Common cold and cough: what helps

A cold can irritate the throat and upper airways. Mucus draining from the nose may also trigger coughing, especially when lying down. The cough may be dry or bring up mucus and can last after the blocked nose and sore throat begin to settle. A cough can also occur with acute bronchitis, croup, asthma, reflux, or another infection, so its sound and associated symptoms matter.

A barking cough, a high-pitched sound when breathing in, chest pain, or breathlessness is not something to dismiss as an ordinary cold. Children, older adults, and people with lung disease may need a lower threshold for assessment.

Drink fluids, rest, and use warm drinks to soothe an irritated throat. Saline nasal drops or spray may reduce mucus draining from the nose. Keep away from smoke and strong scents, and improve room ventilation. Honey may soothe a cough for adults and children over one year, but never give honey to an infant under one year. Ask a pharmacist before using cough medicines, and do not share prescription inhalers or antibiotics.

Arrange a medical review if the cough is worsening, interrupts sleep repeatedly, follows choking, or comes with fever that persists, chest pain, wheeze, or reduced activity. Seek emergency care for severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, confusion, coughing blood, or inability to speak or drink because of breathlessness. A barking cough or noisy breathing in a child needs prompt assessment.

Ask whether the cough sounds like a cold-related cough, whether an inhaler or another treatment is appropriate, and what change should trigger urgent care. Tell the clinician when it started, whether it is dry or productive, and any exposure to smoke or a choking episode.