Self-Care Information on Coughs and Colds

Coughs

• Definition: A reflex action to clear airways of mucus and irritants.
• Types:
  • Dry coughs: Tickling sensation in the throat, non-productive.
  • Chesty coughs: Productive, with phlegm.
• Causes: Mostly viral infections.

Colds

• Definition: Infection of the nose and upper airways.
• Duration: Usually about a week in adults and older children.
• Symptoms: Runny nose, blocked nose, sore throat, sneezing, cough, mild fever, earache, tiredness, and headache.
• Causes: Viral infections.

Treating Coughs and Colds

• Recovery: Usually resolve without treatment.
• Antibiotics: Not effective for most coughs or colds.
• Self-care:
  • Drink fluids.
  • Rest.
  • Eat healthily.
• Children: Appetite loss is normal, eat when hungry.

Medicines

• Cough and cold medicines: Limited evidence of effectiveness.
• Use: Avoid long-term use and in children under six, unless advised by a pharmacist.
• Decongestants: Reduce nasal congestion but should not be used for more than five to seven days.

Additional Treatments

• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids.
• Nasal saline drops: For babies and young children with nasal congestion.
• Steam inhalation: May help ease congestion, not advised for children due to scalding risk.
• Painkillers: Paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin for fever and pain (not for children under 16).
• Cough medicines: Limited evidence of effectiveness, home remedies with honey and lemon are suggested.

When to Contact a GP

• Symptoms persist for more than 14 days.
• High temperature (fever).
• Vomiting without diarrhoea, or rash with fever.
• Child stops drinking and is lethargic.
• Coughing up blood-stained phlegm.
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing.
• Severe swelling of lymph nodes (glands).

Prevention

• Always carry tissues and use them to catch coughs or sneezes.
• Dispose of tissues immediately.
• Clean hands frequently.

Further Information

• Ask your pharmacist.
• NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk
• Patient UK: www.patient.co.uk

Produced by the Medicines Management Team, Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group, June 2013