Persistent Cough Post-COVID? | Dr Leong Hoe Nam @ The Rophi Clinic

Many people continue to suffer from a persistent cough after contracting COVID, even if they have long since recovered. Why is that so? Dr Leong Hoe Nam, Senior Consultant Infectious Diseases, breaks down the 4 common reasons why cough persists even after recovery from COVID, and the many ways you can alleviate the cough depending on the cause.
**Please note that this video does not replace medical consultation. Speak to your doctor who can help you to evaluate the cause or causes of your persistent cough and manage your condition accordingly.
01:15 - **Disclaimer
02:44 - What is post-COVID cough?
04:53 - Most common reasons for Post-COVID cough
06:45 - 1. Post-nasal drip / Sinusitis
10:43 - 2. Gastroesophageal Reflux
14:40 - 3. Airway issues
18:17 - 4. Neuropathic cough
20:19 - Honey and warm water
20:32 - Summary
Leave a comment down below if you found this useful, and if you have any questions or suggestions for future video topics!
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#covid #postcovidcough #drleonghoenam

[@TheCasanovaPugilist147]

36 days since positive test and still coughing. This sucks man especially for someone who likes to stay active physically. Can't workout. Can't run. Can't box.

[@ryantuan]

Thank you Dr Leong. I had this persistent cough that came out quite violently after Covid. Sudden bouts of tickles in my throat that drove me to cough harshly. Your suggestions have been so helpful and my coughs have eased tremendously! Your advice is a life-saver for me! Thank you again!

[@Chic.Geek75]

I watching this video, same here..my doctor just gave me benzonatate, antibiotics , and asthma pump. My lungs sounds clear my doctor said. I have post nasal, and tightness in my chest. Going tomorrow for chest xray. Feel better

[@lmergenti]

Thank you Dr. Leong for this important information you have provided. I had a persistent cough after covid, just as your video described. I also had my sinus involved with occasional pressure headaches and post nasal drip. It was very annoying and worriesome. It went on for about 6 weeks after covid. I took your advice and worked with my physician, who eliminated all serious causes for worry and told me to just ride it out. Here are the things I did that helped relieve my symptoms and sleep better. I did a lot of research, and tried many things. But here are the things that worked: 1.) Neti pot twice a day. In the morning after waking, and in the evening before bed. I began with tap water and table salt. But my nasal passage soon became irritated so I switched to distilled water and NielMed salts, and heated the water to lukewarm. 2.) Fresh ginger root (small slice), fresh thyme leaves (1/2 table spoon), and two whole cloves. I chewed this mixture just prior to my neti pots, twice a day. 3.) One teaspoon raw unfiltered honey, twice a day. For some reason honey relieves that itch at the back of the throat. 4.) Slept with a steam humidifier next to bed because it is cold and snowy winter here, and my heating system dries the air out in my house. This was very important. 5.) Slept sitting up to keep nasal drip and phlegm from draining into my lungs. I propped myself up with three large pillows to do this. Its awkward at first, but did help reduce coughing and that helped me to sleep better. 6.) Drink a lot of water. A WHOLE lot of water. And lastly, 7.) Take a walk every day outside -- even on freezing cold days -- to get some fresh air and keep my body moving

[@mixedandknot5911]

I had Covid-19 and bronchitis afterwards in 2021. My cough persists to this day. I will follow in your footstep with this remedy. Thank you Dr. Leong and thank you lmergenti. . My husband turns on the fan at bed time and I tell him it makes me feel worse, but he insists that it is all in my head.

[@user-wq2ve7kq9e]

Yes, walking outside helped me a lot.

[@scramjet4610]

That outside walking makes a lot of sense, and I never hear that suggested.

[@randychung0402]

A video that actually helps people unlike other videos that are just so general. Thank you, you are a saver

[@yeomary361]

Thank you Dr Leong for your clear explanation!Appreciate it very much!

[@66toonie]

Thank you Dr Leong, I have been coughing for 5 months, it kinda get better and bad again. The last 3 weeks was worst. But I followed your advice - suppress my cough, use the nasal spray diligently and avoid cold drink, I can see improvement almost immediately. Thank you for the clear explanation.

[@tanteewai]

Amazingly clear and concise. Thank you Dr Leong for your generous sharing. Always find your videos to be extremely clear and helpful.🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@payelghoshhazra6455]

Thank you doctor for helping us

[@coralwebb4245]

Thank you so much, such practical and common sense information. You have a lovely manor about you and explain things very well 👍🏼👌

[@deleted_why]

Yes I feel better equipped to tell my doctor what I feel going on. You have given me the vocabulary and an understanding of the mechanics. Thank you

[@mistysteals]

Fantastic video! Very helpful

[@donnacowell7415]

Thank you for making this video. It explains so much. I can see that my Dr is treating me and checking for all these causes.

