With the cold irritating the respiratory tract and seasonal germs actively circulating, getting rid of a persistent cough in winter can be challenging! Even at the end of a cold or flu, the respiratory tract can still be irritated, leading to a lingering cough.
"We have small air sacs in our lungs that help exchange oxygen with our blood so we can get the air we need. But during this cough season, these little sacs get 'clogged' with an accumulation of mucus and irritants: this stimulates the cough receptors in our chest and causes a persistent cough reflex," explained Dr. Darien Sutton, an emergency physician, on the "Good Morning America" TV show broadcast on ABC on January 19, 2024.
A Quick and 'Fantastically' Fragrant Solution
To overcome a lasting cough, the emergency doctor revealed his simple recipe:
"You can put 1 to 2 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil in a cup of hot water (do not take it pure without diluting it). Eucalyptus is a good anti-inflammatory that smells fantastic and helps clear your airways," he specifies.
Eucalyptus essential oil (Radiata or Globulus as both have the same therapeutic interests and are contraindicated for asthmatics and epileptics, and orally for children under 12 years) is a renowned respiratory ally for its effectiveness on ENT problems (cold, sinusitis, bronchitis...).
It is mainly composed of eucalyptol, a molecule that acts as a powerful expectorant and mucolytic, quickly thinning mucus and increasing its expulsion.
Add a spoonful of honey (from the age of one), the doctor recommends.
You can also choose Eucalyptus honey which will help eliminate mucus and soothe the throat.
Drink it 3 times a day, for no more than 3 consecutive days. Generally, the use of essential oils is not trivial and should be medically advised.
When to Consult a Doctor?
After a viral infection like a cold, flu, acute bronchitis, or Covid, a cough can last between 3 and 6 weeks. "Beyond 8 weeks, it's called a 'chronic cough' and can become concerning.
It is advised to consult a doctor to learn more about the cause of this persistent cough," he warns. Additional tests such as imaging and expectoration tests are sometimes necessary. Many things can lead to a persistent cough: viral diseases, but also acid reflux, allergies, asthma, or more serious problems (COPD...)."
