Pollution vs. Viral Cough: Spot the Difference, Protect Your Health

• Pollution cough is typically dry, irritating, and triggered by exposure to dust, smoke, and chemical particles in the air.
• Viral coughs are often accompanied by other symptoms like high fever, body aches, sore throat, nasal congestion, and lethargy.
• Pollution cough tends to improve when indoors or using a respirator, and can worsen at night after prolonged exposure.
• Viral coughs follow a pattern, peaking within days and gradually improving over one to two weeks as the infection clears.
• Seek medical advice for severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, high fever, or a cough lasting over three weeks.

Why It Matters: Distinguish pollution from viral cough by symptoms and duration for correct care and avoiding unnecessary medication.