I have had a cough for 7 days which is not abating. What can I do?
There are two types of coughs – a mucus or productive cough, or a dry cough.A productive cough gets its name because of the cough brings up mucus.... Read the full answer 〉
There are two types of coughs – a mucus or productive cough, or a dry cough.A productive cough gets its name because of the cough brings up mucus.... Read the full answer 〉
There are a number of reasons why a tickly cough can be worse in bed. Perhaps the most common reason is that your cough is caused by something called... Read the full answer 〉
The length of time a cough lasts depends on the reason for your cough. 1. If you have a viral infection such as a cold or the flu, the... Read the full answer 〉
Most colds will not last longer than 10 days. Of course, some people recover sooner than others, and this depends on two factors – the virus which... Read the full answer 〉
I’m sorry to hear that you have been unwell. Most dry coughs do not indicate the presence of a serious health condition. However, if you are a... Read the full answer 〉
Sinusitis can cause headaches but there could be other reasons for your headache. For more information on causes, symptoms and treatments, please... Read the full answer 〉
The symptoms of sinusitis can vary greatly from person to person, but some of the most common are: a tight feeling behind the eyes, forehead or... Read the full answer 〉
I am sorry to hear that you have been suffering a blocked nose. There are two main reasons why this is so: 1. You could have a physical... Read the full answer 〉
A head cold is more likely to affect the sinuses and this could explain the symptom of ‘pain in the head’ that you describe. If this does not... Read the full answer 〉
I’m sorry to hear that your daughter has been unwell. Yes, stress can depress the function of the immune system leading to a variety of infections... Read the full answer 〉
Chronic bronchitis will normally give you a chesty or mucus cough.This is because damaged lung tissue tends to produce excessive amounts of mucus and... Read the full answer 〉
This is a very interesting question. Current scientific thinking is NO.The viruses causing cat flu and similar respiratory infections are quite... Read the full answer 〉
This is an interesting question and the answer is yes. The reason for this is that as sinuses become blocked, pressure builds up within the cavity... Read the full answer 〉
The answer to your question depends on the cause of your blocked nose.1. If you have a structural problem such as polyps or something called a... Read the full answer 〉
There are a number of causes of loss of smell. It is very commonly seen when one has an infection or inflammation of the upper airways, excessive... Read the full answer 〉
Firstly, congratulations for quitting smoking. Paradoxically, it is not uncommon for a cough to worsen after giving up cigarettes, but this should... Read the full answer 〉
Any persistent cough can strain the muscles in your chest wall and this could be one reason for the pain you describe on your ‘inner chest’.... Read the full answer 〉
If your son is getting a cough every month it is important that he gets this checked out by his doctor. In the meantime you may find Ivy Thyme,... Read the full answer 〉
Bronchoforce is traditionally used for a chesty cough however, if your cough has been going on for more that a few weeks or is getting worse it is... Read the full answer 〉
Echinaforce® is traditionally used for the relief of colds and flu and Bronchosan is traditionally used for dry/tickly coughs. You can use these... Read the full answer 〉
Yes, this is theoretically possible, although rare. When the cold sore virus enters a person’s body for the first time, no typical cold sore will... Read the full answer 〉
I am sorry to hear that you are troubled with a tickly cough.With the limited information you have provided, I can only give you general information... Read the full answer 〉
There are a number of possibilities to consider. These might include: 1. An infection of your upper respiratory tract infection. These... Read the full answer 〉
In principle, the answer is yes. However, we should first check that the child has not developed a form of (temporary) asthma which may be manifested... Read the full answer 〉
There could be a number of causes for your dry, irritating cough. · We would initially consider the possibility... Read the full answer 〉
If you have a cold or flu, it will be better if you did not serve food. The reason is that you are likely to transfer viruses from your hands onto... Read the full answer 〉
I am sorry to hear that your grandson has not been well. There could be two main reasons for his persistent... Read the full answer 〉
In general, the answer is no. The bacteria and viruses in the digestive tract and faeces will not give you the cold or flu. However, if you are using... Read the full answer 〉
Your symptoms do suggest that you have a viral infection and this can give rise to muscle aches or pains. Co-codamol can help with the pain but will... Read the full answer 〉
