Cough: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Coughs are usually a response to irritation in the airways. This irritation can lead to increased mucus production and a runny nose, both of which can induce a cough reflex. 

Accordingly, coughs may be accompanied by phlegm or mucus – this is known as a productive cough. However, a cough can also be non-productive, meaning it is a dry cough with no mucus or phlegm. 
Coughs are typically categorized by how long they last¹:

Acute cough	Can last up to 3 weeks
Subacute cough	Can last anywhere from 3-8 weeks
Chronic or persistent cough	Can last 8 weeks or longer

Your cough may be difficult to control, and you may also find yourself coughing in response to things you normally wouldn’t find irritating, such as cold air. You may also have various other symptoms accompanying your cough, depending on what the cause is. 

There are many different reasons for developing a cough. Cough can be a symptom in many illnesses, but the most common cause of acute cough in adults are upper respiratory tract infections. These refer to viral or bacterial infections in your nose or throat, with the common cold being a familiar example.

Cough may also be caused by an allergic reaction, or due to use of certain medications. Environmental factors, such as tobacco smoke or cold dry air, may also contribute to or worsen a cough.

Why do I have a constant cough?

If you have constant coughing that lasts longer than 8 weeks, it is considered a chronic or persistent cough.¹ Repeated coughing can cause your throat to become inflamed, irritated and sensitive, which can lead to an ongoing urge to cough. This can have a big impact on both physical health and wellbeing.

For chronic coughs, it’s important to identify what might be causing it rather than simply trying to manage the cough itself, so see your doctor for advice and treatment.

Many people with a cough might seek cough treatment. While most coughs will usually get better on their own, there are some things you can do to help relieve symptoms and irritation.

If your cough is productive/wet, you could try Strepsils Chesty Cough. It is a mucolytic lozenge which helps clear your airways and controls chesty cough caused by excessive mucus

If your cough is non-productive/dry, you could try Strepsils Dry Cough. It is an antitussive lozenge which provides effective relief from dry cough. It’s a cough suppressant which reduces the urge to cough.

Having a cough isn’t much fun, but thankfully there are many cough remedies available to help find relief. Whether you’re looking for a cough home remedy or an over-the-counter option from the pharmacy or supermarket, here are a few things you can try to help you get back to feeling better.

Vitamins and supplement remedies for common cold symptoms

A cough can sometimes be a symptom of the common cold. For common cold symptoms, you might want to try some of the following vitamins and supplements, which are known to support your body’s general health as you recover from your cold.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps to keep your skin, bones and connective tissues healthy. It also has a role in wound healing, preventing infections and iron absorption.

Vitamin C may help lessen the severity and duration of common cold symptoms.

Zinc

Zinc has various important roles in our body, including immune system function, wound healing and skin health.

Taking zinc lozenges or syrup at the start of your cold may also help lessen the severity and duration of symptoms.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria found in various foods and which are also available in tablet form. They can have general health benefits when consumed, including helping the immune system ward off infections.

Probiotics may help with recovery from common respiratory tract infections like the common cold.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps keep the body healthy by absorbing calcium for bone and muscle health.

While it may not help with relieving symptoms, Vitamin D supplementation may help protect against future respiratory tract infections.

Echinacea

Echinacea is known to help stimulate the immune system to fight infections more effectively.

Like Vitamin D, echinacea may not help with cold symptoms, but using echinacea supplements may reduce your chances of catching a cold in the future.

What about a natural cough remedy?

If you’re after natural home remedies for cough and cold, here are some self-care strategies you can try:

• Honey – up to 2 teaspoons before bedtime may help alleviate night-time cough symptoms, but this should not be used for children less than 12 months old^1,2
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
• Rest and avoid vigorous activity until your symptoms go away
• Avoid exposure to smoke, pollution and cold dry air
• If you have a dry cough, avoid overusing your voice or clearing your throat to reduce irritation
• If you have a productive (wet) cough, try to remove the phlegm and mucus.
• Be aware that vaporizers and humidifiers don’t make coughing better.

Over-the-counter remedies for cough

Strepsils Cough Lozenges are one medication option you can try to help relieve a wet cough or a productive cough. They are suitable for adults and children over 12 years old.

What is a good persistent cough remedy?

A cough that lasts longer than 8 weeks is considered a chronic or persistent cough.³ This may be a symptom of a more serious illness, so you should seek medical advice from your doctor.

Self-care with cough home remedies or simple over-the-counter treatments may not always be enough. You should seek medical attention if:¹

• You have a cough that lasts for more than 3 weeks
• The cough is severe or getting worse
• You are short of breath
• You cough up blood
• You have unexplained problems like weight loss or a fever

If a child has a cough, they should see a doctor if they have:¹

• A cough that starts suddenly
• A cough that lasts longer than 2 weeks, with or without a cold
• A cough that interferes a lot with their sleep or daily life
• Difficulty breathing
• A high fever
• Skin that is changing colour, turning blue or very pale

This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health-related matters, always consult your healthcare professional.

Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional