What should you know about unproductive cough?

A cough is a protective reflex that clears irritation from the throat and airways. A dry cough may follow a common cold or acute bronchitis, or be triggered by allergic rhinitis, asthma, acid reflux, smoke, dust or dry air. Bronchiectasis and other airway conditions can also cause cough, sometimes with little sputum. A cough lasting beyond the expected recovery period is described as chronic cough and deserves assessment rather than repeated self-treatment.

Drink fluids, avoid tobacco smoke and strong fragrances, and use warm drinks to soothe an irritated throat. If reflux seems linked to the cough, note whether it follows meals or lying down and discuss practical changes with a clinician. Treating nasal allergy or asthma requires the correct diagnosis and inhaler or other medicine plan. A pharmacist can advise on suitable short-term remedies, but check before using them if you are pregnant, have a long-term condition or take regular medicines.

Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, blue lips, chest pain, coughing blood, confusion, collapse, or a cough that began after choking. Arrange prompt medical assessment for a high fever, wheezing, worsening symptoms, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or a cough that persists or repeatedly returns. Children with breathing difficulty, poor feeding or unusual sleepiness need urgent review.

How long has my cough lasted, and what triggers should I track? Could reflux, allergy, asthma or infection explain it? Do I need an examination, breathing test or other assessment, and which treatments are safe with my medicines?