Coughing, a sore throat, nasal congestion (both blocked and runny noses) and a headache are the main symptoms encountered during the life-cycle of a common cold. Coughing can often continue after the worst of the virus has passed. As well as being an effective way of spreading the cold virus, a cough 'advertises' that you are ill, something that won't make you very popular!
Coughs can often follow on from a cold. Coughing starts when part of the airway in the lung becomes inflamed or irritated. Coughing is a basic reflex designed to remove the irritant. A cough can either be an irritation (dry); or a productive (chesty) cough.
A chesty cough is the body's way of expelling mucus (phlegm), which builds up in the lungs. Getting rid of the mucus and easing the cough, may require an 'expectorant' which makes the cough more 'productive' by loosening the mucus, making it easier to cough up.
A dry or tickly cough is caused by inflammation of the upper airways, and may be due to dust, foreign bodies or an infection of the throat, without the presence of mucus on the chest.
Our top ten tips to self-treat and help turn your cough –off
- Antibiotics don't work against colds, most sore throats or coughs
- Save time - get advice on how to 'treat yourself' from your pharmacist - don't block up the doctor's surgery
- Cough medicines ease your symptoms as the cough runs its course
- Hot drinks provide relief from colds, cough and sore throat
- It's good etiquette to take cough medicines that are used to ease the symptoms experienced by sufferers and reduce the irritation felt by those around coughers
- Relieving a dry tickly cough with medicine can help you sleep at night and rest will aid recovery
- Make sure you get your flu jab every year if you are aged over 65, suffer from a chronic chest problem or are at risk of complications from flu
- Wash your hands - coughs and colds can spread by touch and you should wash your hands after being in public places or after using public transport
- Use a scarf when you go into the cold - cold air can make a cough worse
- 'Treat yourself' and cheer up. Being miserable makes your cough feel worse and may slow recovery
