Cough

A cough is a reflex that helps clear the airways of mucus, irritation or material that should not be there. It commonly occurs with respiratory infections but has many possible causes. How long it has lasted, breathing symptoms and overall wellbeing help determine whether self-care, a routine review or urgent assessment is appropriate.

What should I notice about the cough?

Describe when it started, whether it is dry or brings up mucus, and whether it occurs at night, with exercise or after meals. Mention fever, chest pain, wheeze, blood and exposure to respiratory infections. The sound or colour of mucus alone cannot establish the diagnosis.

For a child, tell the clinician about feeding, drinking, alertness and breathing effort. Sudden coughing during eating or play raises a different concern from a cough developing with a cold. If an inhaled object is suspected, seek urgent care.

For the Australian guidance behind this explanation, see Healthdirect Australia: Cough - types, treatments and remedies - Healthdirect Australia.

When is a routine review useful?

Arrange review if the cough persists, worsens, repeatedly disrupts sleep or affects normal activity. A doctor may need to listen to the chest or arrange tests. People with existing lung disease should also consider their personal action plan and seek advice when symptoms differ from usual.

Avoid smoke and maintain appropriate fluids. Ask before giving cough products to children or combining them with other medicines. A prescription is not automatically needed for every cough, and treatment should address the likely cause. Ask what improvement to expect and when to return if it does not occur.

When is it an emergency?

Call 000 for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, reduced consciousness or concerning chest pain. Coughing up blood or significant deterioration needs prompt assessment. Telehealth can help with a stable symptom history, but should not delay an examination when breathing is affected or a serious cause is possible.

Where to go next

Read Doccio information about cold and flu to understand the relevant service. A doctor decides whether a consultation, examination, referral or another pathway is appropriate for your situation.