How to get rid of a cough

Coughing clears mucus and irritants from the airways. A short-lived cough can accompany a common cold or acute bronchitis. Reflux may irritate the throat, while allergic rhinitis can add nasal drainage. Asthma may cause cough with wheeze or chest tightness. A cough that keeps returning deserves assessment for the underlying pattern; chronic cough has several possible causes.

Sip water or warm drinks, rest your voice, and keep away from tobacco smoke, dust and strong scents. Honey may soothe a cough for adults and children over one year, but never give honey to an infant. Follow label directions for any over-the-counter product and ask a pharmacist about interactions, pregnancy, age restrictions or long-term conditions. Do not use someone else’s inhaler or antibiotics.

Get urgent help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, choking, coughing blood or sudden chest pain. Arrange a clinical review if the cough is worsening, interrupts sleep, comes with wheezing or fever, or does not settle. A clinician may listen to your chest and ask about medicines, reflux, allergies, smoking and the cough’s timing.

What type of cough do I have, and what cause is most consistent with its timing? Which treatments are safe with my medicines? Should I be checked for asthma, reflux or nasal allergy?