Warning issued over winter coughs

23.11.2010 [22:35]
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Baku, November 23 (AZERTAC). A cold weather cough that will not clear up could be the first sign of more serious illness, say experts, according to BBC News.

Pharmacists have been asked by their professional body to pick out people with persistent problems and urge them to see their GP.

A long-lasting cough could indicate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which affects millions in the UK, or even cancer.

Specialists said catching illness early would improve treatment chances. At this time of year, millions of people develop chest problems, many caused by infections, which will clear up over the following days or weeks. However, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain said that a few may be early symptoms of lung cancer.

They said that a cough that lasts more than a few weeks, coupled with breathlessness, or fatigue, deserves the attention of a GP rather than just more cough medicine.

Graham Phillips, a member of the society`s board, said: “Many people will repeatedly buy cough medicines or maybe iron tablets for tiredness and a lack of energy”.

“If you can`t seem to shake off symptoms that seem similar to colds and flu, such as a persistent cough or chest infection, or if you keep losing your voice, feel breathless or tired and lacking in energy, then ask your pharmacist for advice instead of buying an over-the-counter medicine or picking something up in the supermarket.”

Warning issued over winter coughs

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