Coughing is a natural protective reflex that helps clear the respiratory tract. However, not every cough can be self-treated with medication. According to Master, Doctor, Level I Specialist Nguyen Thanh Thuy, from the General Internal Medicine Department at Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, many serious illnesses can begin with just a cough. Self-medicating can mask symptoms, delay diagnosis, and miss the window for effective treatment.

Most coughs caused by colds or viral infections subside within one to two weeks. If a cough lasts over 2-3 weeks without improvement or recurs frequently, individuals should not continue self-medicating solely to alleviate symptoms.

This could indicate bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary tuberculosis, lung cancer, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Prolonged use of cough medicine can delay the diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions.

If a cough is accompanied by prolonged high fever, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, chest pain, or severe fatigue, individuals need early medical examination. These symptoms could be signs of pneumonia or other acute respiratory illnesses. In such cases, cough suppressants do not address the root cause of the illness and may even lead to complacency, delaying appropriate treatment.

Coughing up blood, even in small amounts, always warrants medical evaluation. Phlegm that is rust-colored, contains significant blood, or has an unusual foul odor can also be linked to conditions such as pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, lung abscess, or lung cancer. These conditions require imaging and specialized laboratory tests for diagnosis and cannot be treated with over-the-counter cough medications.

It is important to note that coughing up yellow or green phlegm does not automatically mean antibiotics are necessary. Antibiotics require a doctor's prescription after the cause of the illness has been identified.

Doctor Thuy listens to a patient's lungs. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Many individuals focus solely on the cough, overlooking accompanying symptoms. If a cough persists alongside unexplained weight loss, persistent hoarseness, loss of appetite, or prolonged fatigue, individuals should seek medical attention to rule out serious conditions like lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, or laryngeal diseases.

Long-term self-medication with cough suppressants can mask warning signs, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic lung conditions like bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes should avoid self-medicating with cough suppressants when symptoms arise.

According to Doctor Thuy, for these individuals, a seemingly simple cough could be an early sign of pneumonia or an exacerbation of an underlying condition. Medication use requires caution, as some active ingredients may be unsuitable or cause side effects. Cough medicine only helps alleviate symptoms; it does not treat the cause. Patients should not self-administer antibiotics or combine multiple types of cough medicine. Antibiotics are ineffective for viral coughs and should only be used under a doctor's prescription.

If a cough persists, recurs, or is accompanied by unusual signs, individuals should visit a medical facility for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Nhat Thanh