According to Doctor of Medical Specialties II Ma Thanh Phong, Head of the Respiratory Unit, General Internal Medicine Department, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, coughing is a natural reflex that helps the body expel foreign objects, irritants, or secretions from the airways. However, not all coughs indicate a medical condition. During Tet (Lunar New Year), environmental factors and lifestyle habits can temporarily irritate the respiratory tract, leading to a cough.

Exposure to incense smoke, cooking smoke, smoke from burning votive offerings, fireworks, or polluted air can easily irritate the mucous membranes of the pharynx, larynx, and bronchi. Seasonal weather changes, fluctuating humidity, and habits like consuming many fried and spicy foods or staying up late also contribute to this cough reflex. These types of coughs are typically dry, not accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, and tend to subside as the individual returns to their normal routine.

Tet is a time for house cleaning, and dust can easily cause respiratory issues. Illustration created by AI.

According to the American Lung Association, coughs due to environmental irritants or mild viral infections typically last a few days to a few weeks, diminishing once the irritant is removed and leaving no lasting lung damage.

Doctor Phong advises patients not to be complacent if a cough persists for over three weeks or is accompanied by additional symptoms. In such cases, a cough may indicate a respiratory illness such as bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lower respiratory tract infection.

Patients might experience a cough accompanied by phlegm, which can be thick or change to yellow or green; a feeling of chest tightness or heaviness; shortness of breath upon exertion; or frequent coughing at night. For individuals with a history of asthma or COPD, factors during Tet like smoke, dust, stress, sleep disturbances, and discontinuing maintenance medication often trigger flare-ups or acute exacerbations.

A cough lasting over 4 weeks is classified as chronic and requires examination to determine the cause, especially if accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, weight loss, or persistent fatigue. Delaying medical consultation in these instances allows the condition to progress silently, reducing treatment effectiveness.

Doctor Phong also warns against self-medicating with cough suppressants, antibiotics, or traditional medicine for prolonged periods without medical indication, as this can mask symptoms and risk delaying the diagnosis of underlying conditions. If a cough is not accompanied by severe symptoms, patients can monitor their condition, combine rest with adequate warm fluid intake, and limit exposure to smoke and dust. However, if a cough persists, recurs frequently, or is accompanied by unusual signs, medical attention is necessary.

Nhat Thanh