It’s time to reverse the tide

By Alex P. Vidal

“Only the mob and the elite can be attracted by the momentum of totalitarianism itself. The masses have to be won by propaganda.”—Hannah Arendt

FOUR days earlier, the nation was on the brink of political catastrophe when destabilizers and troublemakers attempted but failed to penetrate the relatively peaceful rally staged by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) at the Rizal Park in Manila.

After the INC shortened the scheduled three-day protest rally against corruption in government, decent Filipinos, who oppose any attempt by any group to disrupt or overthrow the government, heaved a sigh of relief.

In cutting short the protest rally, INC did not want to be blamed for “hosting” uncouth politicians with hidden agenda and who spew venomous diatribe like the embittered presidential sister, among other demagogues and disgraced political rabble-rousers.

The momentum partially gained by malcontents and saboteurs before or during the pivotal situation on November 16 began to melt like iceberg in the Glacier Bay.

Authorities were now able to more or less identify the destabilizers, the power grabbers and their financiers who wanted to topple President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. by whatever means and install a pseudo leader.

It’s time for authorities to weather the storm and reverse the tide. We expect warrants of arrest to be issued against rebellious agitators and other agent provocateurs.

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CityMD, an urgent care provider, has cautioned us to be careful with

cough that won’t go away in this cold season in the East Coast; it informs us of the causes and solutions.

Dealing with a cough that just won’t quit can be frustrating. Whether it’s keeping us up at night or disrupting our day, a lingering cough can take a toll. But what’s behind it? And more importantly, how can we get some relief?

Let’s break down the common causes, when to be concerned and the best ways to treat a stubborn cough.

What causes a persistent cough? Common reasons explained. A cough that sticks around for weeks or longer often has a clear cause.

Here are some of the most common reasons, according to CityMD:

— Post-nasal drip. Mucus dripping from the back of your nose into your throat can irritate it and make you cough. This often happens with allergies or a cold.

— Asthma. For some, a persistent cough might be the only sign of asthma. Cold air or exercise can make it worse.

— Acid reflux. Stomach acid that moves up into your throat can cause irritation and a chronic cough.

— Infections. Respiratory infections like bronchitis or whooping cough can cause a cough that lingers after other symptoms go away.

— Smoking or irritants. Smoking, vaping or exposure to dust, fumes or pollution can lead to a lasting cough.

Understanding the root cause is key to finding the right treatment.

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When a lingering cough might signal something serious. While most coughs are harmless, some can be a sign of a more serious condition. Seek medical attention if your cough:

— Lasts longer than eight weeks

—Comes with a fever, weight loss or night sweats

—Produces blood or rust-colored mucus

—Is accompanied by wheezing, chest pain or trouble breathing

Conditions like pneumonia, COPD, lung cancer, or heart problems can cause a chronic cough. If you’re unsure, it’s better to get checked out.

How to find relief from a cough that won’t go away.

Finding relief starts with addressing the cause. Here are some effective remedies:

1. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water to thin mucus and soothe your throat.

2. Use a humidifier

Adding moisture to the air can reduce throat irritation.

3. Avoid irritants

Steer clear of smoking, strong perfumes and dusty areas.

4. Try over-the-counter medications

Cough drops, lozenges or expectorants can help ease symptoms.

5. Elevate your head while sleeping

Propping your head up can reduce post-nasal drip and acid reflux.

6. Seek professional care

If the cough persists or worsens, we need to visit a doctor. They can check for underlying issues and recommend treatments like inhalers, antibiotics or other medications.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)