A persistent cough in winter is a cough that keeps coming and doesn’t stop. In winter, cold air or a cold can make your throat and chest itch, so you keep coughing.

It happens because cold weather and sudden changes in weather can irritate your throat. Also, respiratory issues like cold, flu, or asthma can make you cough more. Dry winter air can make your throat itchy, so the cough continues.

These problems happen in winter because cold air can make your throat and lungs feel extra sensitive, so even a little dust or chilly wind can make you cough. On top of that, flu and cold viruses spread more easily during winter, so it’s easier to get sick. And when we stay indoors with heaters on, the dry air can make our throats and noses itch, which keeps the cough coming back.

 Types of Cough in Winter

1.      Dry Cough – A tickly cough that doesn’t bring up mucus. Makes your throat itchy.

2.      Wet or Chesty Cough – A cough that brings up mucus or phlegm from your chest.

3.      Whooping Cough – A rare cough that makes a “whoop” sound when you breathe in after coughing.

4.      Allergy Cough – Happens when your throat or nose reacts to dust, pollen, or pets.

5.      Night Cough – A cough that gets worse at night, often from cold air, postnasal drip, or asthma.

 Symptoms of a Persistent Cough

Watch for these symptoms of a winter cough:

·         Frequent coughing that doesn’t go away

·         Itchy or sore throat

·         Runny or stuffy nose

·         Feeling tightness or a tickle in the chest

·         Sometimes mild fever or tiredness, if it’s caused by a cold or flu

 When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor if you have a winter cough:

·         Doesn’t go away for more than 3 weeks

·         Has blood or thick green/yellow spit

·         Makes it hard to breathe or causes chest pain

·         Comes with a high fever that won’t go down

·         Makes you wheeze or feel short of breath

·         Makes you lose weight or feel very weak for no reason

Basically, if your cough is sticking around or getting worse, it’s safer to see a doctor.

 How to Protect Yourself from Winter Cough

·         Keep Warm – Wear scarves, gloves, and jackets so your throat and chest don’t get cold.

·         Wash Your Hands – This helps stop cold and flu germs.

·         Drink Water – Water helps keep your throat and nose from drying out.

·         Use Moist Air – A humidifier or a little steam helps your throat feel better.

·         Avoid Smoke and Dust – Stay away from cigarette smoke and dusty places.

·         Eat Healthy – Fruits and veggies help your body fight off infections.

·         Move Your Body – Light exercise keeps your lungs strong and your body healthy.

·         Cover Your Mouth When You Cough – It stops germs from spreading to others.

Natural Remedies for Winter Cough

·         Honey – A small spoonful can calm your throat and stop coughing. (Don’t give to babies under 1 year.)

·         Ginger Tea – Drinking warm ginger tea can soothe throat irritation.

·         Warm Lemon Water – Helps soothe your throat and loosen mucus.

·         Steam Inhalation – Breathing in warm steam clears your nose and chest.

·         Salt Water Gargle – Gargling with warm salty water can reduce throat soreness.

·         Herbal Lozenges – Sucking on lozenges with honey or herbs can make coughing easier.

Kofrel syrup with ivy leaf and honey can soothe your throat and help reduce coughing. It helps loosen mucus, making breathing easier.

If your cough doesn’t get better or you feel very sick, see a doctor.