Advising on cough
Managing cough
An acute cough is commonly defined as one that lasts less than 3 weeks.1 They are usually caused by a viral upper respiratory tract infection, such as cold or flu. Self-care treatments include honey, herbal medicines and OTC cough medicines.1 If symptoms worsen or do not improve, your customer should see their GP.
Coughs can also be caused by acute bronchitis (a lower respiratory tract infection). This can be bacterial in some cases but is usually viral, so GPs will not routinely prescribe antibiotics unless someone is systemically unwell or at risk of complications.2
A chronic cough (more than 8 weeks) may be a sign of another underlying health condition – such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or asthma – so customers with longer term symptoms should be referred.1
When to refer to a GP
Refer customers who:3
- Have a cough that is bad or has worsened quickly (like a hacking cough or someone who can’t stop coughing) or if they are coughing up blood
- Feel generally unwell or have a weakened immune system (e.g. having chemotherapy)
- Have chest pain or are struggling to breathe
- Have lost weight unintentionally
- Have swollen and painful glands in the neck
- Have had a cough for longer than 3 weeks.
1. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/cough/background-information/causes/
2. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng120/chapter/Recommendations#treatment
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cough/
Online references last accessed January 2023
Buttercup Bronchostop Cough Syrup (GSL) contains thyme herb extract and marshmallow root extract. A traditional herbal medicinal pr oduct for the relief of coughs, such as chesty coughs and dry, tickly, irritating coughs and catarrh, exclusively based upon long-standing use as a traditional remedy. Adults and children over 12 years: 15ml every 4 hours, 4 times per day. Max 6 doses (90ml) per day. Max dose should not be exceeded. To be taken 30 to 60 minutes before or after intake of other medicines. Not recommended for children under 12 years. To be administrated undiluted or diluted in water or warm tea. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist after 7 days or if dyspnoea, fever or purulent sputum occurs. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to marshmallow root, thyme, to other members of the Lamiaceae family or to any of the excipients. Warnings and precautions: Asthmatics and atopic patients should consult a doctor before using the medicine. Contains E218 and E216 that may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed). Patients with HFI, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not take the medicine. The additive effect of concomitantly administered products containing fructose (or sorbitol) and dietary intake of fructose (or sorbitol) should be considered. Pregnancy and lactation: Not recommended. Side effects: pruritus, rash, urticaria, angioedema, anaphylactic reaction, oral mucosal blistering, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, dyspnoea, exacerbation of asthma. THR 02855/0336. THR Holder: Omega Pharma Ltd, 32 Vauxhall Bridge Rd, London SW1V 2SA. Revision date: 06/2021. RRP (ex.VAT) 120ml £6.99 / 200ml £9.99 / 240ml £10.99. SPC: https://mhraproducts4853.blob.core.windows.net/docs/5cb628e93b7d644c7523e4e22d8c54a4fdfd6be8
Buttercup Bronchostop Cough Pastilles (GSL) contain thyme herb extract. A traditional herbal medicinal pr oduct for the relief of coughs, such as chesty coughs and dry, tickly, irritating coughs and catarrh, exclusively based upon long-standing use as a traditional remedy. Adults and children over 12 years: 1 – 2 pastilles every 4 hours. Max dose 12 pastilles per day. Not recommended for children under 12 years. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist after 7 days or if dyspnoea, fever or purulent sputum occurs. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity thyme, or to any of the excipients. Warnings and precautions: Asthmatics and atopic patients should consult a doctor before using the medicine. Contains E1519 that may cause allergic reactions. Patients with HFI should not take the medicine. The additive effect of concomitantly administered products containing fructose (or sorbitol) and dietary intake of fructose (or sorbitol) should be considered. Pregnancy and lactation: Not recommended. Side effects: pruritus, rash, urticaria, angioedema, anaphylactic reaction, oral mucosal blistering, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, dyspnoea, exacerbation of asthma. THR 02855/0337. THR Holder: Omega Pharma Ltd, 32 Vauxhall Bridge Rd, London SW1V 2SA. Revision date: 06/2021. RRP (ex.VAT) 10s £3.99 / 20s £5.99 / 40s £9.99. SPC: https://mhraproducts4853.blob.core.windows.net/docs/9021b7d42a0c1f518d4839e2703d67b417024a54