Attention to air pollution and passive smoking in Hanoi: Prolonged cough is a warning sign; seek medical advice as soon as possible

In Hanoi, air pollution is so severe that the sky is covered in smog. The average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 reached 45 µg/㎥, approximately eight times the WHO standard. Moreover, Vietnam has a smoking rate among adult men of about 40%, and nearly half of non-smokers are exposed to passive smoking. In such an environment,Heavy burden on the respiratory systemIt is contagious and is often associated with the onset of asthma and the prolonged coughing.

I thought it was just a cold.The cough lasts for more than two weeksSince colds are no longer the primary cause of cough, you should never ignore it. Common causes of chronic cough include asthma (asthmatic cough), sinusitis (postnasal drip), and chronic bronchitis. Sometimes, diseases such as tuberculosis and lung cancer are hidden. If left untreated, these conditions can worsen, so if your cough persists for a long time, you should undergo a thorough examination as soon as possible. At our clinic, we can perform respiratory function tests and detailed diagnosis using chest CT scans.

Over-the-counter cough suppressants only temporarily relieve symptoms; they are not medicines that cure the underlying cause of a cough. In fact, even common cold medicines are not medicines that cure the cold itself; they are symptomatic treatments that relieve symptoms. The only way to stop persistent cough is to:Clarify the underlying condition causing the symptoms and receive treatment appropriate to itIf you are suffering from a painful cough, consult a medical institution that has a specialist on staff.

The air and cigarette smoke in Hanoi are environments that are likely to worsen coughs and asthma.

If the cough lasts for more than two weeks, it may not be a cold and could be a serious illness that needs to be treated.

Over-the-counter cough suppressants are only a temporary solution; to truly cure the underlying cause, it is important to investigate the underlying problem and receive appropriate treatment.

Japan Green Vietnam Clinic
Japan Green Vietnam Clinic

Dr. Kobayashi Hyo-no

He holds the Japanese Board of Medical Specialists certification in Respiratory Medicine, Allergy, Infectious Diseases, and Internal Medicine. After graduating from Hokkaido University, he trained at Tono-mon Hospital and worked as an assistant professor at Keio University before obtaining a medical degree. After working at the National Cancer Center in Singapore, he obtained a Vietnamese medical license and is currently working there.