Think a cough isn't worth a hospital visit? Think again.
A few days ago, I suddenly coughed on the subway. The stares around me were intense. 'Is it COVID?' I quickly tightened my mask. But back in the day, no one cared if you coughed. Since COVID-19, a single cough can change your life. Today, I'm dropping facts on the key differences between COVID-19 cough and normal cough, based on my own experience.
1. Completely Different Causes: Virus vs Bacteria & Common Viruses
COVID-19 cough is triggered by SARS-CoV-2 irritating the respiratory tract. Normal cough comes from flu, rhinovirus, or bacterial pneumonia. My friend had a cough from pneumonia last year and got better with antibiotics. But COVID-19 cough doesn't respond to antibiotics at all. The pathological difference completely changes treatment.
2. Different Symptoms: With Breathing Difficulty vs Simple Cough
COVID-19 cough is paroxysmal and irritating, and when severe, it brings shortness of breath and chest tightness. When I had COVID-19, I actually experienced choking while coughing. Normal cold cough is intermittent and doesn't affect breathing. If you feel 'out of breath' while coughing, suspect COVID-19.
3. Different Treatments: Antiviral vs Anti-inflammatory & Anti-infection
COVID-19 cough is treated with antivirals (like remdesivir) and cough/expectorant relievers. Normal cough is treated by removing the cause with antibiotics or anti-inflammatories. When I suffered from COVID-19, the hospital said, 'COVID cough usually doesn't heal with regular cough medicine.' Indeed, regular cold meds had no effect.
Conclusion: Identify the Nature of Your Cough
COVID-19 cough is 'a cough that makes it hard to breathe,' while normal cough is 'just a cough.' If accompanied by shortness of breath, get tested immediately. After that experience, I never take any cough lightly.
