Short messages on Physical health issues from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
A “dry cough” means it’s tickly and doesn’t produce any phlegm (thick mucus). A “chesty cough” means phlegm is produced to help clear your airways.
Most short-term coughs clear up within three weeks and don’t require any treatment. For more persistent coughs, see your GP so they can investigate the cause.
3-9 months after quitting smoking, coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung function increases by up to 10%.
72 hours after quitting smoking, breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase.
48 hours after quitting smoking, carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris.
If you have a cold, look after yourself at home: rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthily, take over-the-counter painkillers to reduce fever or discomfort. Decongestants relieve a blocked nose.
Symptoms of a common cold include a sore throat, a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, a cough. More severe symptoms include a high temperature, headache and aching muscles.
Sleeping with your smartphone covered and charging underneath your pillow could be hazardous, creating a fire risk.
A cold is a common mild viral infection and there’s usually no need to see your GP: it should clear within a week or two. Contact your GP if your symptoms persist for more than 3 weeks or get suddenly worse.
Stopping smoking reduces the chances of the children in your house suffering from bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma attacks, meningitis and ear infections.