A cough typically resolves on its own within 3 to 4 weeks.
Common Causes of Coughs
Most coughs stem from a cold or the flu. Other potential causes include:
- Smoking
- Heartburn (acid reflux)
- Allergies, such as hay fever
- Infections like bronchitis or COVID-19
- Postnasal drip from mucus
It’s important to note that a cough is rarely indicative of something serious, like lung cancer.
Self-Care Tips for Cough Relief
- Rest
- Stay hydrated
- Remain at home and limit contact with others if you have a fever or feel unwell
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You might also consider:
- Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen for any discomfort
- Drinking hot lemon with honey (not suitable for babies under 1 year)
- Using a herbal remedy called pelargonium (for ages 12 and up)
However, evidence supporting these remedies is limited; hot lemon with honey can have a similar effect to cough syrups.
Pharmacist Support for Coughs
If you’re dealing with a cough, a pharmacist can recommend:
- Cough syrups
- Cough medicines (note that some are not suitable for children under 12)
- Cough sweets
While these options won’t eliminate your cough, they may help reduce its frequency.
Keep in mind that decongestants and cough medicines with codeine are not effective in stopping a cough.
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