It sounds very much like your symptoms have been caused by a viral infection of your upper respiratory tract and that this is still persisting. If... Read the full answer 〉
I am sorry to hear that you have not been well. The first thing I need to check with you is that you have been to see your doctor about this problem.... Read the full answer 〉
Yes, back pain can be related to repeated bouts of coughing (resulting from both dry and chesty coughs). The most likely reason is that you have... Read the full answer 〉
A head cold, if severe, can give rise to muscle aches and pains. Other symptoms can include headaches or a feeling of pressure in the face because... Read the full answer 〉
Yes, all of these (and more, eg. pcygnogenol and nettle) have been used in the past for allergies. The actives you mention all have properties in... Read the full answer 〉
As you will know, Lupus is a condition classified as an autoimmune disorder. These arise because the body’s immune system starts to see normal body... Read the full answer 〉
I am sorry to hear that your mother has been unwell. As you can appreciate any advice I can give is limited by the information you have provided to... Read the full answer 〉
I am sorry to hear that your granddaughter has been unwell. As her mother is asthmatic, she has a greater chance of having the same problem, at least... Read the full answer 〉
From the description you have given seems to me that your father was applying iodine tincture to your tonsils – a collection of lymph glands at the... Read the full answer 〉
Our Cough Spray for kids is suitable for children over the age of 4 years and may help to soothe the symptoms of coughing in children. To help... Read the full answer 〉
You can get a constant headache with colds and flu but these usually go as you get better. Headaches of this nature are often caused by blocked... Read the full answer 〉
You may find a combination of Echinaforce Sore Throat Spray and Bronchoforce helpful as these are traditionally used for sore throats and coughs. Read the full answer 〉
You could try Bronchosan Cough Syrup as this is traditionally used for tickly coughs and you could also add in the Echinaforce® Sore Throat Spray as... Read the full answer 〉
You could try Plantago, this is traditionally used to help with blocked ears from infections, colds etc. This can be taken with your other... Read the full answer 〉
Blocked noses can be due to several factors such as allergy, catarrh, after antibiotic use or eating a lot of dairy based foods. You don't just... Read the full answer 〉
There are several things you can do that may help with your cough.Bronchoforce is traditionally used for chesty coughs and I would also suggest a... Read the full answer 〉
There could be a number of causes for this including the kind of washing powder used on the bedding, the kind of material in the pillows and duvet... Read the full answer 〉
You could try Bronchoforce as this is traditionally used for a mucus cough and I would also suggest cutting right down on dairy products such as milk... Read the full answer 〉
Head colds are colds but with the symptoms focusing more around the head and face such as headaches, blocked nose/sinus, head pressure etc. Read the full answer 〉
It is fine to take Echinacea and Vitamin C with Plantago. If you are taking the Echinacea drops you can mix this with the Plantago and take together.... Read the full answer 〉
Antibiotics will only help if a bacterial infection is the cause and you would only be able to tell if your doctor tested you. Most coughs and colds... Read the full answer 〉
You have identified the two most likely possibilities causing your symptoms. Firstly, dry coughs are typically viral coughs and may persist for some... Read the full answer 〉
Coughs can, of course, be caused by cold or flu infections but if this is not the case with you, the next most likely reason is that you have an... Read the full answer 〉
I am afraid that I won’t be able to give you a definitive answer to your question, mainly because the scientific facts are not clear. What we do... Read the full answer 〉
I’m sorry to hear of your problem. Researchers have recently found that some people may be genetically more prone to cold sores because they do... Read the full answer 〉
Yes, gargling with salt water may be helpful if you have a sore throat and is an easy remedy to put together when you have nothing else to hand. Salt... Read the full answer 〉
‘Diseases’ which we know as H1N1 or H5N1 are actually the names of influenza viruses. Some of these have become notorious because they are able... Read the full answer 〉
You seem to have had a particularly bad bout of viral infection.Sometimes, viruses causing colds and flu can trigger an inflammatory response in the... Read the full answer 〉
This is a very good, simple question which unfortunately, has many answers.One of the main responsibilities of the immune system is to help the body... Read the full answer 〉
The symptoms of chest tightness and breathlessness should be investigated further as these are also signs of asthma – so you should really make an... Read the full answer 〉
