Coughs

Coughing is the body's way of removing mucus and dust from the lungs. It occurs when the windpipe is irritated by something.


	Symptoms
	Coughing does not damage the lungs. It helps to protect the lungs from serious infection. A coughing child will not choke or stop breathing. Symptoms may also include itchy or sore throat, painful chest muscles. If you have a chesty cough you may cough up mucus and phlegm. Vomiting with coughing in children is quite common. There will be disturbed nights! Symptoms may last a week but the irritating tickly cough can last up to 2 weeks.

	Causes
	Infection of the airway and chest caused by viruses or bacteria Blocked nose and catarrh Irritation due to allergies Dry or dusty atmosphere Smoking

	Treatment
	Suck lozenges and take warm drinks such as warm water with honey and lemon. Cough medicine is available from pharmacies.

	Prevention
	Don't smoke if you have a cough Keep away from smoky or dusty areas

	Seek medical advice if:
	coughing is painful or lasts for more than 5 days there is blood in your phlegm you are short of breath you are unexpectedly losing weight

	Recommended web sites
	Coughs and Colds in Young Children A leaflet from Patient UK Cough and Sore Throat A link to information from the BBC