A GP has explained why a cough can persist for weeks after a cold, which natural remedies may ease symptoms, and the warning signs that mean you should seek urgent medical help.
GP Dr Nisa Aslam from Puressentiel said: "When you recover from a cold, the virus itself may have long gone, but your airways are raw and inflamed, which means they're super sensitive. Even normal breathing can cause a tickle and a cough. A cough should slowly become less persistent over time, however to help speed things along, eucalyptus could help."
Eucalyptus and other plant remedies
Research involving a total of 1,857 people found that eucalyptus was more likely than placebo to improve or resolve overall cough symptoms, and 45 per cent more likely to improve or resolve overall cough symptoms than placebo. The research also found it could be particularly helpful in treating coughs related to conditions like bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections.
Discussing eucalyptus in greater detail, including varieties such as Eucalyptus Radiata, Dr Aslam noted that, functioning as both an antiseptic and expectorant, plant compounds like Eucalyptus Radiata diminish mucus production and assist in opening up the airways while easing respiration.
She continued: "The European Medicines Agency actually suggests that eucalyptus leaf medicines can be used for the relief of cough associated with a cold. There are also other plant-based ingredients that could help reduce the symptoms of a pesky cough."
Lemon and peppermint benefits
Lemon oil has antimicrobial properties that can help fight bacteria that cause respiratory tract infections, including Streptococcus, Klebsiella, Haemophilus and Staphylococcus.
Peppermint may also prove beneficial due to its primary active compound, menthol. Dr Aslam explained that cough syrups containing plant-based ingredients such as Eucalyptus Radiata, lemon and peppermint "helps clear the upper respiratory tract by hydrating the mucous membranes, reducing irritation and providing long-lasting protection to help reduce cough frequency".
When to seek urgent help
It is not unusual for a cough to persist long after cold symptoms have subsided, but the NHS states that most coughs should resolve within three to four weeks.
"Plenty of rest and staying hydrated can help to offer relief quicker," Dr Aslam added. "However, if your cough doesn't seem to budge, it could indicate something more serious. If you're wheezing, struggling to breathe, coughing up blood or dealing with chest pain, seek urgent help."
It could be asthma, an underlying lung disease, pneumonia or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and you may need treatment.