[@christinabowen3985]

Very helpful , easy to follow and presented in very intetesting way

[@julietan3793]

Very easy to follow

[@user-um1bq4nz1s]

Thank you, doc. Thanks for all the easy to understand medical condition and situation.

[@jennywang2632]

Thank you very much Dr leong!!! Your fantastic tutorial explain so much better for me to understand why my husband coughing so much for years. ❤️💕🙏🏼👍

[@sylviaharrykissoon748]

Thanks so much for the clear explanation

[@karenkoumjian3149]

Excellent overview and practical suggestions, thank you!

[@indaylynadventure]

thank you Doc.i suffered chronic coughing right now..as I've heard you I learn a lot from it thank you so much.

[@mariapires3763]

Thank you DrLeong for the explanation regarding cough. I do hv a persistent cough but to be honest I hv no problem sleeping but my throat does tickle alot and you hv made it very easy to understand and as to what one can do. Thank you again & God bless you and your family.🙏

[@teresaboylanl925]

Thank you so much for your sound advice. I can't wait to take on self help techniques you have shown us. Thank you...Teresa Ireland x

[@marikokitamura5310]

Thank you Dr. Leong. Awesome video with clear explanation on various coughs and remedies! 👍❤🙏

[@Anita7702]

Thank you very much doctor

[@clareberrington2262]

Fantastically clear, concise and research based information. Thank you.

[@doinitagraham]

Excellent thank you

[@Kauailove]

Very caring and educative video. Thankyou

[@lucyho4731]

Thanx you for sharing such an informative contents,so glad I am watching it,cuz it really helps my post covid.🙏

[@monikageczo]

Thank you so much for this video 🙏

[@LenachenUSA]

Excellent info and thanks

[@SelamatArtist]

Informative. Brilliantly done.

[@emilyfeagin2673]

Thank you! It found this video very helpful

[@sulimc]

Thank you Dr Leong for your helpful videos. I noticed that your voice volume fluctuates a lot and it is very loud when you start speaking and then gets very soft making it hard for the audience to adjust the sound volume. Hope you can normalize the volume of your voice recording. That would make your videos even more fantastic. Keep up the good work.

[@crissparts4131]

Thank you doc

[@ssgoh4968]

Thanks Doc. Useful tips

[@joymercy]

Thanks dr for the video ❤❤

[@linandy1]

Hey, your more information than my doctor! Thanks

[@TrueBallers2011.]

Great information, ty

[@kiaorable]

What a wonderful video, thank you. I have just subscribed and will take a look at your other videos. Cheers.

[@coritacooper6823]

Very informative

[@markshirley01]

Ive had mucus build up on one side of my throat. Ive had it for 7 months now. I cough throughout the day, nothing I do is stopping it. My doctor had given me steriods and antibiotics. Nothing is stopping it.

[@TrueBallers2011.]

What helped me was as two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with honey ginger n cinnamon

[@kent7525]

Mark how is your cough doing now I am suffering for 2 months of cough I've had covid twice still coughing after the last episode for about a month

[@markshirley01]

@@kent7525 just as bad 10 months now - Im catching colds on top of it as well. Im going to go back to the doctor after a year and try to demand some scans and tests

[@mstete7411]

Ken, I had Covid 2nd time two weeks ago . Now I have this annoying cough. I can barely get any sleep. 1 cough turns into a 2 minute ordeal of coughing. I have to keep water and throat lozenges around at all times. 😢

[@kent7525]

@@markshirley01 thanks for the reply Mark I seriously feel your pain, everyday you hope it's going to get better and it doesn't I too I'm going to seek medical help demand scans as well want to make sure my lungs are permanently damaged or something, falling into depression over this

[@aikpengng7690]

excellent information related to cough, be it COVID induced or otherwise. Thank You!

[@cameron.turner]

Thank you! :)

[@adelinekow1650]

Really appreciate your information doc. One question, how long is it considered a chronic cough as I started with allergy, than developed sinusitis with cough that last more than 2 months. Thanks

[@rachelchin7346]

Fantastic video, Dr Leong!! - Ms Alexa 😄

[@theresewoo2361]

God bless you for taking the trouble to explain so clearly.

