Public health experts have raised the alarm over the growing number of Nigerians battling persistent coughs and other respiratory symptoms, warning citizens not to dismiss the condition as a common cold or seasonal flu.
Speaking in an interview with BusinessDay, Prof. Wellington Oyibo, tropical disease specialist, advised Nigerians to take respiratory symptoms seriously and seek medical attention early rather than resorting to self-medication. He noted that while most coughs appear harmless, a lingering or recurrent cough could be a sign of more serious underlying infections that require prompt diagnosis.
“People should not ignore a cough that lasts more than two or three weeks. Persistent coughs could point to infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, or other respiratory viruses. It is important that Nigerians visit a doctor, get a chest X-ray if necessary, and avoid self-medicating. Early diagnosis can save lives,” he said.