As the season transitions, various bugs and viruses are making their rounds, potentially causing many individuals to experience a troublesome cough. If you’ve recently dealt with this issue, it’s essential to pay attention to advice provided by ITV’s Dr. Amir Khan regarding your health.
Renowned for sharing valuable tips on television, Dr. Khan recently shared a video on Instagram offering guidance to those dealing with coughs. He suggests that understanding your symptoms and listening to your body can help you determine the underlying cause of your cough.
Dr. Khan emphasizes that not all coughs are alike and highlights a crucial warning sign to watch out for after people were advised to consult their GP for concerning cough symptoms last month. He explains that a dry, tickly cough without phlegm is typically linked to viral infections like colds or the flu, but it can also stem from conditions such as asthma, acid reflux, or certain blood pressure medications.
Conversely, a chesty cough accompanied by phlegm indicates that your lungs are attempting to clear something out. This type of cough is commonly associated with chest infections, bronchitis, or chronic conditions like COPD.
If you notice a cough worsening at night, it could indicate underlying issues such as postnasal drip from allergies or sinuses, nighttime asthma flare-ups, or acid reflux during sleep. Additionally, a persistent cough lasting over three weeks should prompt a medical evaluation to rule out conditions like asthma, tuberculosis, or in rare cases, lung cancer.
Dr. Khan advises that coughs with alarming symptoms like coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, or breathlessness require urgent medical attention. Since the video’s release, it has garnered over 2,000 views, with viewers expressing appreciation for the helpful advice.
While coughs are a common occurrence that often resolves on its own, if you have concerns about your cough or seek further guidance, it’s advisable to consult your GP for personalized assistance.