From Covid to serious condition – what your cough means & how to treat it
It’s the time of year when everyone around us seems to have a cough. It can be dry and tickly or so full-bodied that you bark like a seal. Most coughs are due to minor irritants and quickly clear up, and a recent study found the average length is 18 days. But if yours persists, it could be a sign of something more serious.
According to GP Dr. Rachel Ward, anyone with a cough that lasts more than three weeks should see their doctor. Dr. Ward explained, Coughs at this time of year are very common, and most people do not need to consult a health professional about it. But if your cough is not settling by three weeks or if you notice other symptoms such as chest pain, weight loss, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, feeling very unwell, or not being able to stop coughing, you need to seek advice.
Here, Dr. Ward helps to identify what might be causing your cough:
1. Common Cold:
Symptoms: Sore throat, headaches, muscle aches, cough, sneezing, raised temperature.
Cause: A virus which causes inflammation of the membranes that line the nose and throat.
Transmission: Airborne droplets from coughs and sneezes.
Treatment: Stay hydrated, raise your head while sleeping, use paracetamol to reduce temperature, and walk around regularly.
2. Chest Infection:
Symptoms: Chesty cough with yellow or green mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, high temperature, aching muscles, fatigue, and headaches.
Cause: Viral or bacterial infection.
Treatment: Viral infection should clear up by itself, while bacterial infection requires antibiotics.
3. Pneumonia:
Symptoms: Wet cough with green or yellow mucus, shortness of breath, high temperature, chest pain, aches and pains, fatigue, loss of appetite, and wheezing noises when breathing.
Cause: Bacterial or viral infection, often secondary to another infection like flu or Covid.
Treatment: In severe cases, oxygen therapy may be necessary.
4. Covid-19:
Symptoms: New continuous cough, high temperature, loss or change of smell or taste, shortness of breath, tiredness, runny nose, diarrhea, or a sore throat.
Cause: Acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Treatment: Drink plenty of fluids, take over-the-counter painkillers if uncomfortable.
5. Acid Reflux:
Symptoms: Irritating, dry or tickly cough, mucus dripping down the throat, lump sensation in the throat, shoulder pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, repeated chest infections.
Cause: Failure of the lower esophageal valve, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the throat.
Treatment: Antacids, lifestyle changes, consultation with a GP for persistent acid reflux.
6. Lung Cancer:
Symptoms: Dry or tickly cough, mucus dripping down the throat, lump sensation in the throat, shoulder pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, repeated chest infections.
Cause: Smoking, but can also occur in non-smokers.
Treatment: Early diagnosis is crucial, involving surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.
If you experience any concerning symptoms, it is advised to consult with your GP for proper evaluation and treatment. Remember, timely intervention can make a significant difference.
