Doctor reveals how to know if your cough could be deadly and when you really should get help

A doctor has spoken out about some of the warning signs to keep an eye on if your cough is lasting longer than usual.

We all get the odd sniffle or cough here and there, but do we all know when it's time to pick up the phone and book in for an appointment with a doctor just to be on the safe side?

We all get the odd cough and sniffle but when do we know if it could be more serious? (Getty Stock Images)

Types of cough

Clinical research physician at MAC Clinical Resarch, Dr Malathy Munisamy told The Mirror a cough is 'simply the body's natural response to any irritations within the airways'.

However, coughs can be categorised into 'three groups,' beginning with 'acute', then 'subacute', and 'chronic'.

Indeed, the Cleveland Clinic explains an acute cough 'begins suddenly and lasts for two to three weeks' - apart from when you swallow something the wrong way, choke slightly or just have a random cough, an 'acute' cough tends to be pretty standard and nothing much to worry about.

However, it's when you notice you may have a 'subacute cough' which 'stays around after you've had an infection and lasts three to eight weeks' or a 'chronic cough' which lasts 'longer than eight weeks' that you should be on the lookout for some other symptoms too.

Keep an eye on how long your cough lasts alongside certain symptoms (Getty Stock Images)

Symptoms to look out for

Dr Munisamy explained 'standard coughs' will typically 'settle on their own within a couple of weeks' and are 'often harmless'.

And if your cough is caused by a cold or flu - with typical symptoms taking the form of sneezing, headaches, muscle aches and fever - then 'rest, hydration, paracetamol, ibuprofen, or cold relief medication are usually effective treatments'.

However, if your cough 'lasts three weeks or more' or you experience any of the symptoms below, it's best to check in with a doctor just in case:

• Hoarseness of voice
• Wheezing
• Fever over 101.5 Fahrenheit or fever lasting more than a day
• Chills
• Phlegm
• Coughing up blood
• Feeling like you're choking or can't breathe
• Unexplained weight loss
• Vomiting

Most coughs are nothing to worry about, but if you're concerned it's best to check in with a doctor (Getty Stock Images)

If you experience severe chest pain, there's lots of blood, you feel like you're choking or can't breathe, well, then you should dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Cleveland Clinic reassures: "Having a cough often means nothing serious. It’s normal (and helpful) to cough in certain situations. Coughing helps you get rid of things in your throat and airways that are irritating or making it harder to breathe.

"If you also have other symptoms like trouble breathing, fever, trouble eating or sleeping, or you’re coughing up bloody or colored sputum, call your healthcare provider for advice. Because young kids can’t tell us what they're feeling, it’s a good idea to call your child’s provider if they have a cough and fever or a cough that sounds uncomfortable or concerning to you."