The festive season often brings joy, but it can also lead to health issues such as persistent coughs. With the emergence of a new flu strain known as “superflu” and the presence of other winter viruses like norovirus, many individuals may experience a post-Christmas cough. While coughing is a common symptom of various ailments, it can also indicate more serious health concerns.
According to Dr. Unnati Desai, national GP lead at Nuffield Health, coughs can manifest in different forms: dry, phlegmy, wheezy, whooping, or barking. She explains that coughing is a reflex action of the autonomic nervous system, serving to keep the lungs and lower airways clear. Daily inhalation brings various particles into the respiratory system, and coughing helps expel these irritants.
Typically, a cough lasts a few weeks. However, if it persists for more than three weeks, the National Health Service (NHS) recommends consulting a general practitioner. The following are some types of coughs and their associated conditions that may warrant medical attention.
Common Causes of Coughs
Childhood coughs caused by infections—whether viral or bacterial—usually last less than three weeks. These coughs are often accompanied by fever and swollen glands. Dr. Desai notes that a “barking” cough often indicates croup, which is prevalent among young children. A “whooping” cough characterized by a high-pitched sound during inhalation suggests whooping cough. Additionally, a “fruity” cough with mucus production in children under two may indicate respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a viral infection that can lead to bronchiolitis. While RSV is generally mild, it can become serious in infants and might require hospitalization.
Rising Health Concerns
Data from the UK Health Security Agency indicates a concerning trend: cases of tuberculosis (TB), which can manifest as a persistent cough lasting over three weeks, rose nearly 14 percent in 2024. In that year, there were 5,490 notifications of TB compared to 4,831 in 2023. TB symptoms may include coughing up blood-tinged mucus, but the infection can be treated effectively with a six-month course of antibiotics.
Other conditions can also lead to coughing. For instance, post-nasal drip occurs when mucus from the nasal passages drips down the throat, triggering a cough reflex. Dr. Desai notes that conditions like rhinitis, sinusitis, and seasonal allergies may be responsible, often treated with steroid nasal sprays and antihistamines.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is another potential culprit behind chronic coughing. This condition causes stomach acid to travel up towards the throat, leading to a dry cough. Dr. Desai advises avoiding acidic foods, eating smaller meals, and maintaining a healthy weight to mitigate symptoms. Over-the-counter antacids may provide relief, but persistent heartburn should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional.
In rare cases, a cough could signal a more severe condition such as pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot blocks a lung artery. Dr. Desai warns that symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, sharp chest pain, and a fast heart rate. If accompanied by deep vein thrombosis (DVT), symptoms may include pain and swelling in one leg. Immediate medical attention is crucial if pulmonary embolism is suspected, as it can be life-threatening.
When to Consult a Doctor
While most chesty coughs are linked to infections, they can occasionally indicate pneumonia, an inflammation of the lungs often triggered by infection. Most individuals recover within two to four weeks, but those at higher risk—such as infants, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing heart or lung conditions—may require hospital care. Symptoms to watch for include a fast heart rate, sharp chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
If a cough persists for longer than three weeks, the NHS advises seeking medical advice, as it could be a sign of lung cancer. Each year, approximately 49,300 people in the UK receive a lung cancer diagnosis, resulting in 33,100 fatalities according to Cancer Research UK. Symptoms include repeated chest infections, coughing up blood, breathlessness, chest pain, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss.
Smoking remains one of the primary risk factors for lung cancer, contributing to 75 to 85 percent of diagnoses. Dr. Desai encourages individuals to avoid smoking or seek support to quit through NHS services. If you have concerns that your cough may indicate a serious condition, consulting a healthcare professional is essential.
