The old cough will become pneumonia after the conversion? Experts: Simple coughing does not cause pneumonia

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Although the nucleic acid and antigen tests are obviously negative, I can’t stop coughing and coughing up phlegm. Is there any method to stop coughing and dissolve phlegm?

Today, Hunan Chest Hospital drug-resistant specialist (internal six) director, chief physician Yi Hengzhong said, coughing and coughing is a human body’s protective mechanism, not only after the infection of new coronavirus will cough and cough, many respiratory virus infection will also appear this situation, do not have to be too nervous.

“Omicron strains are predominantly upper respiratory tract infections, often with secondary tracheal and bronchial inflammation, which causes coughing.” Yi Hengzhong pointed out that the virus causes the destruction of the respiratory mucosa and immune cells gather here to ‘engage in the battle’ and, after completing their task, clean up the battlefield by coughing and coughing up secretions from the throat, trachea as well as the bronchi. The process of clearing the battlefield takes some time, and the cough may persist after the fever has subsided in mild cases, with recovery generally occurring within two weeks of onset and possibly lasting up to eight weeks.

A large number of surveys of current patients with new coronavirus infections have revealed that fever predominates in the early stages of infection, while in the middle and late stages, cough and sputum predominate. This is because viral infection increases airway secretions, i.e., sputum, and in order to prevent the airway from being blocked, the body expels the sputum by coughing. At the same time, the inflammation of the airways after the infection also puts the airways in a hypersensitive state, and the slightest external stimulus will cause coughing by contraction.

Yi Hengzhong said there are dry and wet coughs, and viral infections are mostly the former, without phlegm, but some patients may also cough up white mucous phlegm or have phlegm that cannot be easily coughed out, resulting in a persistent cough. “When coughing persists after turning negative, it is recommended to drink more water, rest more, talk less, and raise the airway temperature and humidity (using a hot and wet towel on the face to absorb steam) to promote the discharge of phlegm.”

In addition, diet should be based on easily digestible and absorbable, nutrient-rich foods, avoiding spicy and oily foods, and prohibiting smoking and alcohol. Even in a home environment, you can exercise appropriately to help improve your immune system and try to maintain a good state of mind and avoid stress and anxiety.

Will the old cough and phlegm develop into pneumonia? Yi Hengzhong said that coughing itself does not cause pneumonia. Coughing usually occurs when pathogens such as viruses and bacteria involve only the upper respiratory tract. With proper treatment, it will not develop into pneumonia. However, when inflammation involves the lower respiratory tract, it can develop into pneumonia. If fever, cough and sputum are found along with chest pain and hemoptysis, it indicates that a lung infection may be present. Like chest pain, the presence of dyspnea is also indicating lung infection and pneumonia, and prompt medical attention should be sought.

Yi Hengzhong reminded that it is currently in the high season of winter respiratory infections, in addition to the new coronavirus there are other infectious diseases. After recovering from a new coronavirus infection, people still do a good job of personal protection. After returning to work, insist on wearing masks in crowded and confined public places, pay attention to hand hygiene, and do not spit anywhere.