Cough

What it is

Usually a viral infection that clears on its own in one to two weeks. What matters is how long it has lasted and what comes with it.

When to seek urgent care

You are coughing blood, breathing is fast or difficult, there is chest pain, the cough has lasted more than two weeks, or there is fever with weight loss or night sweats.

How it shows

A dry or productive cough, often with a blocked nose and sore throat. A cough that persists past two or three weeks is a different question and needs testing for TB.

What to do

Warm fluids, honey for anyone over a year old, and rest. A pharmacist can suggest something for comfort. Antibiotics do nothing for a viral cough.

A symptom with several causes

Colds and other viral infections commonly cause cough. Asthma, smoke, reflux and TB can also be responsible. Tell the clinician how long it has lasted, whether you cough blood, and whether there is breathlessness, weight loss or night sweating.

A cough that persists needs assessment, especially after TB contact or with a weakened immune system. Do not wait for a particular number of weeks if there are warning signs. Tests may include a sputum sample, breathing tests or a chest X-ray.

Comfort without unnecessary medicines

Rest, drink fluids and avoid smoking or smoky rooms. Honey may soothe a cough in adults and children over one year; never give honey to an infant under one. Warm drinks should not be hot enough to burn.

Antibiotics do not treat viral coughs. Ask before giving a child cough or cold products; many are unsuitable. Cover coughs, wash hands and improve ventilation. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, significant chest pain or coughing blood rather than trying stronger cough syrup.

Sources

1. Cough · Public sector health information · OGL v3.0
2. Tuberculosis (TB) · Public sector health information · OGL v3.0

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.