🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 170 (from laksa085)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa170.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/post-infectious-cough-usually-treated-with-home-remedies\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/post-infectious-cough-usually-treated-with-home-remedies\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/news\/article\/post-infectious-cough-usually-treated-with-home-remedies","crawl_time":1776360445,"first_indexed_time":1714711456,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,uclahealth!www,\/news\/article\/post-infectious-cough-usually-treated-with-home-remedies s443","src_root_hash":"15898094397791395770","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Post-infectious cough usually treated with home remedies | UCLA Health","meta_descriptions":["I caught a cold and was sick for about a week. There wasn't anything unusual about it except that now I have a dry cough that won't go away. It gets triggered by cold air and gets worse at night. I was in a sauna recently, and it stopped. What's happening? How can I get rid of it?"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Dear Doctors: I caught a cold and was sick for about a week. There wasn't anything unusual about it except that now I have a dry cough that won't go away. It gets triggered by cold air and gets worse at night. I was in a sauna recently, and it stopped. What's happening? How can I get rid of it?\nDear Reader: You're dealing with a condition known as a post-infectious cough. This can occur in someone recovering from infection with a respiratory virus. Sometimes also referred to as a post-viral cough, the persistent symptoms are as you have described.\nThe trajectory of a cold, from onset to recovery, typically takes anywhere from one to two weeks. Symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat and post-nasal drip. They arise due to the body's response to presence of the virus and the immune system's multifaceted efforts to stop it. However, in some people, the inflammation that accompanies a cold or the flu will persist, even after the viral infection itself has ended. This can lead to a post-infectious cough. It can last for several weeks after other cold symptoms have faded and, in some cases, for up to two months.\nAs you have discovered, breathing cold air can make you cough. One reason is that cold air causes the moist and delicate tissues of the airways to contract. Cold air is also drier than warmer air and acts as an irritant. Each of these can initiate a cough reflex. It's the body's effort to ease the constricted air passages and to move moist air up and out from the lungs.\nLying down when your body is producing excess mucus can also trigger a dry cough. In the prone position, the mucus can more easily enter and irritate the airways and thus lead to coughing.\nA post-infectious cough often runs its course within a few weeks. It can be irritating, but it is not usually dangerous. The symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. These include sucking on a hard candy or cough drop to keep the throat moist and lubricated. Menthol varieties, which cause the mucus membranes to shrink, will briefly slow mucus production. Honey mixed into a warm beverage also has a soothing effect on irritated throat tissues.\nStudies have shown that the warm air of a sauna can ease the constriction associated with a persistent cough. Using a sauna as you recover may bring some relief, as can using a humidifier. The moisture it adds to the air can gives the irritated tissues of the airways a much-needed break. Elevating your upper body with extra pillows at night can keep mucus flowing down the throat rather than into the airways.\nIf this cough persists for more than a month, it's a good idea to see your doctor. The immune system can get overwhelmed when dealing with a virus, and some people develop a secondary infection. While it's not common, it is possible for a respiratory infection to be a factor in adult-onset asthma. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and offer additional care if needed.\n(Send your questions to\n[email protected]\n, or write: Ask the Doctors, c\/o UCLA Health Sciences Media Relations, 10960 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1955, Los Angeles, CA, 90024. Owing to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.)","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/news\/article\/post-infectious-cough-usually-treated-with-home-remedies#main-content)\n\nExplore links (header)\n\n{ leftIsLimited = (\\$el.getBoundingClientRect().left)\n\nExplore UCLA Health\n\n- [UCLA Health Home](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/)\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/discover\/about)\n- [Cancer Center](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/cancer)\n- [Hospitals & Clinics](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/locations)\n- [School of Medicine](https:\/\/medschool.ucla.edu\/)\n- [Academic Departments](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/departments)\n- [News & Insights](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/news)\n- [Community & Equity](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/community-equity)\n\n[Refer a Patient](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/discover\/healthcare-professionals)\n\nUniversal links 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[Home](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/)\n2. [News & Insights](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/news)\n# Post-infectious cough usually treated with home remedies\n\n![woman lingering coughing](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/landscape_3x2_016000_640x427\/public\/images\/a5\/woman-coughing-istock.jpg?f=7aab55ce&itok=NyBU1SBd)\n\nJune 21, 2023\n\nBy Ask the Doctors\n\n3 min read\n\n**Dear Doctors: I caught a cold and was sick for about a week. There wasn't anything unusual about it except that now I have a dry cough that won't go away. It gets triggered by cold air and gets worse at night. I was in a sauna recently, and it stopped. What's happening? How can I get rid of it?