Acute cough

Coughing clears mucus and irritants from the airways. The sound or presence of phlegm cannot by itself show whether antibiotics are needed; the accompanying symptoms, examination and health history matter more.

The common cold and acute bronchitis frequently present with cough because infection and inflammation stimulate airway nerves. Allergic rhinitis may cause nasal drainage and throat clearing. Asthma can present with cough, wheeze or chest tightness, while acid reflux may trigger symptoms after meals or when lying down.

In babies and young children, bronchiolitis can include cough with fast or laboured breathing and feeding difficulty. A cough that continues beyond an acute illness, repeatedly returns or follows choking needs a fresh assessment rather than repeated self-treatment.

Rest, drink enough fluid to avoid dehydration and choose warm drinks if they soothe the throat. Honey may calm a cough for adults and children old enough to take it, but it must not be given to an infant. Keep rooms free of smoke, vaping aerosols, incense and strong fragrances.

Check with a pharmacist or clinician before using cough and cold products, particularly for a child, during pregnancy, or alongside other medicines. Do not begin leftover antibiotics: they do not help viral infections and can cause unwanted effects. If asthma treatment has been prescribed, follow the personal action plan.

Call emergency services for severe trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, collapse, confusion, choking with inability to speak or cough effectively, or chest pain that is intense or persistent. Coughing up more than a small streak of blood also warrants emergency assessment.

Arrange prompt medical review for worsening breathlessness, noisy breathing, dehydration, fever with marked illness, pain when breathing, repeated vomiting, or a cough that is not settling as expected. Seek early help for a baby who feeds poorly, has pauses in breathing, draws in under the ribs or is unusually sleepy.

Describe when the cough began, whether it is dry or brings up mucus, what makes it worse, and any fever, wheeze, breathlessness, reflux, nasal symptoms or blood. Ask whether an inhaler, examination or testing is appropriate and which change should trigger reassessment.