How to Treat a Cough

Q: What’s the difference between a dry cough and a chesty cough?

The key difference is the presence of mucus. A dry cough is unproductive and doesn't produce any mucus or phlegm. A chesty cough , on the other hand, is productive and is accompanied by mucus that you can feel rattling in your chest.

A cough can be disruptive, irritating, and often a sign that your body is fighting off an infection. But whether it’s a persistent tickle in your throat or a heavy feeling in your chest, finding the right way to treat it can make all the difference. As a trusted family-run pharmacy, we're here to provide professional advice on how to treat your cough effectively so you can get back to feeling like yourself again.

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How to Stop a Cough

The key to stopping a cough is understanding its type. Different coughs require different treatments. Here’s a breakdown of common cough types and our pharmacist-recommended tips for relief.

Cough Type	Key Symptom	What to Look For
Tickly	Irritation, no phlegm	Soothing lozenges, honey, steam
Dry	Persistent, unproductive	Suppressants (Dextromethorphan), humidifiers
Chesty	Mucus, phlegm	Expectorants (Guaifenesin), warm fluids

How to Stop a Tickly Cough Instantly

A tickly cough is often an irritating sensation caused by a throat irritation, a cold, or allergies. It’s an unproductive cough that doesn’t produce mucus. To soothe the irritation and calm the cough reflex, try these quick-acting remedies:

Throat Lozenges: Sucking on a lozenge or pastille can increase saliva production, which helps to coat and soothe your irritated throat.
Warm Drinks with Honey: A simple, warm drink with honey and lemon is a classic remedy. Honey acts as a demulcent, coating the throat and providing immediate, temporary relief.
Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or a hot shower can help to moisturise your airways, easing the tickly feeling.

Pharmacist Recommended Products for a Tickly Cough:

How to Stop a Dry Cough

A dry cough can be persistent and exhausting. It's often caused by viral infections, and the goal is to calm the cough reflex to give your throat a chance to heal. In addition to the tips for a tickly cough, consider these options:

Cough Suppressants: Over-the-counter suppressants containing ingredients like Dextromethorphan can help by acting on the part of the brain that triggers the cough reflex.
Humidifiers: Using a humidifier in your bedroom at night can help add moisture to the air, which soothes dry airways and can reduce night-time coughing.
Hydration: Keeping well-hydrated is crucial. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your throat moist and can reduce the severity of the cough.

Pharmacist Recommended Products for a Dry Cough:

How to Loosen a Dry Cough

While some coughs remain dry, others can transition into a chesty cough. Sometimes, encouraging this transition with targeted remedies can help. The best way to loosen a dry cough is by staying hydrated and using steam inhalation to help thin any mucus that may be developing.

How to Treat a Chesty or Wet Cough

A chesty cough, also known as a productive cough, is your body's natural way of expelling mucus. Your goal here is to help your body clear the chest, not suppress the cough itself. Try these methods:

Expectorants: Medicines containing an expectorant like Guaifenesin work by thinning and loosening the mucus in your chest, making it easier to cough up and clear your airways.
Warm Fluids: Drinking warm liquids like tea or soup can help to soothe your throat and thin out thick phlegm, making it easier to cough out.
Steam Therapy: Similar to a dry cough, steam helps to loosen mucus. You can use a steam inhaler or simply breathe in the steam from a hot bowl of water.

You can read more about chesty cough remedies here.

Pharmacist Recommended Products for a Chesty Cough:

If your cough is causing you discomfort, is lasting longer than a few weeks, or is accompanied by other symptoms like a fever or shortness of breath, you should always speak to your GP or a pharmacist for advice. See more information on the best cough medicines in our guide.

At Weldricks Pharmacy, we are dedicated to providing accessible, professional healthcare. With a 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating from over 85,000 customers, we're here to support you with trustworthy advice and convenient services like free UK delivery over £40, discreet packaging, and click & collect.

FAQs

How long should a cough last?
What causes coughing at night?
What’s the difference between a dry cough and a chesty cough?
Can I take different cough medicines together?

How long should a cough last?

A typical cough from a cold or flu lasts for around 1 to 3 weeks. However, a cough can also be a symptom of hay fever, in which case it may last for weeks or even months during high pollen season. If your cough persists for longer than three weeks, or if you're concerned about it, you should consult a healthcare professional.

What causes coughing at night?

Night-time coughing can be particularly frustrating. Common causes include:

Post-nasal drip: Mucus from your nose can drip down the back of your throat, triggering the cough reflex.
Dry air: A dry atmosphere can irritate your throat and airways, especially during winter months.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD): Stomach acid can travel up the oesophagus, causing throat irritation and coughing.
Asthma: Night-time coughing is a common symptom of asthma.

Identifying the root cause of your cough can help you treat it successfully.

What’s the difference between a dry cough and a chesty cough?

The key difference is the presence of mucus.

A dry cough is unproductive and doesn't produce any mucus or phlegm.
A chesty cough, on the other hand, is productive and is accompanied by mucus that you can feel rattling in your chest.

Can I take different cough medicines together?

Yes... but, You should always be cautious about combining cough medicines. Many over-the-counter remedies contain similar active ingredients, and taking them together could lead to an overdose. For example, many cold and flu products also contain cough suppressants or decongestants. Always check the label and never exceed the stated dose. If you're unsure, our pharmacists are here to provide advice on the best course of action.