A recent uptick in persistent cough cases, particularly among students during exam season, has led to a 25–30% rise in OPD visits in some regions. Many of these cases follow viral fevers, with cough lingering for weeks due to post-viral bronchial inflammation. Winter dryness, air pollution, and stress-related immune dips appear to be compounding factors, with patients reporting wheeze, chest tightness, fatigue, and reduced concentration. Clinically, a cough persisting beyond three weeks should prompt a structured evaluation.
While postnasal drip, cough-variant asthma, GERD, and post-infectious airway hyperreactivity are common causes, tuberculosis remains a crucial differential diagnosis in India. Red-flag symptoms such as hemoptysis, weight loss, prolonged fever, or night sweats necessitate timely imaging and microbiological assessment. Initial management should prioritize airway…