Sorry to hear of your troublesome cough. A.Vogel has a remedy called Bronchosan which may be of help to you.It is made with extracts of fresh Spruce... Read the full answer 〉
Some people find that any cold or flu type of infection can affect a particular area of the respiratory system, giving rise mainly to specific... Read the full answer 〉
Coughing at night can arise out of a number of causes. Many of these are minor health conditions, including a slight allergy to house dust or... Read the full answer 〉
I’m afraid that there is no clear or agreed answer to your question. Our opinion is that hot drinks will not be helpful to cold... Read the full answer 〉
The symptoms you describe are consistent with recurrent and repeated colds, but it is good that you have been to your doctor to eliminate a more... Read the full answer 〉
If you are finding mucus difficult to ‘move’, then you probably require a mucolytic – these are agents which help to thin the mucus, making it... Read the full answer 〉
As your cough has persisted for such a long time and because you also suffer from asthma, the best advice I can give you at this stage is to make an... Read the full answer 〉
This can happen especially if the infection is more severe than normal.It is an indication that your immune system is responding to the infection in... Read the full answer 〉
If your cold sores are still active, the natural remedy we would recommend is Bio-Propolis cold sore ointment which can be used at every stage of the... Read the full answer 〉
Well, this is only partially true. The virus that causes cold sores is indeed called the herpes virus. But, it is not the same herpes virus that... Read the full answer 〉
Yes, a blocked nose can be accompanied by feelings of swelling in the face. This is because the factors leading to a blocked or stuffed up nose can... Read the full answer 〉
The treatment we have in our range for a dry or tickly cough is known as Bronchosan - a cough syrup made from freshly harvested Pine or Spruce shoots... Read the full answer 〉
It sounds like your body is still troubled by an infection. This could either be the original viral infection you caught 3 weeks ago or what is known... Read the full answer 〉
This is not uncommon. The nodes you describe are lymph nodes and part of the body’s immune system. As the body fights off infection, lymph nodes... Read the full answer 〉
You are very wise to have stayed away from your 91 year old father as people of his age tend to have a weaker immune system. In addition, symptoms of... Read the full answer 〉
Your problem does sound rather uncomfortable and resilient to treatment. I would suggest that you take Plantago internally – it helps to break up... Read the full answer 〉
The first thing you should do is to rule out specific reasons or causes for your cough. For instance, if your cough is more commonly encountered at... Read the full answer 〉
Flu, or influenza, is a specific infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by a group of viruses known as the influenza virus. The other common... Read the full answer 〉
The most likely reason for your symptoms is a mild but persistent infection in your upper respiratory tract.However, as the problem has persisted for... Read the full answer 〉
I presume that you have just had a cold or flu. There can be two main reasons for this. Firstly, it could be that the lining of the tubes in your... Read the full answer 〉
The symptoms you describe are surprisingly common. The inflammation in your nasal passages is causing an increase in natural secretions and this is... Read the full answer 〉
Symptoms of wheezing and breathlessness suggest that you could have asthma and it would be best for you to have this confirmed or eliminated. Asthma... Read the full answer 〉
Firstly, because your body is full of inflammatory chemicals and this makes more or less everything hurt. Secondly, because catarrh filling the... Read the full answer 〉
All your energy is needed for fighting the bug and any unnecessary diversions are discouraged. Heavy digesting work isn’t helpful at this time, so... Read the full answer 〉
It may not look as if you are busy, but inside you the immune cells are extremely busy. Any infection will make you feel tired, as your body... Read the full answer 〉
There can be two reasons: 1. The original virus that you have been fighting off may have moved further down your respiratory tract,... Read the full answer 〉
Healing is a gradual process and the fact that one symptom has improved doesn’t mean you are necessarily in the home straight yet. Patience! Also,... Read the full answer 〉
This is partly because you have had a day of exhausting bug-bashing. You can’t see it happening, but your body is extremely busy defending you... Read the full answer 〉
Any infection of the body can give rise to a fever. The immune system raises your body temperature to help make the environment less friendly to... Read the full answer 〉
If you feel the antibiotics are not working, you would be best to let your doctor know. Your description of a barking cough tends to indicate that... Read the full answer 〉
Keeping your immune system strong will help prevent episodes of cold sores recurring. In addition, there are certain trigger factors relating to cold... Read the full answer 〉
