Winter comes with it a string of seasonal ailments. From colds and flu to sore throats, all can drag you down and make you feel quite unwell.
However most do not need medical intervention. Instead the majority will get better on their own – possibly with a few over-the-counter products to ease the symptoms.
But there are times that annoying cough could actually be a sign of something more serious. Dr Azmain Chowdhury says there are a number of signs that mean it is time to get medical help.
Posting on social media he gave seven signs that accompany a cough to watch out for. Giving tips to get through the worst of the coughing and to ease the symptoms he warned: “If you have any serious concerns, please seek emergency medical help.”
He set out the following symptoms:
- A cough that is not getting better after three weeks
- you’re losing weight
- you have a weakened immune system
- chest pain
- feeling very unwell all of a sudden
- coughing up blood
- finding it hard to breathe
He gave the advice as he told his Instagram followers he was suffering from a “viral cough”. He said he was using several methods to ease it including a tea made from finely grated ginger, honey and lemon put into hot water.
Other tips were nasal sprays or gargling with warm, salty water. But he added: “This is NOT meant to replace medical advice from your own healthcare professional. If you have any serious concerns (like some of the signs mentioned….), please seek emergency medical help.”
According to the NHS if you have a cough you don’t normally need to see a GP. Instead it says it should usually clear up on its own within three to four weeks.
It advises you should:
- rest
- drink plenty of fluids
- try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities
It adds you could also try:
- paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat any pain
- hot lemon and honey (not suitable for babies under 1 year old)
- a herbal medicine called pelargonium (suitable for people aged 12 or over)
It warns: “There’s limited evidence to show these work. Hot lemon with honey has a similar effect to cough medicines.”
The NHS says you should see a GP if:
- you’ve had a cough for more than 3 weeks (persistent cough)
- you’re losing weight for no reason
- you have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or diabetes
You should ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:
- your cough is very bad or quickly gets worse – for example, you have a hacking cough or cannot stop coughing
- you feel very unwell
- you have chest pain
- the side of your neck feels swollen and painful (swollen glands)
- you find it hard to breathe
- you’re coughing up blood
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.