What causes coughs?

A sudden cough is most commonly caused by a virus infection in connection with a cold or flu, but could be coronavirus (see above).
A longer-lasting cough is more common in smokers and people with underlying lung problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A longer-lasting cough may also be more common in those with allergies such as hay fever. Other conditions such as heartburn (gastric reflux) as well as certain medicines or dusty workplaces can also make you cough.

Frequency

Many adults get a respiratory infection between 2-5 times a year.

What can I expect to happen?

Coughs are usually harmless
Although a cough can be distressing (both for yourself and others living or working with you), acute coughs that are not coronavirus- related tend to be harmless and usually improve within three weeks.

No need for antibiotics
When you have a cough from a virus infection, you won’t need antibiotics. They won’t work and may do more harm than good. But see the section below on when to seek medical advice.

Duration
Coughs usually last up to three weeks, but can last for up to eight weeks. Coughs can be dry or may come with a thick mucus (phlegm).

What can I do to help myself to get better – now and in the future?
Remember that you can ask a member of your pharmacy team for advice.

Medication’s that may help reieve the symptoms

Paracetamol and ibuprofen: Paracetamol and ibuprofen can help with relieving symptoms that may come with a cough and cold, such as a sore throat, fever, and not feeling well. Always read the label and instructions before using them.

Cough mixtures and medicines: For many over the counter medicines we don’t know how well they work, but you may still find them useful. A herbal medicine, pelargonium is sometimes used for over 12s as are cough remedies containing guaifenesin. Speak with a member of your pharmacy team.

Home remedies: Simple home remedies, such as ‘honey and lemon’ can help. Add freshly squeezed juice from half a lemon and one to two teaspoons of honey to a mug of boiled water and drink while still warm.

Water: Drink at least six to nine glasses of water in a day, especially if you feel thirsty.

Rest: Get plenty of rest.

Stop smoking: Smoking is a common reason for an ongoing cough. If you can stop smoking – or at least smoke less – your cough is likely to get better in the long-term. You’ll feel better and your health will also benefit in other ways – visit the NHS Website for details or speak to a member of your pharmacy team about how to quit.

When should I seek medical help?

A new continuous cough may be coronavirus – see section above before reading further.

Seek medical advice if you feel more unwell than you’d expect or if you notice any of the warning symptoms below:
Severity: Your cough is really bad or gets worse quickly – especially if it’s a ‘hacking’ cough or you can’t stop coughing;
Duration: Your cough lasts longer than three weeks;
Foreign body: You cough after you’ve choked on something;
Chest or shoulder pain: You have chest and/or shoulder pain
Breathlessness: You also find it harder to breathe, or you breathe faster than normal;
Blood: Seek medical advice if you cough up small amounts of blood. If you cough up larger amounts, seek medical advice urgently;
Swollen glands: The side of your neck feels swollen and painful;
You have a weakened immune system: For example, through diabetes or chemotherapy.