Catching a cold or the flu during winter is quite common. However, there’s one symptom that people are being warned not to overlook, as it could indicate a more serious issue if it lingers.
NHS GP, Dr Shireen, took to TikTok to highlight what could be brushed off as a minor problem that should never be ignored. The NHS website states there’s usually no need to see a GP for a cough, as most cases clear up within a few weeks with rest and self-treatment.
But it would be worth scheduling an appointment if a cough doesn’t clear up after three weeks. Dr Shireen said: “There is one thing I wish everyone knew about coughs. If you’ve had a persistent cough for more than three weeks, you need to see a doctor.”
She added: “There are lots of different things that can cause a chronic cough like asthma, reflux, respiratory tract infection. But, it is also important that we rule out things like lung cancer.”
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK. Around 49,200 people are diagnosed each year, according to Cancer Research. It’s more prevalent in men than women, reports the Mirror, and primarily affects those over 70. However, it can occur at any age.
Over 60% of cases are caused by smoking, but other factors such as exposure to certain workplace chemicals or having a family history of lung cancer can also increase the risk. A cough rarely turns out to be cancer – but the risk isn’t completely zero.
There are usually no symptoms of lung cancer in the early stages, but some warnings can be picked up if you know the signs. A cough that persists for over three weeks could indicate a range of more severe health issues than a typical common cold, which generally gets better within a week or two.
An ongoing cough can be irritating to the airways and may lead to further complications. See a healthcare professional if your cough has been present for more than three weeks.
Dr Shireen advised: “If someone has a persistent cough, what we [as doctors] usually do is first examine them and send them for a chest x-ray. It’s a really quick, easy test that we can do to look at someone’s lungs and make sure nothing is going on there that we need to be concerned about.”
For those suffering from a cough, some simple self-care methods can help your body fight off the illness. Resting up and keeping hydrated are fundamental. Pain relief can be found through the use of paracetamol or ibuprofen – but this isn’t suitable for everyone such as young children or pregnant women. In this instance, the NHS also recommends a natural remedy as an alternative.
A warm brew of lemon and honey can help alleviate a sore throat caused by consistent coughing. Simply combine the juice of half a lemon with one to two teaspoons of honey in a mug of hot water. If you have any worries about a cough that has been going on for almost a month, it is crucial to arrange a consultation with a doctor without delay.