What should you know about severe cough?

Cough strength, frequency, and impact on sleep or breathing matter more than the sound alone. A cough may be dry or bring up mucus, and it may start suddenly or persist after an infection. Acute bronchitis and the common cold can present with cough; asthma, acid reflux, allergic rhinitis, bronchiectasis, and chronic cough are other possible explanations.

Notice when it began, what makes it worse, the colour and amount of mucus, fever, wheeze, chest discomfort, breathlessness, and any exposure to smoke or dust. These details help a clinician decide whether you need an examination or testing.

Rest, drink fluids, and avoid cigarette smoke, vaping, fragrances, and dusty air. Warm drinks may soothe an irritated throat. Follow label directions for any over-the-counter medicine and check with a pharmacist if you are pregnant, have a long-term condition, or take regular medicines.

Do not start antibiotics without a clinician's advice; they do not treat every cause of cough. If reflux, nasal allergy, asthma, or a lung condition is suspected, treatment works best when it addresses that underlying problem. Arrange a GP assessment when the cough is severe, disrupts sleep, or is not settling.

Seek emergency care for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, sudden chest pain, coughing up more than small streaks of blood, fainting, or new confusion. Keep upright and seek help immediately if breathing is worsening.

Arrange prompt medical review for a high fever, wheezing, chest pain when breathing, blood in mucus, unexplained weight loss, or a cough that is getting worse. Children, older adults, and people with lung or heart disease may need earlier advice.

Ask what findings point toward infection, asthma, reflux, allergy, or another airway condition; whether you need a chest examination or tests; and which medicine is suitable for your symptoms. Ask how long to monitor the cough and which changes require urgent help.