What should you know about crew cough?

Cough is a protective reflex that clears mucus, particles and irritants from the airways. A recent cold or Acute Bronchitis can cause a cough that lingers while the airways recover. Allergic Rhinitis may add throat irritation and drainage, while Acid Reflux can trigger cough through irritation at the back of the throat. Wheeze, chest tightness or cough with exercise can occur with Asthma.

A cough with repeated chest infections, large amounts of mucus or breathlessness needs assessment for conditions such as Bronchiectasis. The duration, sound, mucus, triggers and associated symptoms help narrow the possibilities.

Rest, drink fluids, avoid smoke and other known irritants, and use humidified air carefully if it feels soothing. Honey may soothe cough in adults and children over one year, but medicines should be checked for age and health conditions. Avoid starting antibiotics without an assessment, because many coughs are not caused by bacteria.

Arrange a clinical review if the cough keeps returning, disrupts sleep, lasts longer than expected after an infection, or comes with wheeze or breathlessness. A clinician may listen to your chest and decide whether further testing is needed.

Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, confusion, fainting, coughing blood, severe chest pain, or a rapidly worsening cough. Infants with poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, pauses in breathing or difficult breathing need prompt medical care. Fever with marked weakness or dehydration also warrants assessment.

What features of my cough suggest an infection, allergy, reflux or asthma? How long should I expect it to last? Do I need an examination, inhaler review or chest test? Which over-the-counter products are suitable with my medicines?