Self Care Forum Fact Sheet No. 7: Cough in Adults

Key Points

Types of Cough

• Coughs can be acute (less than 3 weeks) or chronic (more than 8 weeks).
• They can be dry or productive of sputum (phlegm).

Frequency and Commonality

• Most adults experience coughs 2-5 times a year.
• About 1 in 5 people suffer from coughs during the winter.

Causes

• Acute coughs are usually caused by viral upper respiratory tract infections (URTI).
• Chronic coughs are common in smokers and may indicate lung or other health problems.

What to Expect

• Coughing is usually harmless and improves within 3 weeks.
• Antibiotics are not effective against the viruses causing most acute coughs.
• A dry cough can last 3 to 4 weeks after an infection.

Self-Care Measures

• Try to control the urge to cough.
• Use home remedies like honey and lemon, and stay hydrated.
• Stop smoking to improve cough and overall health.
• Consider over-the-counter cough mixtures, but discuss with a pharmacist.
• Use paracetamol for associated symptoms like sore throat or fever.

When to Seek Medical Help

• Coughing up blood.
• Cough not improving within 3-4 weeks.
• Chest or shoulder pain.
• Breathlessness.
• Unexplained weight loss over 6 weeks.
• Persistent voice changes after cough has settled.
• New lumps or swellings in the neck or above collarbones.

Further Information

• Visit NHS Choices or the Choose Well website for more information.
• Consult your pharmacist for symptom assessment and advice.

Produced by the Self Care Forum (www.selfcareforum.org). Last revised on 13 Apr 13. Contact Libby Whittaker for comments or suggestions.