Winter is here and with it the seasonal ailments. And whether you have cold or flu – or one of he other winter bugs – there is a good chance you could be coughing.
While most can be treated at home there are times medical intervention is needed – whether from your local chemist or your GP. Boots Superintendent Pharmacist Claire Nevinson has now outlined what you need to know about your cough – and when to get help.
She explains: “A cough is a reflex action which can cause a sudden noisy expulsion of air from the lungs. The most common types of coughs are a dry cough and a chesty cough, each feeling slightly different.
“A dry cough means it’s tickly and doesn’t produce any mucus or phlegm. Whereas a chesty cough produces mucus to help clear your airways.
“These coughs are rarely a sign of anything serious and most tend to clear up within three weeks without requiring any treatment. Many coughs that are a result of a respiratory viral infection, like cold or flu, can be managed at home through rest and drinking plenty of fluids.
“However, if you’re needing some extra support your pharmacy team may be able to recommend some over-the-counter remedies such as cough syrups or lozenges which can help relieve symptoms.”
The expert does have a warning though. She added: “If you’re experiencing a cough for longer than three weeks, losing weight for no reason, have a weakened immune system or experiencing chest pain, you should seek more urgent medical attention via 111 or contacting your GP.”
According to the Boots health hub there are numerous causes of a cough – and not all to do with the weather. Here is spells out all you need to know.
Why do we cough?
Coughing is an automatic reaction performed by the body to help try and clear your airways of any mucus or irritants, such as dust or smoke. The action forces air up and out of your lower airways (your lungs) and upper airways (your windpipe, nose and mouth).
A dry cough is tickly and doesn’t produce any phlegm (a thick mucus). However a chesty cough produces phlegm to help clear your airways.
What causes a cough?
The most common cause of a cough is a viral infection (virus), such as a common cold or the flu. This type of infection can affect anyone, and coughs are an extremely common symptom.
If your cough is caused by a virus, you might have other symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing or a sore throat. Other common causes of a cough include:
- Smoking
- Heartburn (acid reflux)
- Allergies (such as hay fever )
- Mucus dripping down the back of the nose (postnasal drip or sinusitis)
- Infections (such as bronchitis)
Should I be worried about constant coughing?
Usually, there’s no need to see a GP when you have a cough, as it should clear on its own without treatment after three to four weeks. However, a persistent cough that sticks around for longer than three weeks could be a sign of an underlying condition.
Causes of a persistent cough include:
- Long term respiratory tract infections, like chronic bronchitis
- Asthma
- Smoking
- Bronchiectasis (where the airways of the lungs become abnormally widened)
- Gastro-oesophical reflux disease (GORD) (where the throat becomes irritated by leaking stomach acid)
- Certain prescribed medicines (please speak to your GP if you believe your prescription may be causing a persistent cough)
A persistent cough can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as lung cancer or heart failure. However this is very rare.
What can a pharmacist help with?
A pharmacist can give you information about coughs and advice on treatments. You can ask them about:
Cough medicines and remedies won’t stop your cough but may help you cough less. Always read the label.
When to see a GP
Seek further advice from your GP if:
- You’ve had a cough for more than three weeks
- Your cough is very bad or gets worse quickly (you have a hacking cough or can’t stop coughing)
- You feel very unwell
- You have chest pain
- You’re losing weight for no reason
- The side of your neck feels swollen and painful
- You’re finding it hard to breathe
- You have a weakened immune system (for example, because of chemotherapy or diabetes)
See a GP urgently or call 111 if you’re coughing up blood.
How to ease a cough
A short-term cough (caused by a viral infection) doesn’t always need treatment as it will likely get better on its own. However, living with a cough can be irritating and there are small things you can do to help ease any discomfort:
- Rest
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Try to stay at home and avoid contact with others if you’re feeling unwell
- Try paracetamol or ibuprofen, if suitable for you, to treat any pain (always read the label)
- Make a hot lemon and honey drink
While there is no sure way to stop you coughing, addressing the underlying cause of a persistent cough is the best way to treat it. You should also avoid smoking and avoid dusty or smoky places.