The Chief Executive Officer of PIWAK Natural Health, producers of the popular 3P Garlic Mixture, Dr Prince Nelson Mortoti, has called on the public not to treat severe or persistent coughs with complacency, warning that the condition may be an indication of a more serious underlying health problem that requires prompt medical attention.
According to Dr Mortoti, although coughing is a natural protective mechanism that helps the body clear irritants, mucus and harmful microorganisms from the respiratory tract, a cough that persists for several days or weeks should never be ignored.
He explained that severe coughs could result from bacterial or viral infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, tuberculosis, acid reflux disease, environmental pollutants or prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other harmful substances.
Speaking on the importance of early diagnosis, Dr Mortoti stressed that many people resort to self-medication without identifying the actual cause of their cough, a practice he described as dangerous and capable of worsening existing health conditions.
“A cough is not a disease in itself but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. Treating only the symptom without addressing the root cause may delay proper treatment and expose the individual to serious complications,” he stated.
He advised individuals who experience coughing accompanied by chest pain, breathing difficulties, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, persistent fever or night sweats to report immediately to the nearest health facility for thorough medical examination.
Dr Mortoti further encouraged the public to strengthen their immune systems by maintaining healthy lifestyles, eating balanced diets rich in fruits and vegetables, drinking adequate amounts of water, exercising regularly and observing proper personal hygiene.
He noted that garlic has long been recognised for its natural medicinal properties due to its rich concentration of beneficial compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant and immune-supporting effects. These properties, he explained, help the body fight infections and promote overall respiratory health when incorporated into a healthy lifestyle.
The health expert also advised people suffering from respiratory infections to avoid exposure to dust, smoke and other environmental pollutants while ensuring adequate rest to support the body’s recovery process.
He cautioned against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics without medical prescription, explaining that antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections and their misuse contributes significantly to antimicrobial resistance, which has become a growing global public health concern.
Dr Mortoti said maintaining good respiratory health requires consistent preventive measures, including regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected persons, wearing face masks where necessary and seeking professional medical advice whenever symptoms become severe or persistent.
He reiterated that natural health products should complement healthy living and should be used responsibly alongside appropriate medical care where necessary.
Dr Mortoti therefore appealed to the public to prioritise early health-seeking behaviour whenever they experience persistent cough or other unusual respiratory symptoms, stressing that timely intervention remains one of the most effective ways of preventing serious complications and improving treatment outcomes.
