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How to Get Rid of a Nagging Cough After a Cold

Developing a lingering cough after you’ve had a cold seems like your body has added insult to injury. You’re finally well enough to go back to your normal life only to have this nagging cough that won’t leave you alone -- not to mention it’s unpleasant for those near you, as these coughs can sometimes be rather strong. Getting rid of the cough depends on its cause, but you can get rid of these coughs if you take action.

  1. Waiting It Out

    • If the cough is “dry,” meaning you're not coughing up anything, it could only be a matter of time before it goes away on its own. The University of California at San Francisco Student Health and Counseling center says dry coughs can last for up to a month after a cold, and they are a relatively common symptom. The center notes these coughs occur about 25 percent of the time. If the cough lasts longer than that, see a doctor.

    Decongestants and Sinusitis

    • Post-nasal drip due to sinusitis after a cold is another possible reason you can’t shake that cough. Brown University Health Education recommends trying an over-the-counter decongestant to see if that helps. Decongestants come in different strengths, so if a short-duration decongestant doesn’t help, there are longer-lasting decongestants available over the counter, too. Legislation governing pseudoephedrine, an effective decongestant that is also an ingredient in methamphetamine production, has moved it behind the pharmacist’s counter, but you do not need a prescription to buy it -- just an ID. There are substitutes available, but some people do not find these as effective. Again, if the medication does not seem to help or if the cough persists, see your doctor.

    Asthma

    • It is possible to develop asthma at any point in your life, but don't worry: A lingering cough is not an absolute sign you are now tied to an inhaler. However, the possibility of developing asthma does mean you should get to a doctor instead of assuming your nagging cough is simply lingering a little longer than it did with previous colds. Having a cold can also trigger other conditions, such as bronchitis, so while you shouldn’t panic, do see your doctor if the cough goes on for more than four weeks, or if it brings up thick phlegm or blood. If you do have asthma, there are maintenance medications you can take to reduce the chance of having an asthma attack.

    Allergies

    • Like asthma, allergies can develop at any time. Treatment for these is similar to treatment for a cold, though there are more options -- non-drowsy antihistamines, steroid inhalers and allergy shots, for instance. Allergies can be a little tougher to treat because they are not viruses that run their course, but an allergist should be able to pinpoint the substance causing your allergic reaction and help you figure out the best course of treatment.

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