weeks, in contrast to the few days it takes for a cold to clear up.
If you suspect you have walking pneumonia, you should see a doctor even if you aren’t really ill. Antibiotics are very effective against walking pneumonia, and a normal course of treatment lasts for five to seven days.
Methodist Healthcare notes that “although it is feasible for people with walking pneumonia to (slowly) recover without therapy,” many confirmed infections benefit from antibiotics.
Cough-Variant Asthma
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) emphasizes that “the sole symptom is a persistent cough” in cough-variant asthma, despite the common perception that asthma is characterized by wheezing and other breathing difficulties (ACAAI).
“People with this kind of asthma often do not find relief from over-the-counter cough medications; effective therapy needs prescription asthma medication, commonly in the form of inhalers,” they note.
RELATED: 5 Natural Remedies for Restless Cough
Acid Reflux
Your persistent cough may have nothing to do with your recent sickness. If anything, it may be an indication of acid reflux.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is characterized by the regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus, as described by Verywell Health. Coughing may be triggered by inhaling acid or by irritating the throat caused by acid reflux.
How can you tell whether your cough results from GERD or anything else? Keep an eye out for further GERD symptoms, including these: heartburn, chest discomfort, hoarseness, swallowing problems, and shortness of breath.