Cough and mucus: what should you know?

Mucus is made by the airways to trap particles and help clear irritation. A common cold or acute bronchitis can increase it, while allergic rhinitis may cause mucus to drain from the nose into the throat. Asthma can cause cough and wheeze, and reflux can irritate the throat without a lung infection. The colour of mucus alone does not establish the cause. Note how long the cough has lasted, whether it is worsening, and whether you have wheeze, fever, breathlessness, or chest discomfort.

Drink fluids if you can, rest, and avoid smoke, vaping, dust, and strong scents. Warm drinks may soothe an irritated throat. Use tissues and wash your hands after coughing. Do not start antibiotics based only on mucus colour; a clinician can decide whether they are appropriate. A pharmacist can advise about suitable symptom relief, especially for children, pregnancy, older adults, or people with long-term conditions.

Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, or sudden chest pain. Arrange prompt medical review if you cough blood, feel increasingly unwell, cannot keep fluids down, or the cough is persistent or repeatedly returns. Babies, older adults, and people with asthma or other lung disease may need assessment sooner.

Could this be a cold, bronchitis, asthma, reflux, or nasal drainage? Which symptoms should trigger urgent help? Do I need an examination or a breathing test? What medicines are safe with my current conditions and treatments?