To minimize the health risks of a non-mainstream treatment. 1  Discuss it with your doctor. It might have side effects or interact with other medicines. 2  Find out what the research says about it. 3  Choose practitioners carefully. 4  Tell all of your doctors and practitioners about all of the different types of treatments you use.
A dry cough means it's tickly and doesn't produce any phlegm (thick mucus). A chesty cough means phlegm is produced to help clear your airways. Most coughs clear up within three weeks and don't require any treatment. For more persistent coughs, it's a good idea to see your GP so they can investigate the cause. Find out when to see your GP.
The persistent cough associated with acute bronchitis usually resolves within seven to ten days. Donât be alarmed if your symptoms persist longer. Up to 50% of patients with acute bronchitis have a cough that lasts up to three weeks. Twenty-five percent have a cough that can last up to a month. In rare cases, the cough can linger for three-six months. Your physician can determine the cause of your bronchitis and develop a treatment plan.