CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Can’t stop coughing? With colds, flu and RSV circulating, lingering coughs are common even after other symptoms fade.

Juanbosco Ayala, MD, a pulmonologist in the ICU at OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park, Illinois, says post-viral coughs are often caused by lingering inflammation.

“A lot of times it’s due to the local inflammation that persists. There’s not much to do for it, we typically recommend antihistamines, and sometimes you’ll have to cycle those,” Dr. Ayala says. “It’s usually something that subsides with time. But if it doesn’t, then obviously that may need to be looked at.”

Over-the-counter antihistamines such as Claritin-D, Benadryl and Allegra may help, along with Mucinex for excess mucus that often worsens in colder weather.

Dr. Ayala urges people to monitor symptoms closely and manage mild illness at home when possible.

“As long as you don’t have some of the red flags, like a persistent fever, high-grade fever that lasts more than one to three days. Something that won’t go away, despite using temporary measures like Tylenol or Motrin. If this persists more than two or three days, this might be something that needs to be looked at,” Dr. Ayala says.

Highly contagious illnesses like COVID-19, RSV, strep and flu can often be treated at home if symptoms are mild. Doctors recommend seeking care if symptoms last longer than 10 days, breathing becomes difficult, or you have underlying conditions such as diabetes, asthma or COPD.

To stay healthy, wash your hands, cover your cough and stay home if you’re sick.

Read OSF’s full story with clips from Dr. Ayala here.