What should you know about heavy cough?

A recent cough can accompany a Common Cold or Acute Bronchitis. Asthma may present with cough, chest tightness, or wheeze. Allergic Rhinitis can cause mucus draining into the throat, while Acid Reflux may irritate the throat without a cold. Bronchiectasis can cause a persistent cough with phlegm, and Bronchiolitis is mainly a concern in young children. A cough alone cannot identify which condition is present.

Rest, drink fluids, avoid tobacco smoke and strong fragrances, and use a humidified environment if it feels soothing. Honey may calm a cough for adults and children over one year, but never give honey to an infant. Follow label directions for any medicine and check with a pharmacist if you take other treatments. Arrange review when a cough persists, returns often, disrupts sleep, or produces repeated phlegm.

Get emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, confusion, fainting, choking, or coughing blood. Seek prompt assessment for chest pain, a high fever with marked illness, dehydration, or a cough in a very young child who is struggling to breathe. Keep away from others and consider infection precautions when cough begins with fever or cold symptoms.

Ask whether the cough sounds dry or mucus-producing, how long it should be monitored, and whether you need a chest examination or breathing test. Tell the clinician about reflux, allergies, wheezing, smoking exposure, fever, medicines, and any blood or unusual colour in mucus.