You should see a doctor depending on whether your cough is caused by a virus or bacteria. The doctor told how to detect the difference.
With a drop in temperature and crowds of people in homes, viruses and other infections rejoice and spread among the population.
Whether you're sitting on the bus or browsing the shelves at your local supermarket, the sounds of coughing are now starting to be heard everywhere.
What is this nagging cough and what can you do to treat it? Cough for a minute or two and you might think something has gone wrong. Cough for a day or two and you may think you have a cold or the flu. After a week, bronchitis or allergies may come to mind. But after three to four weeks, your mind begins to race and anxiety begins to build.
During this fall season, many people experience a chest infection, which can be either viral or bacterial in nature.
According to the doctor, these infections are most often caused by a virus, which means you can use home remedies and over-the-counter medications to help you get better.
However, your doctor warned of three signs that may mean it's time to see your GP about your cough. A viral cough usually clears up within three weeks and usually does not require medical attention.
“You know it’s a virus when you get a runny nose at the same time, you may have a headache, a fever. Additionally, when you have an infection, you often feel pain when you cough, and sometimes even shortness of breath. In general, although all these symptoms seem terrifying, they go away within three weeks,” says general practitioner Irina Andreeva specifically for MedicForum.
When to see a doctor about a cough
However, there are three warning signs that may indicate a bacterial infection and may need to be evaluated by your healthcare provider.
“If youdo not get better within three weeks, if your symptoms get worse , if you feel particularly unwellit may be bacterial in nature. At this point, you may need to go to your GP.”
Fortunately, the doctor revealed the three ingredients she uses to treat coughs at home: honey, lemon and ginger.
“Honey itself is an antiseptic and also helps coat the throat to get rid of a sore throat. Lemon contains vitamin C, which helps optimize your immune system. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. We can use this instead of the cough syrups and cough suppressants you get at the pharmacy.”
Less common causes of a painful cough
- < li>Airborne environmental irritants
- Aspiration during swallowing
- Heart failure
- Pulmonary infections
- Whooping cough
- li>Lung cancer
- Other lung diseases
- Psychological disorders
MedicForum previously wrote about how to strengthen bones.
Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.