Coughs and colds can be annoying but are usually mild and don’t need treatment. However, occasionally they can turn into something more, or have an underlying cause that needs treating. 

What causes coughs?
•    Colds + Flu
•    Smoking
•    Heartburn
•    Allergies
•    Infections

Self-Care 
Most coughs and colds will clear up on their own in 3 to 4 weeks. To look after yourself you should get lots of rest and drink plenty. You should also try to avoid contact with other people so that you don’t spread any viruses. 
Common over the counter medications, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can help to treat mild symptoms. A simple hot drink with lemon and honey is said to have similar effects to over-the counter cough medications. 
A pharmacist can give you advice on which over-the-counter medications may be suitable for you. 

When should I see a GP?
You should contact your GP for further advice if: 
•    you’ve had a cough for more than three weeks
•    you’ve lost weight without trying
•    you have a weakened immune system
You should seek urgent care if your cough suddenly gets worse, you have chest pain, your neck feels swollen, you find it hard to breathe, or you’re coughing up blood. (For a full list of symptoms that might indicate you need urgent care please see the NHS links at the bottom of this article). 

Chest Infections
A chest infection is an infection of the lungs or large airways. They often follow a cold or the flu. Some can be mild and clear up on their own, usually within 7 to 10 days. However, some can be more serious. 
Symptoms of a chest infection include:
•    a chesty cough
•    wheezing and shortness of breath
•    chest pain
•    a high temperature
•    a headache
•    aching muscles
•    tiredness
Your GP may want to do some tests to see what is causing your infection before they decide on what the correct treatment is. 

Coughs and colds in children 
Coughs and colds are extremely common in young children. Coughs can last for weeks before they get better, or children can get viral infections one after the other, which makes it seem like they are never well. Half of coughs go on for 10 days, and one in ten coughs go on for 25 days. 

When should I worry?
You should seek urgent help if your child:
•    is breathing very fast or has breathing that stops or pauses
•    makes harsh or grunting noises when they breath in or out
•    becomes pale, sleepy or confused
•    has not had a wee or wet nappy in the last 8 hours
•    has a rash that does not go away with pressure
For more information on urgent symptoms please use the Healthier Together App or visit:
www.nhs.uk
If you are worried that your child has any of the symptoms listed above, please contact your GP urgently, or for out of hours call 111. 

Why can’t I get antibiotics for my cough or cold?
GPs do not recommend antibiotics for colds because they will not help your symptoms or speed up your recovery. Antibiotics only work if you have a bacterial infection, but colds are caused by viruses.
Similarly for coughs, a doctor will only give you antibiotics if you need them – for example if you have a bacterial infection or if you’re at risk of complications. 

Other conditions that may cause a cough

• Bronchitis – inflammation of the airways in the lungs. This often gets better without treatment in around 3 weeks. 
• Bronchiolitis – a usually mild and common chest infection that affects babies and children under 2. 
• COPD – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease develops slowly over many years. It is usually associated with long term exposure to harmful substances such as smoking. 
• Lung cancer – if you have a persistent cough your doctor may ask you to have some tests to rule out lung cancer. Most cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking. 
• Pneumonia – an inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by infection. This is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
• Whooping cough – a bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes. It can spread easily but a vaccination against whooping cough is routinely given to babies and preschool aged children to protect them.