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A cough is a bodily reaction designed to expel mucus and irritants from your rways, typically triggered by colds or flu viruses. Most coughs resolve within three weeks without requiring medical intervention.
Dry Cough: Characterized as an itchy sensation in the throat that doesn't produce phlegm mucus.
Productive Cough: This is when phlegm is produced to help clear your rways of irritants and accumulated mucus.
Quitting Smoking: If you're a smoker, quitting can alleviate cough symptoms. For more assistance with stopping smoking, visit our dedicated resource.
Cough Self-Help Guide
To assist in managing your health concerns or those of another person, complete this self-help guide to evaluate symptoms and determine the next steps.
Cough
Before Starting
Ensure that:
The individual is responsive and conscious.
Responds normally to you.
If they're not, immediately call 999 for an ambulance.
Coronavirus COVID-19
For guidance on your situation related to COVID-19, refer to our comprehensive coronavirus information.
Begin Guide
Seek Medical Advice
Should:
Your child's symptoms include:
A temperature of 38°C or above in infants under three months old.
A temperature of 39°C or higher in older children.
Signs of dehydration fewer wet diapers than usual or dry diaper lasting over twelve hours
Continued illness despite several days of rest
Reduced intake, taking less than half their usual amount during the last two or three feedings
Call NHS line 111 if your GP surgery is closed.
Medical Attention Needed for:
Experiencing a cough for more than three weeks.
Experiencing severe symptoms that persist.
Coughing up blood.
Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or chest pn.
Concerns about unexplned weight loss, voice changes, lumps in the neck region or other worrying signs.
Your GP may suggest a referral to a specialist if unsure of your condition and might recomm tests like:
A chest X-ray
Allergy testing
Breathing function assessment spirometry
Analysis of phlegm sample for infection
Cough Treatment Options
Symptoms often subside without treatment as they are generally viral, resolving within several weeks.
Self-Care Measures:
Rest.
Hydrate adequately by drinking plenty of fluids.
Pn relief using paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always consult the label for safe usage instructions.
Helpful Resources:
NHS Pharmacy First Scotland
Long COVID: Cough Management
Visit your nearest pharmacy
Cough in Children
Children's coughs may stem from respiratory illnesses, asthma or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease GERD. Common issues specific to children include:
Bronchiolitis - A minor respiratory lment resulting in cold-like symptoms.
Croup - Characterized by a barking cough and stridor sound upon inhaling due to throat constriction.
Whooping Cough - Causes intense, hacking coughing fits, vomiting, and a 'whooping' sound after each cough.
Rare but serious issues might manifest as persistent coughs in children, potentially indicating conditions like cystic fibrosis or heart flure.
Read More: How to Care for Children with Cold Symptoms
Source: Scottish Government
Last Updated:
27 August 2024
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Illnesses and Conditions
Respiratory System - Lungs and rways
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Cough Management Self Help Guide COVID 19 Cough Symptoms Response Dry vs Productive Coughs Smoking cessation for Cough Relief NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Resources Childhood Respiratory Illnesses Overview