Winter Cough: When to See a GP

Most coughs that come with a winter cold clear up on their own within a few weeks. Some, though, point to something that needs a doctor, such as pneumonia, whooping cough or asthma that is not well controlled. This guide explains how long a normal cough lasts, when to see a GP about a cough, which signs need an ambulance and what helps at home. It is based on advice from healthdirect and the Australian Government, and explains how to see a doctor at Harpley Doctors in Werribee.

How long a normal winter cough lasts

Coughing is how your body clears your lungs and airways. According to healthdirect, the most common cause of a short-term cough is a viral infection, such as a cold or flu, and in healthy people this type of cough normally goes away within 2 to 4 weeks. Other short-term causes include COVID-19, sinusitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma that is not well controlled.

A productive cough, sometimes called a chesty cough, brings up mucus or phlegm, while a dry cough feels tickly or irritating. Phlegm from a chesty cough should be white or clear. If it turns yellow, green or bloody, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

When to see a GP about a cough

Healthdirect advises seeing your doctor if you:

• have a cough that lasts more than 4 weeks
• are short of breath, or have chest pain or unexplained tiredness
• cough up blood
• have green mucus or phlegm
• have trouble sleeping because of coughing
• have unexplained weight loss or a fever

A cough that lasts more than 8 weeks is called a chronic or persistent cough. Common causes include a lingering cough after a viral infection, post-nasal drip from the sinuses, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), reflux and some medicines, including ACE inhibitors used for blood pressure. Less often it is caused by a serious condition such as lung cancer, bronchiectasis or tuberculosis, which is why a cough that will not settle deserves a proper check.

Your GP will ask about the cough, examine you and may arrange tests. Australian Clinical Labs runs a pathology collection centre at the clinic, and ongoing problems such as asthma or COPD can be followed up through chronic condition management.

Whooping cough: a cough to take seriously

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a contagious bacterial infection. It starts like a cold, with a runny nose, tiredness and a mild cough. After 1 to 2 weeks the other symptoms ease but the cough gets worse, sometimes with a ‘whoop’ as the person breathes in between coughing fits, and it can take months to go away completely. You are contagious for 3 weeks after the cough starts, or until you have had 5 days of antibiotics.

It is most dangerous for babies under 6 months. See your doctor if you think you or your child has whooping cough, and tell the receptionist before your appointment so staff can help prevent it spreading. If you have been in close contact with someone who has it, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to lower your chance of infection.

Vaccination is the best protection. It is recommended between 20 and 32 weeks of every pregnancy, for children at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months and 4 years, for adolescents through school, and for adults at 50 and 65. Our page on whooping cough vaccination has more detail.

Coughs in children

Common causes of a cough in children include asthma, a lingering cough after a viral infection, whooping cough and croup. Cough and cold medicines can harm young children: the Therapeutic Goods Administration says they should not be given to children younger than 6, and children aged 6 to 11 should only have them on a doctor’s or pharmacist’s advice.

Babies with a cough and fast or difficult breathing need prompt attention. Our guide to RSV in babies explains the signs to watch for, and you can read more about paediatric health care at the clinic.

When to call 000

Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance if you or someone you know:

• has difficulty breathing and cannot speak without gasping or pausing
• has chest pain that will not go away, or pain spreading to the arms, back, neck or jaw
• is drowsy or does not respond
• has lips turning pale, blue or grey

If you are unsure whether a problem needs a GP or a hospital, our article on GP or emergency care can help. Outside our hours, call 13 SICK (13 7425) for an after-hours doctor.

Easing a cough at home

A short-term cough usually gets better without treatment. To ease the symptoms:

• drink plenty of water, unless your doctor has advised otherwise
• rest and avoid vigorous activity until symptoms settle
• try honey, which may soothe your throat
• inhale steam from hot water, taking care not to scald yourself
• avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dry out your throat
• avoid smoking, vaping and other people’s smoke, which make coughs worse

There is little evidence that over-the-counter cough medicines help a cough clear up sooner, although they may ease some symptoms. Antibiotics do not kill viruses, so they will not help a cold or flu and may cause harm; your doctor can explain when they are useful.

Protecting yourself this winter

Vaccines protect against several infections that cause coughing. The flu vaccine is free for every patient at Harpley Doctors. The pneumococcal vaccine is free for people aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25 and over, and adults with certain risk conditions. The COVID-19 vaccine is now an annual dose, and our guide to managing COVID-19 explains who is eligible for a free dose.

All consultations are bulk billed. Book online through HealthEngine or call (03) 8731 1330. We are open Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm, weekends 9 am to 5 pm and public holidays 10 am to 3 pm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is too long for a cough?

A cough from a cold or flu normally clears within 2 to 4 weeks. See a GP if yours lasts more than 4 weeks, or sooner if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, blood in your phlegm or unexplained weight loss.

Do I need antibiotics for a chesty cough?

Usually not. A productive cough is not necessarily a sign of serious illness, and most short-term coughs are caused by viruses, which antibiotics do not treat. Your GP can check whether something else, such as pneumonia or whooping cough, needs treatment.

Can I give my child cough medicine?

Not if they are under 6. Cough and cold medicines can harm young children. Children aged 6 to 11 should only have them if a doctor or pharmacist advises it.

Why do I still have a cough after my cold has gone?

A cough can linger for weeks after a viral infection, which healthdirect calls a post-viral cough. If it lasts more than 4 weeks, or keeps you awake at night, see your GP to rule out other causes such as asthma, reflux or whooping cough.