Cough Symptoms & Treatment

We all get coughs from time to time and most are caused by a cold or flu virus and are not normally an indication of anything more serious. In many cases, the cough is there to help protect your lungs and prevent more serious infections. It’s an automatic action, also called a reflex action, that clears your throat and airway.

A cough will usually go away on its own in two to three weeks. However, if your cough lasts for more than three weeks, you should see a GP.

Viruses and bacteria

The most common cause of coughing is due to a respiratory tract infection like cold or flu. They are usually caused by a virus and can last anywhere between a few days and a week. Infections caused by flu may take longer to clear up and could require antibiotics.

Smoking

A common cause of coughing is smoking. Also known as Smoker's Cough, a cough caused by smoking is almost always chronic and has a distinctive sound.

Asthma

A common cause of coughing is asthma, especially in young children. An asthmatic cough is easy to identify as they typically involve wheezing.

Medicines

Although rare, some medications can cause coughing as a side effect. This can be the case in medications such as:

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Zestril (Lisinopril)
Vasotec (enalapril)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Another potential cause of coughing is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which causes stomach contents to flow back into the oesophagus. This triggers a reflex in the trachea and can cause a person to cough.

Other conditions

A cough can develop due to other conditions, including:

Bacterial infections such as pneumonia, whooping cough and croup
Postnatal drip
Damage to the vocal cords
More serious conditions like pulmonary embolism and heart failure

As we mentioned, most coughs will go away on their own within three weeks without the need to visit a doctor. You can visit a pharmacist, who will be able to advise on whether any over the counter medication will help your symptoms.

However, you should see a GP if:

your cough lasts for more than three weeks
you cough up bloody mucus – get an urgent appointment if you do
you have asthma and you think it is getting worse
your cough is severe
you have other symptoms, such as trouble catching your breath or wheezing
you have chest pain
you notice your cough is getting worse over a short period of time
Unexplained swelling in your neck
you have a weakened immune system
you have lost weight

If you believe you may have an underlying condition that’s causing your cough, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. If you have been suffering with a long-term cough and it is not getting better, this is particularly important.

At Push Doctor, you can see a GP online, on any device, from home, work or even on the go at a time that suits you. Our GPs can listen to your cough over video consultation, discuss any other symptoms you may have and suggest the right treatment to get you back up on your feet and feeling better as quickly as possible.

Our doctors are available 7 days a week. They can also refer you to a specialist for further investigation or treatment if needed.

Please note that if you are particularly unwell or at risk of pneumonia, our GPs may still recommend that you have a face-to-face appointment after your online appointment.

Cough

Cough Symptoms and Treatment

What causes coughs?

When should you see a doctor about a cough?

What should you do if you have a cough caused by an underlying condition?