Struggling with a COVID-19 Cough? 3 Simple Solutions to Ease Your Discomfort

With the recent resurgence of COVID-19, there has been an increase in patients suffering from coughing.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations has been increasing since late June.

In the third week of July, the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients was only 229, but by the second week of August, it had surged exponentially to 1,359.

Among the COVID-19 variants currently circulating is a new strain called KP.3. This variant is highly transmissible. It can evade immunity, which means that even people who have been previously infected or vaccinated can still contract it.

The symptoms of KP.3 are not significantly different from those of previous COVID-19 variants.

When infected with COVID-19, individuals typically experience fatigue, fever, headaches, and sore throats. Some may also have diminished taste and smell.

One of the most troubling symptoms of COVID-19 is an uncontrollable cough. This cough often accompanies a severe sore throat and can be either phlegmy, with mucus collecting in the throat, or dry and persistent, causing an itchy sensation that can be difficult to relieve.

The discomfort intensifies when this itchy cough occurs in crowded, enclosed spaces or at bedtime.

So, what are some ways to temporarily alleviate this distressing cough?

1. Drink Plenty of Fluids

Coughing can result from different causes, and treatment approaches vary depending on the underlying reason. Regardless of the cause, staying well-hydrated is a key preventive measure for all types of coughs.

Avoid acidic drinks like orange juice and extremely hot or cold water, as these can further irritate the throat. Instead, opt for moderately warm or lukewarm water or non-irritating warm tea.

2. Gargle with Salt Water or Mouthwash Regularly

Regularly rinsing your mouth with salt water or a gentle mouthwash can temporarily clear mucus from your throat.

This is also effective in eliminating various viruses caused by inflammation.

3. Use a Humidifier

Steam from a humidifier can be effective for dry coughs that cause itching due to dry air. A humidifier helps moisten the dry throat, thereby alleviating the dry cough.

However, if congestion, runny nose, dust mites, mold, or asthma are causing the cough, inhaling steam might worsen it, so it’s crucial to identify the underlying cause first.