Cough & Cold

Coughing is a protective mechanism that is a reaction to infection or contamination of the respiratory tract to help clear the airways of contaminants. The most common cause of cough is infection, such as the common cold. It can also be caused by allergies and other health conditions, such as bronchitis. A cough can be productive (chesty) or non-productive (dry). It is desirable to encourage productive cough to help the body clear it of infection. Mucolytics (medications that help dissolve the phlegm) and expectorants (medications that help to loosen up the phlegm in the airways) can be taken to help you cough up and remove the phlegm from your body. In the case of dry cough, a cough suppressant can be taken. This medication helps suppress the cough reflex and also helps soothe the irritating feeling of dry cough.

It is generally a self-limiting condition, with the majority being caused by a viral infection. It usually disappears spontaneously within a few days, and as such is not serious and do not normally warrant treatment with antibiotics. Viral sore throats are often accompanied by cold symptoms which include runny nose, cough, sneezing, and red or watery eyes. Sore throats are usually painful though, and medications can help soothe the symptoms of sore throat. However, if the sore throat persists for more than two weeks, you may have to go and see the doctor.

Painkillers can be taken to help with the pain due to sore throat. Cough and cold preparations can also help with the other symptoms that are often associated with sore throat. Oral antiseptics may reduce the duration of the sore throat. Immune system boosters and supplements can also help in making the sore throat get away quicker, as well as help protect you from future infections

If you have a sore throat, see your doctor if:

• You are taking medicines or have a condition that causes immunosuppression
• Sore throat is accompanied by a skin rash
• You have a history of endocarditis, rheumatic fever or artificial heart valves
• You have enlarged lymph glands in the neck
• Long-term loss of voice
• Earache accompanied by a discharge, or does not resolve in 3 days
• Difficulty in swallowing

If you have a cough, see your doctor if you have/are:

• Difficulty in breathing or wheezing
• Severe symptoms or body weakness for more than 7 days
• Any concurrent illness that increases the risk of infections, such as chronic lung disease or immunosuppression
• Blood-stained phlegm or phlegm with unusual colour
• Taking ACE inhibitors
• Weight loss while having the cough