This depends on the cause of your chesty cough of which there are many. I assume that you are generally healthy and do not suffer from one of the... Read the full answer 〉
Alternatively, the pain you are describing could be coming from the lung tissue itself because inflammation and infection may have spread down your... Read the full answer 〉
Cold sores most often appear around the mouth but occasionally can occur either on the nose or inside the nostril as you have described. Cold sores... Read the full answer 〉
I wonder if your sore throat is the result of acid reflux rather than any infection. This will explain why your choice of echinacea and manuka honey... Read the full answer 〉
It does seem that your immune system needs some help. Having a cold can itself weaken your body’s defences further and this is why outbreaks of... Read the full answer 〉
You could try Sinuforce Nasal Spray as this tends to work quickly. For long term relief Plantago is recommended, you can use both together if you... Read the full answer 〉
Stress can play a big part in the recurrence of cold sores; we would, however, also suggest that constant cold sores are checked out by your GP. Read the full answer 〉
You could try a lip care ointment containing propolis - this is a natural remedy used for treating cold sores. Read the full answer 〉
Your symptoms do sound like that of a bad cold. Headaches might also indicate blocked sinuses and if you nose is also blocked you might benefit from... Read the full answer 〉
If you still have symptoms after a week or so it is best to get in touch with your doctor or contact NHS 24. They can advise if you need to take any... Read the full answer 〉
Stress can weaken the immune system and make recovery take longer. You can take Echinaforce®, which is traditionally used for the treatment of colds... Read the full answer 〉
As you still have an infection you can keep on with the Echinacea until you feel better. Plantago is traditionally used for ear problems so may be... Read the full answer 〉
This does tend to vary, but in general, up to 2 or 3 days after symptoms appear. Read the full answer 〉
If you'd had a cold then it should go in a week or so. You might wish to visit our pages on coughs for more information including symptoms to look... Read the full answer 〉
It's best to have this checked out as you have had the symptoms for quite some time. Read the full answer 〉
You could both try Echinaforce this is licensed for the relief of colds and flu. If symptoms persist for more than 10 days after starting... Read the full answer 〉
This is all to do with the infection causing inflammation and irritating the mucus lining of the nose. If you have cold like symptoms as well as the... Read the full answer 〉
You could look at using Echinaforce® which is great for colds and flu. However, if symptoms still persist after using Echinacea for more than 2... Read the full answer 〉
In general, Echinacea can be used as a preventative. If you take one dose a day, there is no need to take a break. Our product is licensed for the... Read the full answer 〉
Flu symptoms can include temperature, headaches, joint/muscle aches, total debilitation (you just can't get out of bed!) sneezing, runny nose,... Read the full answer 〉
Plantago is traditionally used as an ear, nose and throat herb and is normally recommended for sinus, earache, sore throats, mucus, inflammation of... Read the full answer 〉
You could try Echinaforce® as this is traditionally used for colds and flu and can be taken until you are completely better. You could also try... Read the full answer 〉
Echinacea can be used to help recovery from colds, flu etc, and this can be taken until you are better. You could also try Biostrath.Use Bronchoforce... Read the full answer 〉
It sounds like a cold or flu infection, so try Echinaforce® Sore Throat Spray, stay warm, rest and drink plenty of liquids and fruit juice. Read the full answer 〉
The headaches and coughing may be caused by blocked sinuses. You may find it helpful to use Sinuforce Nasal Spray. Bronchoforce may also help to... Read the full answer 〉
Yes, Echinacea can be used together with conventional cold and flu medicines that are readily available in high street pharmacies and supermarkets.... Read the full answer 〉
Many people have the virus and never have a cold sore however sometimes, stress, strong sunshine or other infection can trigger one. Read the full answer 〉
Herpex Simplex is the virus that causes cold sores around the mouth. they can be passed from person to person, you can have had the virus for a long... Read the full answer 〉
He may find that avoiding certain foods such as dairy products and caffeine could help, especially when he is stressed. He may also find Sinuforce... Read the full answer 〉
You could look at Echinaforce® as this is traditionally used for flu. Read the full answer 〉
It does sound like the flu but if you are still feeling really unwell it is best to seek medical advice. NHS 24 should be able to give a diagnosis.... Read the full answer 〉
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