Sore throat with phlegm and cough

A Common Cold, Influenza or COVID-19 can inflame the nose, throat and airways, producing mucus and a cough. Mucus draining from Allergic Rhinitis can tickle the throat and trigger repeated coughing. Acid Reflux may cause a dry cough, throat clearing or a sour taste, often after meals or when lying down.

The colour or thickness of phlegm alone does not identify the cause. Strep Throat more often causes throat pain and fever than a prominent cough, while Tonsillitis or Glandular Fever may add swollen tonsils and neck glands. A clinician considers the complete pattern and examines you when needed.

Drink enough fluid to keep secretions easier to clear, rest and use warm drinks if they soothe your throat. Saline nasal rinsing may help post-nasal mucus when used safely. Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke. A pharmacist can suggest suitable treatment for cough or pain after checking your age, medicines and health conditions; do not start antibiotics without advice.

Seek urgent care for difficult or fast breathing, chest pain, blue or grey lips, confusion, coughing blood, severe weakness or inability to keep fluids down. Urgent assessment is also needed if throat swelling makes swallowing saliva difficult.

Arrange a medical review if fever is persistent, phlegm is accompanied by worsening breathlessness, symptoms are getting worse after initial improvement, or the cough continues beyond the expected illness. People with significant lung disease, reduced immunity or pregnancy should seek individual advice sooner.

Does my cough sound like post-nasal mucus, reflux or a chest infection? Do I need my lungs or throat examined? Which medicines are suitable with my current treatment, and what breathing change should trigger urgent care?