What should you know about nagging cough?

A cough may continue after a common cold or acute bronchitis because the airways remain sensitive. Allergic rhinitis can cause mucus to drain towards the throat, while acid reflux can irritate the throat without obvious heartburn. Asthma often presents with cough, wheezing, chest tightness, or symptoms that worsen at night or with exercise. A cough that lasts or repeatedly returns can also be a chronic cough, and bronchiectasis may cause frequent chest infections or phlegm. In children, bronchiolitis is another possible cause of cough and breathing difficulty.

Notice when the cough appears, whether it is dry or brings up phlegm, and what triggers it. Drink fluids, avoid smoke and strong fragrances, and use a humidified room if dry air irritates your throat. Honey may soothe a cough for adults and children over one year, but never give honey to an infant. Do not start antibiotics or someone else’s inhaler without assessment. Arrange a GP review if the cough is not settling, keeps disturbing sleep, or is affecting work, exercise, or eating.

Seek urgent medical help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, chest pain, or coughing blood. Prompt assessment is also needed when breathing becomes harder, fever is persistent, or you feel markedly unwell. A clinician may listen to your chest, review medicines and exposures, and decide whether tests or treatment are appropriate.

Could reflux, allergy, asthma, or a recent infection explain my cough? What changes should I track, and do I need an examination or breathing test? Which treatments are suitable for my age, pregnancy status, and current medicines?