Cold and cough that won’t go away? Learn about the nine respiratory tract items!

Cold and cough are one of the most common health problems in our lives. Most people have experienced this situation: after a cold, the cough does not get better, and even lasts for weeks or even months, becoming a "stubborn" symptom. This situation is often disturbing, but it is also easy to be ignored. Many people think that coughing is just a minor problem and don't need to worry too much, but in fact, a long-term cough may be related to underlying respiratory problems. If we can understand this phenomenon more scientifically and identify the cause through appropriate examination methods, we will greatly improve our control over our own health. Today, the protagonist of our popular science is the "Nine Respiratory Examinations".

What are the possible reasons for a persistent cough?

Coughing itself is a protective reflex mechanism of the human body to clear secretions or foreign objects in the respiratory tract. Short-term coughs are usually a manifestation of acute inflammation, common in the common cold or acute bronchitis. But if a cough lasts for more than three weeks, it is called a "chronic cough", which may have more complicated reasons behind it.

1. Incomplete recovery from viral infection

The common cold is mostly caused by a virus, and while most symptoms resolve within one to two weeks, some viral infections may cause long-term irritation of the airways, leading to a "post-cold cough." This cough is usually non-productive but can be accompanied by an itchy throat or an intensified cough.

2. Bacterial infection or secondary infection

Some coughs may be caused by bacterial infections, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Mycoplasma infection. Such coughs may be accompanied by fever, chest pain or purulent sputum, and require prompt diagnosis and treatment.

3. Allergic reaction

Many people don’t know that coughing can also be a symptom of allergies. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and animal hair irritate the respiratory tract and may cause a persistent cough, especially in the morning or at night.

4. Other underlying diseases

Chronic bronchitis, asthma, and even gastroesophageal reflux can also cause persistent coughs. These causes usually need to be checked in combination with medical history and professional examinations.

What can the nine respiratory tract tests tell us?

The nine respiratory examinations provide scientific evidence for the above-mentioned possible causes by analyzing specific indicators in the blood. These indicators include antibodies and immunoglobulin levels related to viral and bacterial infections, which help doctors determine which pathogen is causing the problem or whether an allergic reaction is involved.

For example, if the test results show a high level of viral antibodies, it may indicate a viral infection; if bacterial antibodies are elevated, the use of antibacterial drugs may need to be considered. For allergic coughs, the nine respiratory tests can also detect immune-related abnormalities, providing patients with clearer health advice.

The biggest advantage of this test is that it can shorten the time to diagnosis. In the past, patients with persistent coughs may have to try different treatments repeatedly, but the nine respiratory tests can accurately identify the cause of the disease in a short period of time, avoiding misdiagnosis or overtreatment.

Who are the nine respiratory tests suitable for?

The nine respiratory examinations are not necessary for everyone, but they can provide important help for people in the following situations:

1. Cold or cough lasting for more than two weeks

If the common cold symptoms subside but the cough persists, a nine-item respiratory examination can help rule out complicated infections or allergic factors.

2. Recurrent respiratory infections

Some people frequently visit the doctor for colds or bronchitis throughout the year. This may be a sign of an abnormal immune system or chronic disease. The nine respiratory items can help to fully understand the cause of the disease.

3. Accompanied by other unexplained symptoms

If the cough is accompanied by abnormal conditions such as persistent fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing, this examination can provide a more comprehensive basis for diagnosis.

4. Chronic allergic constitution

Patients with allergies often experience chronic cough or nasal congestion. The nine respiratory tests can help identify allergens and assess their impact.

How should ordinary people deal with long-term cough?

A persistent cough does not necessarily mean that there is a serious disease, but it should not be taken lightly. For ordinary people, scientific treatment of persistent coughs requires starting with daily life and correct medical treatment.

First, do not ignore early symptoms. If the cough after a cold lasts for a long time, you should seek medical help in time to avoid "hard-to-bear" or random medication. In particular, the use of antibiotics must be carried out when bacterial infection is clear. Blind medication is not only useless, but may also lead to drug resistance.

Secondly, we should pay attention to health management in life. Avoiding smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, keeping indoor air clean, and exercising moderately to enhance immunity are all effective means to prevent respiratory diseases. If you have allergies, you can consider using an air purifier or avoiding contact with known allergens.

Finally, choose the nine respiratory examinations appropriately under the doctor's advice. For persistent cough, this examination can provide accurate diagnostic basis and reduce unnecessary worries or blind treatment. Even if the final results show that everything is normal, this can make patients feel more at ease.

Conclusion: Protecting health with science

Although colds and coughs are common minor ailments, long-term treatment may hide more complicated reasons. The "Nine Respiratory Tract Examination" is an important tool in modern medicine. It provides doctors and patients with accurate diagnostic basis, so that long-term cough is no longer a problem. Healthy life requires a scientific attitude and active management. If coughing becomes a lingering problem, you may wish to understand the nine respiratory tract examinations, identify the cause, respond scientifically, and protect the smoothness and comfort of the respiratory tract in a healthier way. Every correct examination and treatment is a treasure for your own health.

Author: Sun Zhaoxia, Qinghai Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine