What should you know about hundred day cough?

The airways can remain sensitive after the original illness has improved, so talking, cold air, exercise, or strong smells may trigger bouts of coughing.

A lingering cough may follow a common cold or acute bronchitis. Other explanations include asthma, nasal irritation from allergic rhinitis, acid reflux, or a condition that affects mucus clearance such as bronchiectasis.

The sound of a cough alone cannot identify its cause. A clinician may ask when it began, whether it is dry or produces phlegm, what triggers it, and whether you have fever, wheezing, breathlessness, chest pain, or vomiting during coughing.

In babies and young children, a persistent cough deserves particular attention because bronchiolitis and other breathing illnesses can worsen more quickly.

Drink fluids regularly, rest, and avoid cigarette smoke, vaping aerosols, incense, and other known irritants. Warm drinks may soothe an irritated throat. Honey can help some adults and children over one year old, but it must not be given to infants under one year.

Follow the label or a clinician’s instructions before using cough medicines, especially for children, pregnancy, or other medical conditions. Antibiotics do not treat every lingering cough and should only be used when prescribed for a reason.

Arrange a medical review if the cough is not settling, keeps returning, disrupts sleep, or affects daily activities. Bring a list of medicines and note triggers, phlegm, and changes over time.

Seek urgent help for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, or chest pain that is severe or persistent. Coughing blood, marked drowsiness, or a child struggling to breathe also needs urgent assessment.

Contact a clinician promptly if you have a high or returning fever, worsening breathlessness, repeated vomiting, dehydration, unexplained weight loss, or a cough that is progressively worsening. People with lung disease, a weakened immune system, or very young children may need earlier advice.

Ask what causes fit the timing and pattern of your cough, whether your breathing and chest need examination, and which symptoms should prompt urgent review. You can also ask whether reflux, allergies, asthma, or a recent infection could be contributing.