GP reveals the three reasons why you have a nasty cough - and when to see a doctor
"Everybody" in the UK seems to have a chronic cough at the moment, a GP said.
During the winter and even into spring many of us suffer from ongoing cold-like symptoms. In some cases it is nothing to worry about and just the product of being a bit run-down and under the weather.
But if these symptoms linger for longer than you would usually expect it can get frustrating and interfere with your daily activities.
One such symptom is a cough, which could be attributed to many different conditions including a cold, flu, Covid, hay fever and many others.
Speaking on social media platform TikTok, a GP warned that “everybody” in the UK seems to have a chronic cough at the moment.
Known online as Doctor Ahmed, or Dr A, he explained: “I was duty doctor this morning and I've seen 20 patients and everyone apart from two or three patients came in with the same complaint.
“That symptom is this ongoing chronic cough that everybody seems to have.”
He shared some of the causes of a cough to be wary of.
“There are so many reasons for having a cough,” he said.
Post-virus
According to Dr Ahmed, people “most commonly” have an ongoing cough after contracting a virus.
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He said: “The inflammation happens after any virus and this can produce a cough that can go on for weeks or worst case scenario, months.”
Acid reflux
Another common cause for an ongoing chronic cough is reflux, he said.
“So this is where acids from your stomach go up into the oesophagus and triggers the cough reflex,” he continued.
“Now, if it goes on for many months, this is very common in younger children, the cough can become habitual and this is more of a neurological response.”
Nasal drip
Another “very common” reason for a chronic cough is post nasal drip.
Dr Ahmed said: “This is where all the congestion in your sinuses drip to the back of your throat and triggers the cough reflex. This is the most common at night.”
Treatment
He added: “You all ask about cough syrups and over-the-counter medications and most of them are a waste of money.
“The best treatment from all the studies is, if anyone over the age of one, humidified air and regular steaming can really help because it helps loosen up all of the congestion in your sinuses saline nasal.
“Washes and drops can be very helpful because they help clear up any inflammation, which you may have from opposed nasal drip.”
When to see your doctor
He urged people to go to their doctor if you've not been seen yet and have had a cough for many weeks or months.
You should also see a doctor, he said, if you:
- Are coughing up yellow, thick phlegm or blood
- Have any chest pain, shortness of breath, or wheezing
- Just don't feel like your normal self.
He added: “If you don't feel right, and not being reviewed yet please go to your doctor about any cough.”
His advice comes as the UKHSA has reported rising cases of whooping cough in the UK.
