Feeling like you're constantly congested? You're not alone
A health reporter explains why many Israelis feel they have been congested for weeks. Dr. Kay Alkara, a family physician at Maccabi, explains that sometimes it's a series of viruses, but not always: allergies, asthma, reflux, whooping cough, and pneumonia could be the cause. She recommends seeing a doctor if the cough lasts more than three weeks.
A health reporter explains why many Israelis feel they have been constantly congested for weeks. Dr. Kay Alkara, a family physician in the northern district of Maccabi Healthcare Services, says that in her clinic she meets many patients complaining of cough, runny nose, and phlegm that do not go away for a month or even two. According to her, it is not always one illness, but sometimes a series of viral infections, especially in families with children in educational settings. She details common viruses such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, RSV, and adenovirus. However, she emphasizes that not every prolonged cough is a virus: allergies, asthma, post-nasal drip, reflux, whooping cough, and pneumonia could be the cause. The article provides guidelines on when to see a doctor – a cough lasting more than three weeks, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, blood in the phlegm, or significant worsening. It also suggests relief methods such as rest, drinking, saline nasal spray, and honey (not for infants under one year old). Dr. Alkara emphasizes that antibiotics are not effective against viruses.