and inflammation, preventing the cough reflex from lingering. 

It can be taken by adults and children over 12 years of age. These are lozenges, and the dose is 1 every 4-5 hours.

Forté Paharma Spray Própolis

To moisturise the rest of the mucosa, we recommend Forté Pharma Spray Própolis. The propolis in its formula, together with eucalyptus and chamomile, soften and soothe the throat.

Apply by spraying twice towards the inside of the throat every 8 hours.

Remember that, if this type of cough gets worse or lasts longer than 6-8 weeks, is accompanied by fever or difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing up blood, or other symptoms appear, you should see a doctor.