**\n\nDear Reader: You're dealing with a condition known as a post-infectious cough. This can occur in someone recovering from infection with a respiratory virus. Sometimes also referred to as a post-viral cough, the persistent symptoms are as you have described.\n\nThe trajectory of a cold, from onset to recovery, typically takes anywhere from one to two weeks. Symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat and post-nasal drip. They arise due to the body's response to presence of the virus and the immune system's multifaceted efforts to stop it. However, in some people, the inflammation that accompanies a cold or the flu will persist, even after the viral infection itself has ended. This can lead to a post-infectious cough. It can last for several weeks after other cold symptoms have faded and, in some cases, for up to two months.\n\nAs you have discovered, breathing cold air can make you cough. One reason is that cold air causes the moist and delicate tissues of the airways to contract. Cold air is also drier than warmer air and acts as an irritant. Each of these can initiate a cough reflex. It's the body's effort to ease the constricted air passages and to move moist air up and out from the lungs.\n\nLying down when your body is producing excess mucus can also trigger a dry cough. In the prone position, the mucus can more easily enter and irritate the airways and thus lead to coughing.\n\nA post-infectious cough often runs its course within a few weeks. It can be irritating, but it is not usually dangerous. The symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. These include sucking on a hard candy or cough drop to keep the throat moist and lubricated. Menthol varieties, which cause the mucus membranes to shrink, will briefly slow mucus production. Honey mixed into a warm beverage also has a soothing effect on irritated throat tissues.\n\nStudies have shown that the warm air of a sauna can ease the constriction associated with a persistent cough. Using a sauna as you recover may bring some relief, as can using a humidifier. The moisture it adds to the air can gives the irritated tissues of the airways a much-needed break. Elevating your upper body with extra pillows at night can keep mucus flowing down the throat rather than into the airways.\n\nIf this cough persists for more than a month, it's a good idea to see your doctor. The immune system can get overwhelmed when dealing with a virus, and some people develop a secondary infection. While it's not common, it is possible for a respiratory infection to be a factor in adult-onset asthma. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and offer additional care if needed.\n\n*(Send your questions to [\\[email protected\\]](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection), or write: Ask the Doctors, c\/o UCLA Health Sciences Media Relations, 10960 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1955, Los Angeles, CA, 90024. Owing to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.)*\n\n## Take the Next Step\n**Learn more and talk to your** [**primary care**](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/medical-services\/primary-care) **provider.**\n\n[View All News & Insights](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/news)\n\n## Related Content\n### Articles:\n- [Ask the Doctors](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/news\/search?f%5B0%5D=topic%3A80081)\n- [Cold and Flu](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/news\/search?f%5B0%5D=tag%3A80941)\n- [Respiratory Health](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/news\/search?f%5B0%5D=tag%3A81266)\n## Physicians\n![Eve M. Glazier, MD](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/square_006000_240x240\/public\/images\/glazier-eve-1285839852.jpg?h=6303ee9e&f=e6108873&itok=pHzdPEL8)\n\nEve M. Glazier, MD\n\nInternal Medicine\n\n[Eve M. Glazier, MD](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/providers\/eve-glazier)\n\n![Elizabeth Ko, MD](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/square_006000_240x240\/public\/images\/ko-elizabeth-1801189048.jpg?h=1d36513c&f=912d216b&itok=qCEsyLhv)\n\nElizabeth Ko, MD\n\nInternal Medicine\n\n[Elizabeth Ko, MD](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/providers\/elizabeth-ko)\n\nShare:\n\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uclahealth.org%2Fnews%2Farticle%2Fpost-infectious-cough-usually-treated-with-home-remedies)\n- [X-Twitter](https:\/\/x.com\/intent\/tweet?text=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uclahealth.org%2Fnews%2Farticle%2Fpost-infectious-cough-usually-treated-with-home-remedies)\n- [LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uclahealth.org%2Fnews%2Farticle%2Fpost-infectious-cough-usually-treated-with-home-remedies)\n\n## Related Articles\n![Doctor on a computer](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/landscape_3x2_012000_480x320\/public\/images\/b5\/adobestock-296343458.jpeg?h=53bd24ab&f=cbdcebb5&itok=CL_f7jzK)\n\n### [Tonsil stones may be cause of bad