Cough
What it is
A cough is a sudden release of air from the lungs that helps clear the throat or airways. It may be caused by a cold, infection, irritation, or congestion. A cough is the body’s natural way of clearing irritation or congestion from the airways.
What you can do at home
What to do
- Get as much rest as possible.
- Sleep with the head slightly elevated — for example, by placing a pillow under the mattress or slightly raising the head of the bed.
- Ask a pharmacist to recommend the right medication to relieve symptoms.
To prevent spreading the infection to others
- Stay home if the cough is severe.
- Wear a mask when needed to protect others.
To stay hydrated
- Drink water, herbal tea or broth.
- For children: offer water, milk, juice or warm broth often.
How to rinse the nose
- Use a saline solution purchased at a pharmacy, or make one at home by mixing:
- 240 mL (1 cup or 8 oz.) of safe drinking water or boiled water that has been left to cool
- 2.5 mL (½ tsp.) of salt
- Use a 4 oz. nasal rinse bottle for children and an 8 oz. bottle for adolescents and adults.
- Wash hands.
- Lean over the sink and keep the mouth open while rinsing.
- Gently squeeze the saline solution into one nostril until it flows out through the other.
- Repeat in the other nostril.
- Blow the nose afterward, if needed.
- Wash the bottle after each use and replace it every 3 months or when it becomes discoloured.
Avoid
- Smoking or vaping
- Places where there is smoke or dust
When to seek medical attention
Fever that does not go down after 3 days despite medication
Cough lasting more than 3 weeks despite following the recommended advice
An unusual cough that sounds like a whoop
Cough in a baby under 3 months of age
Any blood in the saliva or phlegm when coughing
Green or brown phlegm or mucus lasting more than 3 days
Persistent pain in the forehead or around the eyes
For people aged 75 years and older:
fever and difficulty carrying out one or more activities of daily living, such as preparing meals or bathing
Need help?
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, Option 3.
When to go to the hospital right away
A significant amount of blood in mucus or saliva when coughing
Cough that develops after an injury to the chest
Sever pain the chest that begins suddenly
Rapid changes in general condition, including:
- unusual fatigue or difficulty staying awake
- reduced responsiveness
- confusion, agitation or unusual behaviour
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
- reduced appetite or thirst
- difficulty carrying out normal daily activities
Severe difficulty breathing, especially if:
- the skin, lips or fingers are blue or bluish (cyanosis)
- breathing worsens even at rest
- there is a high-pitched or wheezing sound (stridor)
- the chest or abdomen pulls inward with each breath (retractions)
- in babies and children under 2 years: the nostrils flare with each breath
Fever is present in people at higher risk:
- weakened immune system (immunocompromised)
- pregnancy
- babies younger than 3 months of age