Post-smog cough: If you live in a city that gets blanketed in smog every winter, you probably know the drill. The air smells a little metallic, your throat starts to itch, and by the third day, there’s that annoying cough that just won’t quit. You tell yourself it’s “just the pollution”, and you’re probably right, but how long is too long to ignore it?
Let’s talk about that.
When smog gets under your skin (and into your lungs)
Smog isn’t just ugly to look at. It’s a toxic mix of dust, chemicals, and microscopic particles that your lungs don’t exactly appreciate. Step outside during rush hour, and you can almost taste the air: a burnt, dusty flavour that sticks around long after you’re home.
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If you’re coughing more than usual, your body’s basically saying, “Hey, I’m trying to get this junk out.” It’s a defence mechanism. A short bout of coughing after a few bad-air days? Pretty normal. But if it lingers beyond a week, that’s a clue that your lungs might be struggling a bit more than usual.
Home remedies to help with smog:
Let’s be honest; there’s no magical potion that makes smog vanish or your throat instantly heal. But a few simple things can take the edge off:
- Steam it out. A hot shower or bowl of steaming water can loosen the gunk stuck in your throat and chest. Old-school, but effective.
- Honey and warm water. Not because it’s trendy, it genuinely coats the throat and calms the irritation.
- Stay hydrated. Dry air (and pollution) dries out your airways. Sip water throughout the day, even if you’re not thirsty.
- Mask up when you step out. A decent N95 or KN95 isn’t overkill; it’s survival gear during peak smog season.
- Air purifiers. If you can, run one at home, especially in your bedroom. Breathing cleaner air for at least a few hours helps your body recover.
But, and here’s the kicker, if you’ve been doing all this and your cough still sounds like a rusty engine every morning, it’s time to move beyond home remedies.
When you should see a doctor:
You don’t need to rush to the ER for every cough. But if it’s been more than 10–14 days and you’re still hacking away, call a doctor. Especially if you’re also short of breath, wheezing, or feeling tightness in your chest.
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And if you already have asthma or allergies, don’t wait that long. Smog can easily trigger flare-ups that need medical treatment, not just ginger tea and patience.
A post-smog cough is your body’s way of waving a tiny white flag. Most times, it’ll calm down once the air clears and you give your lungs a break. But if it’s been weeks and you’re still sounding like you swallowed sandpaper, don’t tough it out. See a professional.