breath](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/news\/article\/tonsil-stones-may-be-cause-bad-breath)\nApril 15, 2026\n\n3 min read\n\n![hemosiderin staining](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/landscape_3x2_012000_480x320\/public\/images\/85\/hemosiderin-staining.jpg?f=7e7a5fbf&itok=Z9Y9lQ0y)\n\n### [Hemosiderin staining known side effect of iron infusions](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/news\/article\/hemosiderin-staining-known-side-effect-iron-infusions)\nApril 13, 2026\n\n3 min read\n\n![Image](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/landscape_3x2_012000_480x320\/public\/images\/c0\/first-aid.jpg?f=3a17c3a6&itok=JXKhulb4)\n\n### [Carry the essentials in a vacation first aid kit](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/news\/article\/carry-essentials-vacation-first-aid-kit)\nApril 10, 2026\n\n3 min read\n\n[View all Ask the Doctors articles](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/news\/search\/?f%5B0%5D=topic%3A80081)\n\n[![UCLA Health](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/themes\/custom\/uclahealth\/dist\/images\/ucla-health-logo-footer.svg)](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/)\n\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/uclahealth)\n- [X-Twitter](https:\/\/x.com\/uclahealth)\n- [Instagram](https:\/\/instagram.com\/uclahealth)\n- [YouTube](https:\/\/youtube.com\/ucla-health)\n- [LinkedIn](https:\/\/linkedin.com\/company\/ucla-health)\n- [Weibo](https:\/\/weibo.com\/UCLAHealth)\n\n## Policy links (footer)\n- [HIPAA Notice](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/privacy-practices)\n- [Privacy Notice](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/privacy-notice)\n- [Nondiscrimination](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/nondiscrimination)\n- [Report Misconduct](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/reporting-misconduct)\n- [We listen. We care.](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/patient-resources\/support-information\/patient-experience\/we-listen-we-care)\n\n© 2026 UCLA Health","attrs_readable_markdown":"**Dear Doctors: I caught a cold and was sick for about a week. There wasn't anything unusual about it except that now I have a dry cough that won't go away. It gets triggered by cold air and gets worse at night. I was in a sauna recently, and it stopped. What's happening? How can I get rid of it?**\n\nDear Reader: You're dealing with a condition known as a post-infectious cough. This can occur in someone recovering from infection with a respiratory virus. Sometimes also referred to as a post-viral cough, the persistent symptoms are as you have described.\n\nThe trajectory of a cold, from onset to recovery, typically takes anywhere from one to two weeks. Symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat and post-nasal drip. They arise due to the body's response to presence of the virus and the immune system's multifaceted efforts to stop it. However, in some people, the inflammation that accompanies a cold or the flu will persist, even after the viral infection itself has ended. This can lead to a post-infectious cough. It can last for several weeks after other cold symptoms have faded and, in some cases, for up to two months.\n\nAs you have discovered, breathing cold air can make you cough. One reason is that cold air causes the moist and delicate tissues of the airways to contract. Cold air is also drier than warmer air and acts as an irritant. Each of these can initiate a cough reflex. It's the body's effort to ease the constricted air passages and to move moist air up and out from the lungs.\n\nLying down when your body is producing excess mucus can also trigger a dry cough. In the prone position, the mucus can more easily enter and irritate the airways and thus lead to coughing.\n\nA post-infectious cough often runs its course within a few weeks. It can be irritating, but it is not usually dangerous. The symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. These include sucking on a hard candy or cough drop to keep the throat moist and lubricated. Menthol varieties, which cause the mucus membranes to shrink, will briefly slow mucus production. Honey mixed into a warm beverage also has a soothing effect on irritated throat tissues.\n\nStudies have shown that the warm air of a sauna can ease the constriction associated with a persistent cough. Using a sauna as you recover may bring some relief, as can using a humidifier. The moisture it adds to the air can gives the irritated tissues of the airways a much-needed break. Elevating your upper body with extra pillows at night can keep mucus flowing down the throat rather than into the airways.\n\nIf this cough persists for more than a month, it's a good idea to see your doctor. The immune system can get overwhelmed when dealing with a virus, and some people develop a secondary infection. While it's not common, it is possible for a respiratory infection to be a factor in adult-onset asthma. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and offer additional care if needed.\n\n*(Send your questions to [\\[email protected\\]](https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection), or write: Ask the Doctors, c\/o UCLA Health Sciences Media Relations, 10960 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1955, Los Angeles, CA, 90024. Owing to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.)*","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Description	I caught a cold and was sick for about a week. There wasn't anything unusual about it except that now I have a dry cough that won't go away. It gets triggered by cold air and gets worse at night. I was in a sauna recently, and it stopped. What's happening? How can I get rid of it?
