With spring comes sunshine, blooming nature – and a cough. While many attribute it to allergies or seasonal weather changes, pulmonologist Dr. Nena Milačić warns in Boje jutra on Vijesti Television that a cough should not be taken lightly – especially when it lasts longer or recurs year after year.
"A cough is not a disease, but a defense mechanism of the body that indicates that something is wrong," says Milačić.
If it lasts for several days, especially with symptoms like fever, fatigue, weight loss, or coughing up blood – it's time to see a doctor. Elderly people and chronic patients should be extra careful.
Spring coughs are often underestimated and attributed to allergies, but they can also be caused by infections – including pneumonia.
"In people who already have asthma, symptoms can go unnoticed by doctors, because pneumonia may not always be heard with a stethoscope," explains Milačić.
That's why laboratory tests - blood count, CRP - are important for distinguishing allergy from infection.
Productive cough – not just a sign of a cold
A cough can be dry or productive, regardless of the cause. Allergic sinusitis, for example, can cause secretions to drain into the lower respiratory tract, resulting in a productive cough.
There is no hard and fast rule, which is why it is important not to make assumptions without checking.
When to seek medical help?
"If the cough lasts longer than five or six days, you should see a doctor," says Milačić.
If symptoms recur year after year, testing for inhalant and nutritional allergens, as well as analysis of IgE antibody levels, is recommended.
Syrups and therapies – should you take them on your own?
"I'm not a supporter of syrup, but it helps someone," says Milačić.
Instead, he recommends saline inhalations, the use of supplements, sufficient rest, and moderate physical activity. Self-medication with syrups often masks, but does not solve the problem.
Viral pneumonia – increasingly common in spring
Due to the changeable weather, viruses are active even in the spring months.
"It happens that up to nine out of ten patients in the clinic have pneumonia - most often viral, atypical," reveals Milačić.
Although often mild, such inflammations require therapy and rest.
Stress and emotions – common but overlooked causes of coughing
"The lungs are an emotional organ," emphasizes Dr. Milačić.
A chronic cough that doesn't go away can be a result of stress, especially in people who are more emotionally sensitive.
Asthma, for example, often responds to stress.
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