Cough

Coughing is a protective reflex that helps clear the airways. A short-lived cough often occurs with a respiratory infection, but allergies, asthma, reflux, smoking, medicines, and other conditions can also cause cough.

Get urgent medical help for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, collapse, or coughing up a significant amount of blood. Seek prompt advice for worsening breathing or chest pain.

What information can help?

Note when the cough began, whether it is dry or produces mucus, other symptoms, possible exposures, smoking or vaping, and medicines you take. These details may help a clinician assess the cause. Colour or appearance of mucus alone cannot reliably identify whether an illness is bacterial.

When to arrange an assessment

Contact a healthcare professional if a cough is severe, worsening, lasts more than a few weeks, repeatedly returns, or occurs with persistent fever, unexplained weight loss, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Infants, older adults, pregnant people, and people with chronic conditions may need earlier advice.

Care and medicines

Appropriate care depends on the cause, age, other conditions, and medicines already used. Some cough and cold products are unsuitable for young children or certain health conditions, and medicines can interact. Ask a pharmacist or clinician before using a product, especially during pregnancy or for a child. Do not use homeopathic references as a substitute for evaluation.