Coronavirus: Do you have a COVID cough? Experts reveal the best sleeping position for relief

Persistent cough was one of the most reported symptoms of COVID-19 during the second wave of coronavirus. While with the Omicron variant, sore throat, runny nose, and body pain have become more common, cough continues to be one of the reigning COVID-19 symptoms. What's even worse is that people who recover from the disease continue to experience a lingering, discomforting cough weeks and months after recovery, classified as long COVID.

In light of such occurrences, experts have come up with ways to help patients treat this symptom that is even depriving people of their sleep at night.

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While a normal cough is usually a reflex action to clear dust, phlegm and other irritants from your lungs and windpipe, a COVID cough is characterized by dry, persistent cough that is triggered by the virus.

Dry coughs usually occur without any phlegm or mucus and may have a hacking sound, as per experts. It has a consistent rough sound to it since it is not accompanied by mucus. Other things that separates it with a normal cough is that COVID cough is usually persistent and can linger on for weeks and sometimes even months.

According to the UK's National Health Services, those who have a persistent cough associated with coronavirus, it's best to avoid lying on your back. It is believed that lying flat on one's back can cause mucus to accumulate in your throat, which can trigger a cough.

The health body recommends lying on their side while sleeping or sitting upright when not in bed sleeping.

Another way you can sleep is by stacking a couple of pillows to lift your head and neck up slightly.

There are several other ways to treat COVID cough.

The NHS recommends, "To help ease a cough, try having a teaspoon of honey. But do not give honey to babies under 12 months. If this does not help, you could contact a pharmacist for advice about cough treatments.”

As per the health body, one should seek doctor's assistance when suffering from COVID symptoms, rather than just going to the pharmacy.

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“Over time, a cough can develop into a cycle, where excessive coughing causes irritation and inflammation, which worsens the cough. A dry cough may have no obvious cause and using the advice below will help to prevent this cough, " it adds.

In case the cough is ongoing, the healthy body further suggests seeking a physician's advice. If left untreated, it can lead to shortness of breath, chest pain, breathing difficulties and more.

Along with coronavirus cough, one may also experience a wide-range of symptoms including:

- Sore throat

- Fever

- Runny nose

- Body and joint pain

- Fatigue

- Gastrointestinal issues