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General health information

Cough

Coughing is a common reflex that helps keep the airways clear. It is usually caused by a virus and gets better on its own, but the duration, age, underlying conditions and accompanying signs determine whether tests are needed. Breathlessness, coughing up blood, drowsiness or a vulnerable baby or older person are reasons to seek assessment more readily.

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  • Coughing helps keep the airways clear. It is often a response to a cold virus and settles without specific treatment.
  • The cause depends on duration, age and accompanying symptoms. A dry cough, a cough with mucus, wheezing and a night-time cough do not all point to the same cause.
  • Antibiotics do not work against viruses. An antibiotic is therefore not routinely needed for every cough.
  • Breathlessness, coughing up blood, drowsiness, dehydration and vulnerability due to age or health are clear reasons to seek assessment more readily.

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D
DiarrhoeaWith diarrhoea, stools are more frequent and looser than usual. A gut infection is usually the cause and often gets better on its own, but dehydration can quickly become dangerous, especially for babies, older people, pregnant people and those with vulnerable health. Drinking enough and recognising warning signs in time matter most.
C
Common coldA common cold is a contagious viral infection of the nose and throat that usually improves on its own within one to two weeks, although a cough may last longer. Rest, fluids and saline nose drops may ease symptoms; antibiotics do not help, and breathlessness, drowsiness, dehydration or illness in a very young baby needs prompt assessment.
V
VomitingVomiting means forcefully emptying the stomach through the mouth. It is often caused by a gastrointestinal infection and stops on its own, but dehydration, blood or green vomit, severe pain and drowsiness are warning signs.