[@kittypoo1983]

Hi Dr Leong, i have a few relatives getting locked muscles and problems relating to leg and hand joints after the covid. does covid cause these issues and if so what can be done and how long do they last?

[@rangakrishnaswamy438]

great information

[@haiqintang5789]

Thank you very much Doctor, your video helps me a lot. I did the following: soothing my throat by breathing in the hot water steam. Drinking honey warm water. Always using my hot water foot massager to keep my feet warm as I find I start to cough when my feet are cold. Trying not to breathe in cold air so I leave the heater on all night ( winter now in Australia ) as every morning I wake up coughing if I don’t turn on the heater. So now my cough and cold symptoms nearly gone. I stopped my medicine without getting worse for 3 days. Thank you again. All the best. Cheers Hq

[@gretaaarons4941]

Did you try homeopathy?

[@xiniarodriguez4508]

thanks , I will practice what you said, worry if my hiatal hernia is another reason as well ...

[@joy7920]

Thank you for this Video Dr. Leong, my child has all 4 causes, it’s really not easy at all, 2.5 months with the cough. Anyway the humour has made the video even more fun to watch. To everyone, get well soon.

[@jrj9825]

What did you do to get rid of it?

[@selenachaw1725]

Thank you for your info , my daughter have a cough after covid and is not always happen . I noticed that she also got a lot of phlegm too. Really a big thank you 🙏 your video really helps me a lot .

[@HairSanctuary]

ThankYou Dr.Leong ! Your message come in the right time.. because I’m having cough for weeks… and wonder what to do with it.. I will try your matters and see how it’s helps. Thanks for sharing once again !

[@blh6527]

Thanks for insight into persistent coughing! Great tip of honey and hot water as we approach flu season! Interesting to hear that there is science behind this treatment approach first given to me by mom many years ago!

[@aaronau9199]

Thanks Dr. Leong. I did have cough try to out phelm till my stomach nerves got pain.

[@evangelinedionco5250]

very informative thank doc❤️

[@videojunkie4ever]

Dear Dr Leong, I have been popping lozenges to suppress coughing. What is your opinion on doing this.

[@JanghoTango]

Hi Dr Leong, I want to share your video to many of my friends who are Chinese educated seniors. It would be wonderful if you can do the same video in Chinese 😊 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@rogeryf4848]

Thanks for your comments and instructions. I do have some of the exact symptoms you had mentioned and used several of your suggestion. I got my fifth booster last Thursday and the same day started developing this feeling, never had this before or any covid problems.. Feeling unusually tired but resting most of the time and very homebound during this time. Thank you again.

[@lindamcknight7490]

I am also experiencing constant cough after having covid.

[@user-ijh7tl5ie3]

Haha, Dr Hoe's analogy of neuropatic cough (@18.15) as if it's the irritated nerves of our spouse, is quite cute n funny. I like his sense of humor 👍😁

[@EF-hy6sb]

A way to supress an uncontrollable cough is to use a few fingers to press on the muscle under the end of the sternum. When the diaphragm cannot move, the cough can stop easier.

[@oatman9714]

Instruction unclear, i press and choke,

[@jakefarm1280]

I stuck a few fingers up my butt and did not work

[@MsElinSeah]

Thank you, Dr Leong. For the honey, can I use any type of honey or is there a specific type?

[@IAMGiftbearer]

This makes alot of sense. Seems like there could be several causes that set each other off and not just 1. I am currently working with several specialists on my cough to treat a number of things that may be causing it. I don't know for sure if I've ever had COVID but may have before they were testing for it back in December and January of 2020, as I went to the ER with a flu of some unknown type that was still getting worse after 10 days, so it is possible that that screwed up my cough reflex and started the chronic cough process although I really didn't notice a cough coming back until about 6 months ago. My runny nose has also gotten out of control during the same 6 month period as the cough and that nerve that triggers mucus production may be overactive as well. I am currently on a Chromium Bromide nasal spray and that helps somewhat but not completely.

[@minerdad02]

Before covid shots I had very very few coughing spells,sore tight chest,and tickly throat,after 3 covid shots,I've had several colds,tight chest,tickly throat,feeling of weakness.I will try this..thank you Sir.

[@jk11222]

I have been having this itchy throat on and off for the past 2 years since a terrible flu and cough without fever that lasted 6 weeks in Nov - Dec 2019. Recently I have a lot phlegm in my throat coming down from the nose and my left nose is usually stuck. A visit to an ENT and a dose of antihistamine hasn’t help much. Would appreciate advice from you. Thank you.

