Cough

Most coughs are caused by viruses which inflame the throat, windpipe or lungs. Here are some tips to relieve a chesty, dry or persistent cough.

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Whooping cough

Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial infection and is most serious in babies. Here’s how to spot the symptoms and protect infants.

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Coughs and colds in children

Most coughs and colds in children are caused by viruses. Find out how to treat your child and to help prevent them from developing and spreading a cold.

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Haemoptysis (coughing up blood)

Haemoptysis (hemoptysis) is when you cough up blood from the lungs or bronchial tubes. Learn about the causes and when to seek emergency medical help.

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Bronchitis

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the larger airways in your lungs, which causes an ongoing cough. Learn how to reduce the risk of bronchitis.

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Colds and flu in babies and children

Here is information on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments of coughs, colds and flu in children and babies and when to seek medical advice.

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MERS coronavirus

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus is a disease the can cause fever, cough, shortness of breath and pneumonia in most infected people.

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Tuberculosis

This highly infectious disease, which mostly affects the lungs, can be spread through coughing, sneezing, speaking or even singing.

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Codeine

Codeine is an opioid medicine used to relieve mild pain and suppress dry coughs. Find out how codeine works and about possible side effects.

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Asthma

Asthma symptoms can include a cough, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness. Learn more about its causes, symptoms and treatment options.

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Dihydrocodeine

Dihydrocodeine is an opioid-based medicine available on prescription from your doctor. It is categorised as a 'weak' opioid. Learn more here.

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Bronchoscopy

During a bronchoscopy, a doctor views your airways and lungs. By inserting a tube attached to a camera, they aim to diagnose or treat a condition.

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Croup

Croup is very common in children under 5 years old. Find out how croup is diagnosed and treated here.

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Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, often caused by bacteria or viruses. It can be mild or very serious. Learn more about the illness.

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Lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Learn about the causes and symptoms of, and treatments for, this serious disease.

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Lung conditions

Learn all about lung conditions and diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, whooping cough and more.

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Asbestosis

This lung disease is caused by asbestos dust, with symptoms (shortness of breath, coughing) usually appearing 10 to 20 years after exposure.

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Emphysema

Emphysema is a progressive lung disease usually caused by cigarette smoking. It causes shortness of breath and coughing. Read more about emphysema symptoms, causes and treatments.

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Post-nasal drip

When your nose and sinuses are blocked up with mucus, you have a tickle in your throat and maybe even a cough, you might have post-nasal drip. Find out more about post-nasal drip, and how you can treat and prevent it.

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Colds and flu medication

Learn about over-the-counter medicines that might help relieve cold and flu symptoms and when antiviral medication may be helpful.

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School exclusion periods

If your child has an infectious illness, you may need to keep them home to stop it spreading at day-care or school. Learn about school exclusion periods here.

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Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis damages the airways in the lungs, causing them to permanently widen. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent further damage.

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Inguinal hernia

If you have an inguinal hernia, there is a weakness in the muscles at the lower part of your abdomen. Find more about inguinal hernia.

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Chest infection

Chest infections are common in people of all ages and can easily be spread. Learn more here about the causes, symptoms and treatments for chest infections.

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Choking

Choking occurs when something gets stuck in, and blocks, a person’s throat or windpipe. Find out what to do in this medical emergency.

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Vaccinations and pregnancy

The immune system can weaken during pregnancy, so you can be more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Certain vaccinations are recommended.

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Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections can affect the throat, the lungs, the skin, the bowel and many others parts of your body. They can be can be highly contagious. This page explains how to avoid spreading infections.

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Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) causes muscles to become weak. There is no cure, although treatments and support may be available to help people who have SMA.

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Immunisation or vaccination - what's the difference?

What's the difference between immunisation and vaccination?

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Differences between bacterial and viral infection

Bacterial and viral infections must be treated differently. Misusing antibiotics to treat viral infections leads to the problem of antibiotic resistance.

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