Coughs and colds are usually caused by infection with a germ called a virus. Typically, symptoms are worse in the first 2–3 days, and then ease over the next few days as the immune system clears the virus. An irritating cough may linger for up to 2–4 weeks after other symptoms have gone.

Symptoms:

The common symptoms are a cough and a runny nose. The cough is often worse at night. Coughing does not damage the lungs
In addition, you may have a raised temperature (fever), a sore throat, headache, tiredness, and loss of appetite
A build-up of mucus behind the eardrums may cause dulled hearing or mild earache

Treatment:

Antibiotics do not kill viruses, so are of no use for common coughs and colds
Paracetamol or ibuprofen may ease aches and pains, headaches, and fever
Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
Decongestant sprays or tablets may relieve a blocked nose
Remedies such as gargling salt water and sucking on menthol sweets may help
If you smoke, quitting is also likely to help improve any cough you may have

When to seek medical advice:

Sometimes a more serious infection develops, eg, a bacterial ear, throat or chest infection. You should seek immediate medical advice if you develop any of the symptoms below (as it may be more than just a cold):

Breathing problems – wheeziness, fast breathing, noisy breathing or difficulty with breathing
Drowsiness
Being unable to swallow (this may show up as excessive drooling)
A rash
Chest pains
If you cough up blood or if your phlegm (Sputum) becomes dark or rusty coloured
Persistent high temperatures
Very bad (severe) headache, sore throat, earache or swollen glands
Symptoms getting worse after about five days of a cold
A cough that persists for longer than 3–4 weeks

Coughs: When to see your GP

There’s usually no need to see your GP if you have a mild cough for a week or two. However, you should seek medical advice if:

You’ve had a cough for more than 3–4 weeks
Your cough is particularly severe or is getting worse
You cough up blood or experience shortness of breath, breathing difficulties or chest pain
You have any other worrying symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, a persistent change in your voice, or lumps or swellings in your neck.

Use your instincts. If you think you are getting worse, get medical help, even if they don’t quite fit the ‘rules’ described here.

Share this...

Were you prepared for the visit today?

Did you feel you were prepared for your hospital visit today? Not many people do. The focus of getting there, whether it is in an emergency or for an appointment, can easily end up with you in a muddle.

Am I Prepared?

Related Information

Food Labelling

The UK government requires all pre-packed food to list nutritional information on the packaging.

Diet

The Work Life Balance

A greater demand from the modern day work culture is increasingly having a detrimental impact on our mental wellbeing. Facing this ever increasing pressure is a…

Work

Family Relationships

“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.”…

Relationships

Exercise in the home

Everyone should aim to achieve 150 minutes of exercise a week, but for some it may not be so easy. Here are some tips for exercise…

Exercise

111

NHS 111 can help if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do.

Self Health

QR Codes: Delivering Information

Everything you ever wanted to know about QR codes

News & Blog

Was this information useful?

How easy to understand and how useful was the information for you. All feedback is anonymous. If you would like a possible response, please include your email.

How was your visit today?

How well did our staff do today in helping you with your condition. Please note All feedback is anonymous. If you would like a possible response, please include your email.

Treatment Feedback - Tools for Hospitals

Coming soon – order physical products, and new categories, review your documents and much more.

You must have a valid NHS Email to use this service.

Find Out More

News & Blog

View All

Part 2 – Delivering Information

This video explores the diverse range of patient information delivery products offered by MySelfCare, providing comprehensive guidance on how to utilise them effectively.

Videos

Part 1 – Scanning QRs

This video provides step-by-step instructions on how to use QR codes with MySelfCare, making it easy for you to utilise this powerful feature

Videos

Introduction Video

Introducing you to MySelfCare and a Quick overview of its features and how it works in the Hospital

Videos

Stressed man frustrated with electronic devices

Burnout at work

Over the past few decades, “burnout” has become an all-too-familiar way of speaking about a growing problem. Although originating with psychologist Herbert Freudenberger’s 1974 theory, it…

Blog

Coughs and Colds (Adult).

Care Instructions for Coughs and Colds

Symptoms:

Treatment:

When to seek medical advice:

Coughs: When to see your GP

Share this...

Were you prepared for the visit today?

Related Information

Food Labelling

The Work Life Balance

Family Relationships

Exercise in the home

111

QR Codes: Delivering Information

Was this information useful?

How was your visit today?

Treatment Feedback - Tools for Hospitals

News & Blog

Part 2 – Delivering Information

Part 1 – Scanning QRs

Introduction Video

Burnout at work

World Alzheimer’s Month – Simple tips to reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s

Instant Translation