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	Dear Doctors: I caught a cold and was sick for about a week. There wasn't anything unusual about it except that now I have a dry cough that won't go away. It gets triggered by cold air and gets worse at night. I was in a sauna recently, and it stopped. What's happening? How can I get rid of it? Dear Reader: You're dealing with a condition known as a post-infectious cough. This can occur in someone recovering from infection with a respiratory virus. Sometimes also referred to as a post-viral cough, the persistent symptoms are as you have described. The trajectory of a cold, from onset to recovery, typically takes anywhere from one to two weeks. Symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat and post-nasal drip. They arise due to the body's response to presence of the virus and the immune system's multifaceted efforts to stop it. However, in some people, the inflammation that accompanies a cold or the flu will persist, even after the viral infection itself has ended. This can lead to a post-infectious cough. It can last for several weeks after other cold symptoms have faded and, in some cases, for up to two months. As you have discovered, breathing cold air can make you cough. One reason is that cold air causes the moist and delicate tissues of the airways to contract. Cold air is also drier than warmer air and acts as an irritant. Each of these can initiate a cough reflex. It's the body's effort to ease the constricted air passages and to move moist air up and out from the lungs. Lying down when your body is producing excess mucus can also trigger a dry cough. In the prone position, the mucus can more easily enter and irritate the airways and thus lead to coughing. A post-infectious cough often runs its course within a few weeks. It can be irritating, but it is not usually dangerous. The symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. These include sucking on a hard candy or cough drop to keep the throat moist and lubricated. Menthol varieties, which cause the mucus membranes to shrink, will briefly slow mucus production. Honey mixed into a warm beverage also has a soothing effect on irritated throat tissues. Studies have shown that the warm air of a sauna can ease the constriction associated with a persistent cough. Using a sauna as you recover may bring some relief, as can using a humidifier. The moisture it adds to the air can gives the irritated tissues of the airways a much-needed break. Elevating your upper body with extra pillows at night can keep mucus flowing down the throat rather than into the airways. If this cough persists for more than a month, it's a good idea to see your doctor. The immune system can get overwhelmed when dealing with a virus, and some people develop a secondary infection. While it's not common, it is possible for a respiratory infection to be a factor in adult-onset asthma. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and offer additional care if needed. (Send your questions to [email protected] , or write: Ask the Doctors, c/o UCLA Health Sciences Media Relations, 10960 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1955, Los Angeles, CA, 90024. Owing to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.)
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[Contact Us](https://www.uclahealth.org/contact-us) Breadcrumb 1. [Home](https://www.uclahealth.org/) 2. [News & Insights](https://www.uclahealth.org/news) # Post-infectious cough usually treated with home remedies ![woman lingering coughing](https://www.uclahealth.org/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_3x2_016000_640x427/public/images/a5/woman-coughing-istock.jpg?f=7aab55ce&itok=NyBU1SBd) June 21, 2023 By Ask the Doctors 3 min read Dear Doctors: I caught a cold and was sick for about a week. There wasn't anything unusual about it except that now I have a dry cough that won't go away. It gets triggered by cold air and gets worse at night. I was in a sauna recently, and it stopped. What's happening? How can I get rid of it? Dear Reader: You're dealing with a condition known as a post-infectious cough. This can occur in someone recovering from infection with a respiratory virus. Sometimes also referred to as a post-viral cough, the persistent symptoms are as you have described. The trajectory of a cold, from onset to recovery, typically takes anywhere from one to two weeks. Symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat and post-nasal drip. They arise due to the body's response to presence of the virus and the immune system's multifaceted efforts to stop it. However, in some people, the inflammation that accompanies a cold or the flu will persist, even after the viral infection itself has ended. This can lead to a post-infectious cough. It can last for several weeks after other cold symptoms have faded and, in some cases, for up to two months. As you have discovered, breathing cold air can make you cough. One reason is that cold air causes the moist and delicate tissues of the airways to contract. Cold air is also drier than warmer air and acts as an irritant. Each of these can initiate a cough reflex. It's the body's effort to ease the constricted air passages and to move moist air up and out from the lungs. Lying down when your body is producing excess mucus can also trigger a dry cough. In the prone position, the mucus can more easily enter and irritate the airways and thus lead to coughing. A post-infectious cough often runs its course within a few weeks. It can be irritating, but