How long does a post-viral cough last?

It commonly lasts 3–8 weeks. If it goes beyond 3 weeks or has warning signs, see a doctor.

What is the best home remedy for a lingering dry cough?

Honey in warm water, mulethi, steam and warm fluids are traditional soothers that many people find helpful.

Should I worry about a cough after a cold?

Usually not, but a cough with breathlessness, blood, fever, chest pain or weight loss needs medical attention.

Home remedies for post-viral cough: honey, mulethi, steam and warm fluids

After a cold or flu clears, a dry, tickly cough can hang on for weeks. These home remedies for post-viral cough soothe the irritated airways with honey in warm water, a piece of mulethi, steam, turmeric milk and plenty of warm fluids.

Important: this remedy is only a supportive home measure. Keep taking any medicine your doctor has prescribed, monitor your readings, and consult your doctor before adding anything new.

Why a cough lingers

After a viral infection, the airways can stay sensitive for three to eight weeks, so small triggers like cold air, dust or talking set off coughing. Post-nasal drip and acid reflux can keep it going. A cough longer than three weeks, or with warning signs, needs a doctor's check to rule out other causes such as TB, asthma or pneumonia.

Mulethi (liquorice root) and honey are the classic Indian soothers for a dry, scratchy cough.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon honey
A small piece of mulethi (liquorice root)
A cup of warm milk with a pinch of turmeric

How to prepare

Stir honey into a cup of warm (not hot) water.
Warm the milk with turmeric for 2 minutes.

How to use

Sip honey water in the morning and evening.
Suck on a small piece of mulethi when the throat tickles (short-term only).
Have turmeric milk at bedtime and take steam once a day.

Helpful habits

Drink warm water through the day and avoid cold drinks.
Rest your voice and avoid smoke and dust.
Sleep with your head slightly raised if coughing worsens at night.

Precautions

Don't give honey to babies under 1 year.
Avoid regular mulethi if you have high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, or are pregnant.
See a doctor for a cough lasting more than 3 weeks, coughing blood, breathlessness, wheezing, chest pain, fever, night sweats or weight loss.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a post-viral cough last?: It commonly lasts 3–8 weeks. If it goes beyond 3 weeks or has warning signs, see a doctor.
What is the best home remedy for a lingering dry cough?: Honey in warm water, mulethi, steam and warm fluids are traditional soothers that many people find helpful.
Should I worry about a cough after a cold?: Usually not, but a cough with breathlessness, blood, fever, chest pain or weight loss needs medical attention.