Many cases of prolonged cough being reported across city, say doctors

Chennai docs see many cases of prolonged cough due to influenza virus; treatment is symptomatic, patients advised voice rest, good nutrition, hydration, sleep, avoid cold air & dusty areas; if cough persists for >2-3 wks, person needs evaluation.

Having a cough lasting for more than a week or two? Fever, cold, and cough may be common this season, but doctors across the city are seeing many patients with complaints of prolonged cough, lasting anywhere between one and four weeks.

Doctors, both in the government and private sectors, have been treating patients with coughs running a longer course.

P. Paranthaman, professor and head, Department of Medicine, Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, explained that influenza virus affects the respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as fever, cold, throat pain, and cough, and may precipitate wheezing and breathlessness in those who have allergic tendencies like asthma.

“The cough tends to be prolonged and severe and may persist for two to three weeks or more in such patients. But these symptoms may last for only a few days in a healthy non-allergic individual. We are seeing such cases of prolonged cough during this season,” he said.

Suresh Kumar, consultant, Infectious Diseases, Apollo Hospitals, noted that cases of influenza continue to be seen in the city. “We are seeing patients diagnosed with influenza with prolonged coughs for two to three weeks, while in a few, it seems to last for two to three months too. Though flu cases are commonly seen during this time of the year, the cough seems to have a longer course. We do not know the exact reason. When we test patients, the common strains found are H1N1 and H3N2. This is a common experience for a number of infectious disease consultants,” he said.

S. Chandrasekar, professor and head, Department of Medicine, Government Stanley Medical College Hospital, said doctors were also seeing patients with coughs lasting for three weeks. “This is usually due to viral infections. Not every patient will have a prolonged cough as it also depends on the immunity level. About 15%-20% of the patients may have prolonged coughs. The cough is aggravated when they speak or when there is a variation in external temperature,” he said.

The viral pattern keeps changing, he said, adding: “However, as of now, we are seeing strains of H1N1 and H3N2 viruses.”