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Conditions > Coughs
A cough is a common symptom that can range from mildly annoying to a serious health concern.
If you are currently suffering from a dry cough, a wet cough, or something in between, our team is here to help you get to the bottom of it and find relief.
A cough is a reflex action that clears the airways of irritants, smoke, mucus, or foreign particles and can be triggered by various factors, including infections and allergies.
There are two main types of coughs: a dry cough, which does not produce mucus, and a wet cough, which does.
Whether dry or wet, coughing helps protect your lungs and throat from potential damage. However, persistent coughing can be a sign that something more serious is going on.
A wet cough involves mucus production that can be clear, yellow, green, or occasionally bloody. It is often associated with chest congestion and a bubbling sound when breathing or coughing. This type of cough tends to worsen in the morning due to mucus buildup overnight and may be linked to difficulty breathing or a feeling of chest tightness, which can lead to fatigue from coughing and disrupted sleep.
In contrast, a dry cough does not produce mucus. It is typically marked by an itchy sensation in the throat. This type of cough often worsens at night, causing a dry, raw throat and potentially leading to hoarseness or voice changes due to throat irritation.
If a cough persists for more than a few weeks or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms (such as a high fever, difficulty breathing, or significant chest pain), it is a good idea to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.
Recommended tests might include chest X-rays, phlegm analysis, allergy testing, and measurements of lung capacity. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining the most effective treatment to combat your persistent cough and help you breathe better.
It is important to always follow your doctor’s recommendations rather than attempting to manage symptoms on your own.
Our treatment plans are customised to address the specific cause of your cough. This may include medication, such as prescription or over-the-counter cough suppressants, expectorants, or antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present.
Lifestyle changes might be recommended to avoid irritants, improve air quality, and manage allergies. Follow-up care is also an integral part of the plan, involving regular monitoring of your condition and adjustments to the treatment as necessary to ensure complete recovery.
Children can experience coughs for many of the same reasons as adults, but there are specific considerations to keep in mind.
Common childhood infections such as croup, whooping cough, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are more prevalent in children and may require specialised treatment.
It is absolutely crucial to prioritise safety by ensuring that any cough medicines and remedies are appropriate for your child’s age and by following dosing instructions carefully.
If your child’s cough is accompanied by wheezing, difficulty breathing, or a high fever, it is very important to seek medical attention immediately.
Acute coughs, also known as shorter-term coughs, are associated with somewhat milder symptoms and are typically caused by:
Long-term coughs, also referred to as persistent or chronic coughs, can be caused by:
In rare cases, persistent cough can be a symptom of more serious conditions like lung cancer, heart failure, pulmonary embolism, or tuberculosis (TB).
It is only in rare cases that a cough is caused by a serious condition, but we recommend that you come in to get it checked out and receive a proper diagnosis, particularly if it has gone on for a long time or if you experience chest pain or are coughing up blood.
We work with experienced consultants & healthcare professionals who have received positive feedback from our patients, and with whom we have established long-term relationships.
Use our online booking engine or book your test by giving us a call.
On the online booking engine select the “appointment type” you need.
You will be seen by one of our friendly doctors or trained clinicians.
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