9. Dry Cough: The Persistent Throat Irritant
A dry cough, often intense and persistent, is one of the hallmark symptoms of measles. This isn’t a mere byproduct of the disease but an indicator of how the virus affects the respiratory system. The measles virus causes inflammation of the airways, leading to this characteristic cough.
For the affected individual, a persistent dry cough can be more than just an irritant. It can disrupt sleep, cause throat soreness, and even lead to headaches.
Furthermore, intense coughing bouts can physically exhaust the patient, adding to the already prevalent fatigue. The constant coughing can also impact the voice, making communication strained.
While cough syrups and lozenges might offer some relief, it’s vital to approach this symptom with an understanding of its underlying cause. Keeping the airways moist, through humidifiers or steam inhalation, can provide relief. Again, any over-the-counter remedies should be discussed with a healthcare provider to ensure they don’t interfere with other treatments or worsen the symptom.
Recovery from the cough is usually in tandem with the overall recovery from measles. As the inflammation subsides and the body fights off the virus, the airways begin to heal, and the cough reduces. Ensuring a moist environment and keeping irritants at bay can speed up this healing process. (9)
