When to refer
When to refer
There are certain cough symptoms that should ring warning bells. Get your pharmacists involved if a customer reports any of the following:
- Unexplained weight loss
- A cough that is worse first thing in the morning, at night or after exercise
- Pain in the chest or shoulder
- A fever that does not respond to medication such as paracetamol
- Breathing problems such as fast or laboured breathing, breathlessness or wheezing
- Vomiting after coughing
- A persistent change in voice
- Lumps or swellings in the neck
- Taking other medication or being affected by other medical conditions.
Signposting
For more information, you can:
- Use your Counter Intelligence Plus training guide
- Visit the NHS website – Coughs