Cough: symptoms, self-care and when to get help
Checked against current published health guidance — last reviewed 2026-09-23. See how we check.
Most coughs are caused by a cold, flu or other viral infection and clear up on their own within about 3 weeks. Rest, fluids and warm drinks may help. A cough lasting more than 3 weeks, or one with chest pain, breathlessness or blood, should be checked.
Overview
A cough is the body's way of clearing the airways. Short-term coughs usually follow a cold or flu, while longer-lasting coughs can be linked to asthma, acid reflux, smoking, allergies or, less often, more serious lung conditions.
Coughs can be dry and tickly or "chesty", bringing up phlegm. The type of cough alone does not tell you the cause, so it's the length of the cough and any other symptoms that matter most.
What may help
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids
- A warm drink with honey and lemon may soothe the throat (do not give honey to babies under 1)
- Ask a pharmacist about cough remedies, although there is limited evidence they help
- Avoid smoking and smoky environments
When to see a pharmacist or GP
- A cough lasting more than 3 weeks
- A cough that is getting worse or keeps coming back
- Unexplained weight loss, night sweats or a lasting hoarse voice alongside the cough
- A cough with a weakened immune system or a long-term lung condition
When it could be an emergency
- Severe difficulty breathing, or blue, grey or pale lips or skin
- Coughing up a lot of blood
- Sudden chest pain, especially with breathlessness
- A child who is struggling to breathe, making a high-pitched noise when breathing in, or is very drowsy
If any of these apply, don't wait — call your local emergency number (see emergency numbers by country, or Red Flags in the app), or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Want more detail, tailored to your own situation?
Look up "Cough" in the appCommon questions
How long does a cough last?
Most coughs from a cold or flu clear up within about 3 weeks. A cough that lasts longer than that should be checked by a GP.
Do I need antibiotics for a cough?
Usually not. Most coughs are caused by viruses, which antibiotics do not treat. A GP will decide if an antibiotic is needed.
When is coughing up blood serious?
Coughing up blood should always be checked. Coughing up a lot of blood, or blood with breathlessness or chest pain, needs urgent emergency help.
Is a cough contagious?
The cough itself is not, but the infection causing it often is. Wash your hands and cover coughs and sneezes to reduce spread.
Official sources
Related topics
Common Cold
What's normal, self-care, and when to get checked.
Flu (Influenza)
Symptoms, self-care, and when it turns serious.
Sore Throat
Causes, remedies, and when to get it checked.
Asthma
Symptoms, inhaler use, and asthma attack warning signs.
Croup
Barking cough in young children and when it is urgent.
General information only, last checked 2026-09-23 — not medical advice and not a diagnosis. This page doesn't cover every cause or every person's situation; for anything specific to you or someone in your care, speak to a pharmacist, GP, or other qualified professional. See how we check. Be Health Wise is part of the Be Wise family of apps.