Cough in the post COVID period: clinical examples

Abstract

Among the extensive list of manifestations of post COVID syndrome, cough is often found. Most researchers interpret its character as post infection. In some patients, post infection cough becomes productive, and combined mucoactive therapy is required for effective treatment. Since the onset of the pandemic, clinical descriptions of spontaneous pneumothorax have accumulated in the literature. The risk of this complication is present even in patients who are not burdened with chronic lung diseases, as well as those who are breathing spontaneously. The study of the mechanisms of development of spontaneous pneumothorax in COVID-19 is necessary for the development of further therapeutic and preventive measures. Traction bronchiectasis occurs in 27 – 52.5% of cases of new coronavirus infection. Changes in the structure of the bronchi predispose to chronic cough and recurrent infections. Respiratory viral infection has been considered in the past as a trigger for bronchial asthma. There is controversy over the new coronavirus. Asthma has been suggested as a protective factor in COVID-19, due to the specific inflammation profile that protects patients. In some patients who have had COVID-19, the cough is due to hyperventilation syndrome. To explain it, a hypothesis of impaired respiratory control was proposed. The paper presents clinical examples illustrating a wide range of pathological conditions accompanied by cough. Possible relationships between cough and previous coronavirus infection are discussed.