Dry, tickly cough: what to know

A common cold or acute bronchitis can leave sensitive airways after other symptoms improve. Allergic rhinitis may cause throat irritation when mucus drains from the nose. Acid reflux can trigger coughing after meals, when bending or while lying down, sometimes with a sour taste or hoarseness. Asthma often presents with cough alongside wheezing, chest tightness or breathlessness, though symptoms vary. A cough that continues or keeps returning needs a broader review. Bronchiectasis, bronchiolitis and other airway problems have different patterns and should not be diagnosed from the cough alone.

Drink fluids, use a warm drink to soothe the throat and avoid smoke, vapour and dusty air. Honey may soothe a cough in adults and children over one year; never give honey to an infant. If reflux seems relevant, note links with meals and avoid lying down soon after eating. Take prescribed inhalers exactly as directed rather than borrowing someone else's. A pharmacist can advise about non-prescription options and interactions. Record when the cough occurs, what triggers it and whether it produces mucus.

Seek urgent care for severe breathlessness, blue lips, chest pain, coughing blood, confusion or rapidly worsening symptoms. Arrange a clinical review if the cough persists, interrupts sleep, follows choking, comes with fever or wheeze, or affects normal activity. Children with breathing difficulty, poor feeding or unusual sleepiness need prompt assessment.

Could my cough be related to reflux, allergy or asthma? Do I need an inhaler review or chest examination? Which changes should prompt urgent help?