[@minnieshao8108]

Thank you Doctor you have helped me alot I have chronic cough for over a year after covid

[@thetruth8053]

...I'm from the Czech Republic and I'm in exactly the same situation......I have been coughing for a year and a half after the covid infection and the cough is still not getting better.....all-day paroxysms of coughing with phlegm.....

[@suzy_baexoxo]

Hi. did your cough go away

[@minnieshao8108]

@@suzy_baexoxo hi thank you for following up on my problem, the cough has not gone as yet

[@andresgutierrez3126]

great information!! I will try suppresing the cough, warm water with honey and avoiding cold air.

[@gmatt3329]

Thank you, Dr. Leong. You mentioned steroid sprays. I suppose Rhinocort falls in this category. How about nasal decongestants like Nasonex and Otrivin? Are these good alternatives to flush out the sinus cavities? Thanks.

[@karentan5003]

Hi Dr Leong, I find this video helpful. Will you be able to make the video in mandarin? It’ll be great if I can share it with the old folks. I noticed many old folks have seen videos from China recommending drinking lemon juice with salt to counteract sore throat in the midst of covid, but too much of it might result in prolong cough. After I watched this video, I was enlightened that reflux can cause cough & reflux is due to acidity like coffee. Old folks are not aware of the cons of lemon juice overdose. I hope to share this video with the mandarin speaking community.

[@RophiClinicYT]

Thank you for your support! Do share the Chinese video with your loved ones: 新冠后咳嗽不止 - 可以解决吗？| 梁浩楠医生 @ Rophi Clinic kzbin.info/www/bejne/haekqGZphd6jbM0

[@beecee1999]

Excellent video. Do you recommend honey, lemon and water for soothing purposes?

[@kellybrown237]

Thank you for your information , great advice .

[@dennisteo5748]

Thank You Dr Leong, do you have mandarin version of your youtube?

[@Kat-lm2qu]

Dr, are you by any chance from HK?

[@digitalqueen3104]

Thanks alot Doctor, will work on some of this. The cough on Post covid is so irritating.

[@thetruth8053]

...I'm from the Czech Republic and I'm in exactly the same situation......I have been coughing for a year and a half after the covid infection and the cough is still not getting better.....all-day paroxysms of coughing with phlegm.....

[@marshallderriek1858]

Just listening to this triggers coughing

[@nolimit3485]

Great video

[@tropik5724]

This is what a got right now this covid cough will not go away.....

[@minnieshao8108]

Also my lungs have severe crackling any advice on this

[@marym5043]

I suffer from asthma and COPD and was intubated 2009 because they cleaning my kidney pass cov19 thanks God I pass but I have cough three weeks ago i pass cov19 but I feel like cough i know i have asthma what you think should do God bless you

[@idywoon2094]

Hi Dr Leong can I use manuka honey for my post covid cough?

[@nancyng2935]

I am down with Covid and having bad inflammation and bad cough and flu. I was sick after 3rd day as MC covered till then on. My daughter got it 3 days later , granted 5 days rest and also antibiotics which I do not have. However she don’t have flu tablets and cough mixture. Maybe for all, we want to know how does doctor issue medication and also MC rest days. ? Is there a formal guide? I was told if I am unwell, I can go back to clinic even with a covid to revisit the doctor. Was a person allowed to leave home now to visit doctor anytime at clinic?

[@yeh_den]

My post covid19 coughing n burping are a little strange. When i lay down i cough lesser n don't burp as much as when i am sitting up. i am a asthmatic n sinusitis problem for long time... Dr Leong, what to do now? This video is helpful, Thank you.

[@mariah.9107]

This is a blessing. I got covid end of june since then i have not stopped coughing. Its to the point that i would get really sick. I have GERD and covid made it worst. Now i can ask my pcp if this is something we should consider. Thank you

[@paulinechang1073]

Hi Dr Leong, you mentioned that you need to suppress your cough but i was given Phenexpect CD. Isn't this an expectorant .sometimes i find this medication irritate my throat. Rgds pauline

[@melissahalim8758]

Dr I am allergic to honey.. is there any substitute?

[@tziyiyareiter2283]

Dr I had the cough for months and was recommended to cut an onion in half, and put the half, face up, next to my head when I sleep. I saw immediate results. My eyes felt moist, my sinuses relaxed and the cough subsided.

[@tziyiyareiter2283]

I want to thank you for the beautiful clear informative video.

[@betsydurham9067]

😂😂😂😂

[@goutamgunde9562]

How not to cough?