it is not usually dangerous. The symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. These include sucking on a hard candy or cough drop to keep the throat moist and lubricated. Menthol varieties, which cause the mucus membranes to shrink, will briefly slow mucus production. Honey mixed into a warm beverage also has a soothing effect on irritated throat tissues. Studies have shown that the warm air of a sauna can ease the constriction associated with a persistent cough. Using a sauna as you recover may bring some relief, as can using a humidifier. The moisture it adds to the air can gives the irritated tissues of the airways a much-needed break. Elevating your upper body with extra pillows at night can keep mucus flowing down the throat rather than into the airways. If this cough persists for more than a month, it's a good idea to see your doctor. The immune system can get overwhelmed when dealing with a virus, and some people develop a secondary infection. While it's not common, it is possible for a respiratory infection to be a factor in adult-onset asthma. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and offer additional care if needed. (Send your questions to [\[email protected\]](https://www.uclahealth.org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection), or write: Ask the Doctors, c/o UCLA Health Sciences Media Relations, 10960 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1955, Los Angeles, CA, 90024. Owing to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.) ## Take the Next Step Learn more and talk to your [primary care](https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/primary-care) provider. [View All News & Insights](https://www.uclahealth.org/news) ## Related Content ### Articles: - [Ask the Doctors](https://www.uclahealth.org/news/search?f%5B0%5D=topic%3A80081) - [Cold and Flu](https://www.uclahealth.org/news/search?f%5B0%5D=tag%3A80941) - [Respiratory Health](https://www.uclahealth.org/news/search?f%5B0%5D=tag%3A81266) ## Physicians ![Eve M. Glazier, MD](https://www.uclahealth.org/sites/default/files/styles/square_006000_240x240/public/images/glazier-eve-1285839852.jpg?h=6303ee9e&f=e6108873&itok=pHzdPEL8) Eve M. Glazier, MD Internal Medicine [Eve M. 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Readable Markdown	Dear Doctors: I caught a cold and was sick for about a week. There wasn't anything unusual about it except that now I have a dry cough that won't go away. It gets triggered by cold air and gets worse at night. I was in a sauna recently, and it stopped. What's happening? How can I get rid of it? Dear Reader: You're dealing with a condition known as a post-infectious cough. This can occur in someone recovering from infection with a respiratory virus. Sometimes also referred to as a post-viral cough, the persistent symptoms are as you have described. The trajectory of a cold, from onset to recovery, typically takes anywhere from one to two weeks. Symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat and post-nasal drip. They arise due to the body's response to presence of the virus and the immune system's multifaceted efforts to stop it. However, in some people, the inflammation that accompanies a cold or the flu will persist, even after the viral infection itself has ended. This can lead to a post-infectious cough. It can last for several weeks after other cold symptoms have faded and, in some cases, for up to two months. As you have discovered, breathing cold air can make you cough. One reason is that cold air causes the moist and delicate tissues of the airways to contract. Cold air is also drier than warmer air and acts as an irritant. Each of these can initiate a cough reflex. It's the body's effort to ease the constricted air passages and to move moist air up and out from the lungs. Lying down when your body is producing excess mucus can also trigger a dry cough. In the prone position, the mucus can more easily enter and irritate the airways and thus lead to coughing. A post-infectious cough often runs its course within a few weeks. It can be irritating, but it is not usually dangerous. The symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. These include sucking on a hard candy or cough drop to keep the throat moist and lubricated. Menthol varieties, which cause the mucus membranes to shrink, will briefly slow mucus production. Honey mixed into a warm beverage also has a soothing effect on irritated throat tissues. Studies have shown that the warm air of a sauna can ease the constriction associated with a persistent cough. Using a sauna as you recover may bring some relief, as can using a humidifier. The moisture it adds to the air can gives the irritated tissues of the airways a much-needed break. Elevating your upper body with extra pillows at night can keep mucus flowing down the throat rather than into the airways. If this cough persists for more than a month, it's a good idea to see your doctor. The immune system can get overwhelmed when dealing with a virus, and some people develop a secondary infection. While it's not common, it is possible for a respiratory infection to be a factor in adult-onset asthma. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and offer additional care if needed. (Send your questions to [\[email protected\]](https://www.uclahealth.org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection), or write: Ask the Doctors, c/o UCLA Health Sciences Media Relations, 10960 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1955, Los Angeles, CA, 90024. Owing to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.)
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