In many cases a cough is a symptom of a seasonal illness – but it could signal something more sinister
A medical expert has revealed the four signs you should seek “urgent” help for your cough as it could signal something more serious. Many of us experience coughs from time to time, especially during the winter months.
It is a common symptom of seasonal illnesses such as colds and COVID-19. Coughs are also fairly likely to affect us in the spring as hayfever symptoms kick in.
However, in some cases it can be a sign of something more dangerous. With this in mind Claire Nevinson, superintendent pharmacist at Boots, explained more.
She said: “A cough is a reflex action which can cause a sudden noisy expulsion of air from the lungs. The most common types of coughs are a dry cough and a chesty cough, each feeling slightly different.
“A dry cough means it’s tickly and doesn’t produce any mucus or phlegm. Whereas a chesty cough produces mucus to help clear your airways.” In most cases these types of cough will get better in a few weeks.”
Claire continued: “These coughs are rarely a sign of anything serious and most tend to clear up within three weeks without requiring any treatment.” She recommended the best ways to help treat a mild to moderate cough.
“Many coughs that are a result of a respiratory viral infection, like cold or flu, can be managed at home through rest and drinking plenty of fluids,” she advised. “However, if you’re needing some extra support your pharmacy team may be able to recommend some over-the-counter remedies such as cough syrups or lozenges which can help relieve symptoms.”
However, there are some accompanying symptoms that should raise alarm bells. Claire added: “If you’re experiencing a cough for longer than three weeks, losing weight for no reason, have a weakened immune system or experiencing chest pain, you should seek more urgent medical attention via 111 or contacting your GP.”
Her advice is backed by the NHS, which warns that a cough not caused by a cold or flu could be due to:
- Smoking
- Heartburn (acid reflux)
- Allergies – for example, hay fever
- Infections like bronchitis or COVID-19
- Mucus dripping down the throat from the back of the nose.
In “rare” cases it could be a symptom of lung cancer, the health body said. It adds that you should ask for an “urgent” appointment if:
- Your cough is very bad or quickly gets worse – for example, you have a hacking cough or cannot stop coughing
- You feel very unwell
- You have chest pain
- The side of your neck feels swollen and painful (swollen glands)
- You find it hard to breathe
- You’re coughing up blood.