[@desjanhastie1708]

I have long covid .I have a real persistent phlegmy cough.I am taking pulmicort plus breezhaler.what else can help me. Many thanks Jan

[@shalontehernandez6752]

This will go on 2 years since I had covid and my cough hasn’t gone away yet! It disrupts my sleep, causes me to have accidents on myself!

[@thetruth8053]

...I'm from the Czech Republic and I'm in exactly the same situation......I have been coughing for a year and a half after the covid infection and the cough is still not getting better.....all-day paroxysms of coughing with phlegm.......

[@andrewtate52734]

​@@thetruth8053any update

[@mayyinwong8396]

My mother in law developed a persistent cough after her forth dose of Pfizer. Do you think she is allergic ? She is recovering but it has been almost two months

[@Wntr446]

I didn’t have Covid at all but had an irritating nagging cough for more than a week..i tried all sorts of things to stop it even visited a dr who prescribed antibiotics for my throat after he heard my lungs that it was not bronchitis which i suspected.. It stopped after 2 days of the antibiotics when i suddenly reliased the cough had stopped after i drank a mug of pure sugarcane juice which I actually was unsure if that was the reason for the stopping of my cough.

[@mikaelvellmun7228]

Stopping antibiotic without medical reason to do so is never a good idea

[@taraalan1131]

The bug will become resistant to that antibiotic in the future. You should finish the recommended course.

[@thetruth8053]

you stopped coughing more after antibiotics ... what specific antibiotics ?

[@Wntr446]

@@taraalan1131 yes, I finished the antibiotic even though the cough had stopped.

[@sharonmitchel1377]

Ok, heading for a mug of honey and warm water. I’ve used it a lot since I got covid in November. Last year I got the lingering cough after a regular virus. I also have had Gerd for 20+ years. No fun!

[@mayyokewong5439]

Why constant headache and heavy head after covid?

[@wangy8302]

Very good

[@yeh_den]

@@wangy8302 what do mean?

[@bitbit3107]

Hi Dr Leong, after recovering from COVID 2 months ago, I’m still having persistent coughing with liquid phlegm, can still take booster shot?

[@hoenamleong1439]

Booster shot is unlikely to affect your coughing. I would proceed. I am doing a video on the booster shot . Releasing soon. Watch it

[@preciousstone6878]

@bitbit3107 - if l were you, l will stay away from booster. You are still coughing wt phlegm. What makes you think you will feel more secured n assured your cough will get better wt the shot? Get well first and take natural vitamins instead to boost your immune system. It's not a good sign nor normal to be coughing after taking the doses. Were you not healthier n stronger before?

[@preciousstone6878]

@@hoenamleong1439 and do follow -up on those who took the booster, and how they are doing healthwise. Then come and share here what is the good outcome of it.

[@InnaCViloria]

Pei Pa Koa helps my chronic cough

[@thetruth8053]

post covid chronic cough?

[@ginahanratty7487]

Hi doctor, I have nasty cough since January this yr until now, I end up in emergency sometimes in April, after 10hrs waiting, had x-ray, blood test, ECG done the doctor found nothing on me all are normal , I was very disappointed because I knew I wasn’t feeling well., This coughing started 2weeks after my booster vaccines.,I wonder if this is related into the vaccines? Thank you doctor

[@preciousstone6878]

@Gina H. - Yes, of course it's related. You can observe those ppl around you and hear many having this and that problem after taking vax. And takes a long time to recover because their immune system is low. Something's not right wt all these vax stuff. It actually depletes your natural immune system.

[@animathehallowed1380]

Yeah we had Covid for the second time, my wife and I last month and the cough is still lingering. And it’s a worry for myself too since I’m prediabetic :/

[@cj-bd3ql]

Where are you at doctor, when I needed u, A Lot of American doctors are no good. If I knew wet cough equals bronchitis I could have saved my mom. Bronchitis equals pneumonia if it's not treated.wow😮😮😮

[@johnhamilton6330]

you need better sound system, the volume blares startles you at the beginning of each phrase, listen to it, and fix it!

[@NB-nh2sf]

Rude.

[@thetruth8053]

my post covid cough has been going on for a year and a half after covid and it still won't go away..the bronchi keep producing mucus all the time and I don't know why....the cough is not triggered by anything.....it has regular everyday intervals of mucus production and when the mucus builds up i start coughing it up....

[@andrewtate52734]

Hey any update

[@VJWLPN1]

Do not use tap water. Use distilled water.

[@Fuk_Xin]

My parrot coughs, I put mask on ...he still coughs, I open the cage he is flying happily...