AS AUTUMN AND WINTER slowly closes in, we know we can protect ourselves from the Irish weather by wrapping up in layers and scarves galore. There’s one thing we may not be able to escape though and that’s the common coughs and colds that come along with the changing of the seasons. 

Although we can’t prepare for every scenario, it’s important to understand the different types of coughs and colds that sweep the country at this time of year. Only then will you be better equipped to deal with those pesky coughs if they land at your doorstep.

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Coughs can be confusing at the best of times, but it turns out they can be simply divided into two different types. Dry, which can be felt in the throat, and chesty, which can be felt in the lungs. Dry coughs are caused by an irritation of the upper airway and chesty coughs are characterised by the formation of mucus or phlegm in the lungs.

You can find out more information on different types of coughs here. 

Unfortunately it’s true that a persistent cough tends to get worse at night. In a catch-22 scenario, getting the rest you need to get over a cough or cold is crucial but sometimes actually getting the sleep in is half the battle.

It’s all to do with gravity, when we lie down – particularly on our backs – mucus begins to pool. Which, you guessed it, isn’t good for the cough.  Sleeping with an extra pillow propping you up could be the answer, try to sleep on an incline to keep the gravity enemy at bay.

Many people associate bad weather with catching a cold or cough, while the weather is not directly responsible, viruses that spread colds and coughs do survive longer in lower temperatures. That being said, while we’re all staying inside out of the cold, we swap germs with greater ease due to being in closer proximity to one another.

You can find out more information on coughs by visiting the HSE website, but the general fact is that viruses and bacteria spread colds and coughs, not wet weather. We still wouldn’t recommend venturing outside with wet hair, but that’s just good sense. 

 Battling a cough? Always ask your pharmacist for advice. Relieve any type of cough with Bronchostop Cough Syrup or Berry Flavour Cough Pastilles, based on traditional use only. Buttercup Bronchostop Cough Syrup and Berry Flavour Cough Pastilles contain thyme herb extract. These are traditional herbal medicinal products used for the relief of coughs associated with a cold, such as chesty, dry, tickly, irritating coughs and catarrh, exclusively based upon long-standing use. Always read the leaflet.

For more information about coughs, visit www.bronchostop.ie.