That Cough Won't Go Away: Is It Whooping Cough, Asthma, or Just a Virus?
There is a particular kind of misery reserved for a cough that lasts weeks. You can't sleep. You disrupt your partner. You feel embarrassed in meetings or on the train. And everyone keeps telling you: "It's just a virus, it takes time."
But how much time is too much time?
Recently, the UK has seen a resurgence in the "100-day cough" (Whooping Cough/Pertussis), alongside lingering Covid variants and seasonal flu. Distinguishing between a harmless lingering cough and something needing treatment is difficult without a medical assessment.
When "Just a Virus" Needs Antibiotics
Most coughs are viral and antibiotics won't help. However, secondary bacterial infections are common. If you felt better for a few days and then suddenly got worse with a high fever and thick, green/yellow phlegm, you might have developed a bacterial chest infection or pneumonia.
In this case, delaying treatment prolongs recovery and increases the risk of complications. A quick listen to your chest (or a detailed history of your symptoms via video) can determine if you need a prescription.
The Asthma Factor
Many adults are walking around with undiagnosed asthma. It doesn't always look like a wheezy attack.
Cough-Variant Asthma
If your cough is dry, worse at night, or triggered by exercise or cold air, it might be asthma. You don't need antibiotics; you need an inhaler. A trial of a blue (reliever) or brown (preventer) inhaler can transform your quality of life within days.
The "Post-Nasal Drip" Irritation
If you feel a tickle in the back of your throat and find yourself clearing it constantly, the cause might be your nose, not your lungs. Allergic rhinitis or sinusitis causes mucus to drip down the back of your throat, triggering a cough reflex.
Treating the cough with syrup won't work. Treating the nose with a steroid spray will.
Stop guessing. Get a doctor's opinion today
Red Flags You Shouldn't Ignore
If you have had a cough for more than 3 weeks, the guidelines say you should see a GP. You should also seek help immediately if you have:
Shortness of breath at rest.
Chest pain when breathing.
Blood in your phlegm.
Unexplained weight loss.
Getting a Good Night's Sleep
Sometimes, you just need to break the cycle of irritation so you can sleep. Constant coughing inflames the airways, which makes you cough more. A private GP can prescribe stronger cough suppressants or inhalers to calm the inflammation and help you—and your household—get some rest.
Don't settle for weeks of sleepless nights.