The hacking that won't go away: Vancouver doctor's new research on post-infectious cough
While the weather in Metro Vancouver has been mild this winter, the cold and flu season has been anything but.
Vancouver family physician Dr. Kevin Liang says he’s seeing a lot of patients with the same complaint: they have recovered from a respiratory illness, but they have a lingering cough.
"The idea behind a post-infectious cough – which is quite common, about a quarter of patients can get this – is that there is an inflammation cascade that’s going on between your lungs, a lot of mucus build up. And your body is just taking its time to get rid of those things," said Liang.
He and two colleagues decided to research post-infectious cough, and the best ways to treat it. Their findings were published Monday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
“The answer, surprisingly, is time and patience. So in almost all patients, the cough will resolve on its own around the 20-day mark. And some of the medication used to treat this cough is quite expensive and they don’t work as well,” said Liang.
Doctors know that “wait it out” is not what many patients with a lingering cough want to hear. But Liang says there is an upside to his research.
"It can also be reassuring knowing this is something that resolves on its own. You don’t need to go out to the grocery store or the pharmacy and buy an expensive medication that can have some nasty side effects when this is something your body just needs to take its time and recover,” said Liang, who added there are some red flags that could be a sign there something more serious going on, and the patients should speak to their doctor.
They include persistent fever, coughing up blood, difficulty swallowing, a tight throat and a hoarse voice. It’s also concerning if the cough has persisted for longer than eight weeks.
But for the majority of people who feel better, except for their nagging cough, Liang says you don’t have to worry about being contagious. “You’re no longer going to pass that on to someone else.”
The doctors found post-infectious cough is more of a nuisance than a danger to the patient or those around them. And in most cases, it will eventually go away.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Joe Biden pardons son Hunter Biden of gun, tax charges, despite promising not to
U.S. President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he pardoned his son Hunter Biden on gun, tax charges, despite previous promises that he would not do so.
Canada Post presents union with 'framework' to reach deal as strike continues
Canada Post has presented the union representing some 55,000 striking postal workers with a framework to reach negotiated agreements, the corporation said.
'Devastating': Missing Surrey, B.C. teen found dead, family says
The family of a missing 18-year-old, who was last seen in Surrey over a month ago, says there has been a tragic end to the search.
The best tips to prepare your car for the winter
Slippery or snow-covered roads, reduced visibility and bitter cold are all conditions that can make driving difficult and even dangerous during cold weather months. CAA spoke with CTV Morning Live this week on some of the best ways you can winterize your car.
PM Trudeau 'surprised' provinces unanimous on accelerated defence spending: Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his fellow provincial leaders are united in pushing for Canada to meet its NATO defence spending targets ahead of schedule, and that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was "surprised" to hear it.
Stellantis CEO resigns as carmaker sales continue to slump
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is stepping down after nearly four years in the top spot of the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep, Citroën and Ram, amid an ongoing struggle with slumping sales.
'Wicked' star Marissa Bode speaks out against 'harmful' ableist comments made about her character
'Wicked' actress Marissa Bode posted a video on TikTok asking for kindness after receiving ableist comments on social media.
Poilievre calls for asylum seeker cap, border plan as U.S. tariff threat looms
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has demanded the federal government present a plan before Parliament to beef up border security as U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens to impose stiff tariffs on Canada.
Emergency crews battle large fire at Kitchener, Ont. townhouse complex
Waterloo Regional Police say Kingsway Drive will remain closed as emergency crews continue to battle a large blaze at a townhouse complex.