Cough

Causes of Coughing

Coughing is a reflex that clears irritants, mucus, and allergens from the airways. The cause of a cough can vary depending on whether it is acute or chronic.

Acute (Short-Term) Cough

An acute cough usually results from an upper respiratory tract infection, such as a cold or flu. Other triggers include:

• Flare-ups of airway conditions causing a dry cough
• Lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia or bronchitis
• Childhood illnesses such as croup and whooping cough
• Allergies to pollen (hay fever) or pet dander
• Irritation from smoke, dust, or cigarette smoke

Chronic (Persistent) Cough

A chronic cough lasts eight weeks or longer and may be caused by:

• Postnasal drip – mucus from the nose trickling down the throat
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) – frequent heartburn
• Smoking cigarettes
• Side effects of medications for cardiovascular conditions or blood pressure
• Occasionally, a symptom of serious conditions like heart failure or lung cancer

When to See a GP

Seek medical attention if your cough is accompanied by:

• Coughing up blood
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Bouts of breathlessness
• Cough lasting more than three weeks without improvement

Your GP will assess the duration, severity, frequency, and other symptoms. They may take a sample of mucus to test for infections and recommend further investigations if needed.

Possible Investigations

• X-ray or CT scan – to examine the lungs
• Lung function tests – to check breathing capacity
• Rhinoscopy – using a small camera to examine the nasal passages
• Bronchoscopy – using a small camera to inspect the airways and lungs
• Referral to specialists such as gastroenterologists or ENT consultants

Treatment for Coughing

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For acute coughs, simple remedies may include:

• Avoiding smoking or dusty areas
• Lozenges to soothe the throat
• Over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen or paracetamol
• Drinking plenty of fluids, including warm drinks such as honey and lemon (not suitable for babies)

For chronic coughs, treatment may involve:

• Antacids for GORD
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Antihistamines for allergies
• Changing medications that may trigger cough
• Quitting smoking if linked to cigarette use

While most coughs are not serious, booking a private GP appointment ensures accurate diagnosis and management, especially if the cough is chronic, persistent, or accompanied by blood.