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.
1 Coughs can be either acute or chronic. 2  Acute coughs begin suddenly and usually last no more than 2 to 3 weeks. 3  Acute coughs are the kind you most often get with a cold or flu. 4  Chronic coughs last longer than 2 to 3 weeks.