Assuming underlying causes such as asthma and allergy have been eliminated, acute coughs will usually get better on their own. This is because most are due to a viral infection such as a cold, which means antibiotics won’t have any effect.

Self care tips

• Drink plenty of fluids as this will keep the throat lubricated and prevent dehydration if the person’s temperature is raised 
• Sucking ice cubes or boiled sweets or sipping hot water containing honey and lemon can help to relieve a tickly cough. Note that honey should not be given to infants under the age of one year
• Simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help to ease discomfort and reduce a fever
• Avoid smoking and smoky environments, as well as any other triggers that may exacerbate asthma or an allergy.

Signposting

For more information, you can:

• Use your Counter Intelligence Plus training guide
• Visit NHS Choices – coughs.

When to refer

There are certain symptoms that should ring warning bells. Get your pharmacist involved if a customer reports any of the following:

• Unexplained weight loss
• A cough that is worse first thing in the morning, at night or after exercise
• Pain in the chest or shoulder
• A fever that does not respond to medication such as paracetamol
• Breathing problems such as fast or laboured breathing, breathlessness or wheezing
• Coughing up blood or brown/green mucus
• Vomiting after coughing
• A cough that has persisted for longer than three weeks
• Taking other medication or affected by other medical conditions.