As winter’s low temperatures increase your risk of getting sick, health experts are warning people to keep themselves safe and healthy and not dismiss their illness as “just a cough”.
Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director at Midland Health, is sharing her expertise on knowing how to differentiate a simple cough from something more serious.
What is a cough?
A cough is a spontaneous reflex, your body’s response to irritation like mucus, germs, or dust in your throat and airways. It’s commonly caused by nose and throat infections, allergies, acid reflux, asthma, or exposure to irritants. A cough caused by illness or infection will usually clear up by itself within three to four weeks.
Worrying symptoms
Certain symptoms don’t usually occur with a normal cough, so it’s crucial to talk to your GP if you’re experiencing anything untoward.
- Swollen glands – If the sides of your neck are uncomfortable and swollen, it’s usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, glandular fever, or tonsillitis
- Duration – If a cough has lasted for more than three weeks, it’s usually a sign of something more sinister. Postnasal drip, acid reflux, and asthma are all possible conditions characterised by a persistent cough. These all have treatments available through the GP to minimise their symptoms, but they can’t be treated alone at home like a normal cough
- Phlegm – Phlegm is produced to help clear your airways. Generally, it is a symptom of a chesty cough. However, if you are producing a large amount of phlegm, phlegm that is consistently green, yellow, or brown, or even coughing up blood, it’s important to speak to a doctor. These could be signs of serious infections, lung diseases, or allergies
- Shortness of breath – You should not be experiencing shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or wheezing with a normal cough. This can be a sign of respiratory issues, chest infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or even panic attacks. A sudden shortness of breath with chest pain could be a sign of a blood clot. That is why it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible
- Chest Pain – Chest pain could just be a side effect of muscle strain, if you’ve been coughing, but it could be a sign of a more serious condition like pneumonia, bronchitis, or pleurisy – an inflammation of the lung’s lining.
Dr Rupa Parmar said: “A normal cough can be treated at home, with rest and plenty of fluid. Remedies such as hot water and honey, or a steamy shower, can also alleviate a cough. As always, it’s crucial to be proactive about your health. If you’re experiencing a combination of the above symptoms, or if you’re generally worried about your health, go to your GP to discuss your symptoms and rule out any more-serious causes.”
