Question: How can I get rid of a post-nasal drip and stubborn cough?

How can I get rid of a post-nasal drip and stubborn cough, lingering for two weeks after a bad head cold?

Answer

Hi reader, the nasal passages and airways are highly sensitive and important regions for providing the body with its first line of defense against inhaled germs and irritants. A head cold is caused by a highly contagious virus that infects the cells lining the airways. The body responds with an immune response that involves inflammation, anti-viral cells and mucous secretions, to rid the body of the intruding infection. Once the virus has been defeated, the airways are left to clear up remnants of the battle including secretions, dead cells and viral particles and the airways have a very effective mechanism involving sticky trapping mucous together with the cough reflex. Depending on the severity of the infection and the health of the airway’s lining cells, this cleanup process can take a long time, which can be even longer in older patients, smokers, patients with diabetes and those with lung disease. To ease these prolonged symptoms it is best to assist your airways by helping the mucous secretions with agents know as mucolytics; reduce inflammation with a short course of mild inhaled cortisone, clear the debris with saline nasal rinses, open up the airways with bronchodilators and speed up healing of the lining with zinc, probiotics and vitamin C.
Wishing you a speedy recovery!

 

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