Health Advice: Coughs

Symptoms and Lifestyle Options

Coughs can be 'wet' or 'dry':

• Wet cough: Mucus is released after coughing, and the chest may sound congested.
• Dry cough: No mucus is produced after coughing.

To help with coughs:

• Drink lots of fluids to thin phlegm.
• Use steam inhalations or a vaporiser for nasal congestion.
• Avoid cigarette smoke or quit smoking.
• Eat a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables.

Prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:

• Cover your mouth when coughing.
• Spit phlegm into a tissue and dispose of it immediately.
• Wash hands with soap or use a hand sanitiser after coughing.

Causes

Coughing can be caused by:

• Dust, smoke, or pollution.
• Plant pollen or animal hair.
• Medical conditions like asthma or heart failure.
• Side effects of medicines.
• Infections such as cold, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia.
• Post-nasal drip.
• Build-up of phlegm in airways.

Pharmacy Options

Inform pharmacy staff of any other medicines or health conditions before purchasing over-the-counter cough medicines.

Medicines for coughs:

• Wet cough: Bromhexine and guaiphenesin to thin mucus.
• Dry cough: Dextromethorphan to stop the urge to cough.
• Allergy-induced dry cough: Antihistamines (not suitable for children).

Check with a pharmacist if cough mixtures contain multiple active ingredients that might affect medical conditions or interfere with other medicines.

Other symptoms of cold or flu can be helped by other pharmacy medicines (refer to the Colds and flu Health Information Brochure).

Medical Attention Required

Seek medical attention if:

• The cough is worsening or lasts longer than 3 weeks.
• You recently started a new medicine and then developed a cough.
• You cough up blood.
• You have chest pain, dizziness, or nausea.
• You get wheezy or have breathing difficulties.
• You are losing weight for no reason.
• The cough is mainly at night.
• There is thick, brown, or green-coloured phlegm.
• There are other symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, or a rash.
• There is a fever lasting longer than 2 or 3 days.

Children under 6 should not use cough and cold medicines. Instead, use lifestyle options or saline nasal drops. For children aged 6-12, consult a pharmacist or doctor.

Additional Resources

• Health Direct: www.healthdirect.gov.au
• NPS Medicinewise: www.nps.org.au

Disclaimer: This information is a guide only and not intended to replace the advice of a pharmacist or doctor.

In Emergencies: Dial 000.

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