Your Cough Appointment: What to Expect

Step 1: The Conversation (Listening)

The first and most important thing we do is listen. To understand your specific situation, we will ask questions such as:

• Duration: How long have you had the cough?
• Phlegm: Are you coughing anything up? If so, what does it look like?
• Other Symptoms: Do you have a fever, chest pain, or wheezing?
• History: Do you smoke?

Step 2: The Physical Check (Painless)

Next, we perform a simple check-up to add more detail to the picture. This typically involves:

• Checking your temperature, pulse, and breathing rate.
• Listening to your chest with a stethoscope to check for signs of infection in your lungs.

Step 3: The Outcome

Once we have built the picture, we will explain the likely cause.

• Reassurance: For most people, we can reassure them that it is likely a viral infection that will clear up on its own.
• The Plan: If treatment or further investigation is needed, we will agree on a plan together.