Long coronavirus: This persistent symptom could be a telltale sign of long COVID; Here's what it is and how you can manage it

Long COVID cases have been a matter of concern ever since the beginning of the first wave of coronavirus. Even when the SARs-CoV-2 virus kept changing its nature according to topography, the signs of long COVID remained the same. Most of these signs are related to the respiratory system as the infection virus multiplies in the lungs and attacks the delicate cells first. Cough, breathlessness and sneezing are among the common health issues that affect people in the long term. While it is difficult to predict who will suffer from long COVID-19, scientists suggest a persistent cough can be an early sign of prolonged infection.

The COVID-19 infection generally lasts for 7 to 15 days after the appearance of its first sign. Only in severe cases, the symptoms may last for weeks or months and may even lead to hospitalisation. If a person witnesses any difficulty or any signs of coronavirus 90 days after recovering from the initial infection, it is termed a long coronavirus. If the sign of long COVID is mild it goes on its own, else needs hospitalisation.

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Persistent coughing is one of the telltale signs of the long coronavirus. As per studies, coughing in the case of long COVID is usually dry. One may also produce sputum when coughing, but it may make breathing noisier than normal. Cough with sputum may make breathing noisier and uncomfortable. Usually, coronavirus leads to dry cough, but the possibility of cough with phlegm cannot be ruled out. As per a UK based organisation, Asthma and lung, practicing some breathing exercises can be quite helpful to deal with persistent coughing.

The organisation told a UK based tabloid that following some easy breathing exercises can help to provide relief from long coronavirus. They suggested three breathing exercises that can prove to be quite helpful:

Controlled breathing: Breathing through the nose gently while sitting in a relaxed pose.

Deep breathing: Taking long, slow, deep breaths through the nose. Hold your breath for 2 to 3 seconds, and breathe out gently.

Duffing – Breathing out through an open mouth instead of coughing.

The organisation also suggests moving a bit in a day to keep the chest clear. Lying on the sides can also help to move the phlegm from the bottom of your lungs.

With proper treatment at the right time, it is not difficult to recover from the symptoms of long coronavirus. If with coughing, you start losing weight, coughing blood or suffering from chest pain, call the doctor. These are emergency symptoms and should not be taken lightly. Along with coughing and breathlessness, fatigue, sleeplessness and brain fog can also be a sign of long COVID that may require medical attention.