“Coughing Nonstop Since the Long Holiday!” As autumn sets in, the number of people coughing intermittently seems to rise. Experts tell us that this is closely related to the current temperature and allergens in the air. They advise staying away from allergens, dressing appropriately for the weather, and seeking medical attention if coughing persists, rather than self-medicating.
In an interview, Ms. Li, a resident of Nanjing, shared her struggles with worsening coughs since the onset of fall. “I find myself coughing a few times during the day, and at night, I suddenly cough, which really affects my sleep quality,” she lamented.
Dr. Mao Shan, a chief physician in the Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Department at Nanjing First Hospital, explained that spring and autumn are peak seasons for asthma and allergic coughs. “In particular, the rates of chronic cough, cough variant asthma, and bronchial asthma can increase by three to five times in September and October. The cold and dry weather at this time irritates the airways; the cold itself is a stimulus, and lower temperatures decrease the moisture content in the air, making the airways more sensitive, which can lead to coughing. Additionally, during the season of ‘autumn winds sweeping the fallen leaves’, seasonal allergic coughs tend to flare up, often triggered by exposure to allergens, resulting in bouts of irritating dry cough, often accompanied by a scratchy throat.”
Dr. Mao emphasized that many patients, particularly those with underlying conditions, may not take care to keep warm during significant temperature fluctuations. This can lead to decreased immunity, allowing bacteria and viruses to take hold. He noted that catching a chill can trigger inflammation, increasing airway sensitivity, and respiratory infections can easily lead to cough variant asthma.
So, what can individuals do to effectively manage their coughs? Experts recommend being attentive to climate changes, ensuring proper warmth, and wearing masks when going outside. Regular physical exercise can also boost immunity.
Dr. Mao advised that for younger individuals with mild coughs, it may be suitable to observe and wait. However, if coughing persists beyond a week or worsens, medical consultation is advised. “For older patients, especially those with underlying health issues, it’s vital to seek medical attention if they experience coughing,” he said, stressing the importance of timely diagnosis at reputable hospitals to rule out other diseases.
He further explained that treatment should be symptom-specific. For allergic coughs, which typically aren’t caused by inflammation, antibiotics are generally not required. Patients with dry cough might benefit from cough suppressants combined with some antihistamines. “The specific cause of the cough and appropriate medication should be determined by a doctor; self-medication can worsen the condition,” he cautioned.
Recently, a cough medication called dextromethorphan has garnered widespread attention online, especially among young people who view it as a “cure-all.” However, misuse has led to addiction in some cases. In response, the National Medical Products Administration and the National Health Commission released a notice in May to tighten control over the management of dextromethorphan and similar medications. As of July 1, it has been classified as a controlled substance. Dr. Mao also warned that long-term use of dextromethorphan can lead to addiction and adverse reactions in patients with underlying conditions, urging people to avoid self-medication.
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