Treating a Cough at Home

Key Information

  • Natural Cleaning Service: A cough is your body's natural way of clearing your lungs after an infection. It is helpful to view it as a cleaning process rather than just an annoyance.
  • Soothe Your Throat: A hot honey and lemon drink is often just as effective as expensive medications for soothing irritation.
  • Hydration & Rest: Drinking plenty of fluids prevents your throat from drying out, while rest gives your body the energy to fight the virus causing the cough.
  • Patience is Key: It is clinically normal for a cough caused by a cold or flu to last for 3 to 4 weeks.
 

What Happens Next?

For the majority of patients, home remedies are the best treatment. Please allow your body time to recover.

When to Contact Us

While most coughs are harmless, there are specific "Red Flags" to watch for. Please contact us if:

  • Duration: Your cough has lasted for more than 3 weeks.
  • Severity: You are becoming very breathless or have chest pain.
  • Other Symptoms: You are coughing up blood, losing weight without trying, or feel increasingly unwell.
 

Further Information

To learn more about coughs, please visit the NHS website.

 

Last reviewed: 22 December 2025
Next review due: 22 December 2028