There are few things more irritating than lying in bed exhausted, ready to settle in for a good night’s sleep, only to be kept awake by a cough that won’t quit.

So, if you’re desperate to make it stop, what actually works?

Most coughs don’t needed to be treated, and though annoying, will go away by themselves.

So if you’re tempted by the many lozenges, syrups or medicated hot drinks that promise to ease that dry itchy feeling in your throat, here’s what to keep in mind.

First, what’s causing the cough?

A cough is a symptom and protective reflex to clear your airways, rather than an illness itself.

Many coughs are caused by short-lived viral infections and can be safely managed at home, but others are caused by conditions that need medical assessment or specific treatment.

A cough that brings up mucus from the lungs is often described as chesty or productive.

A dry cough produces no mucus, or a small amount that comes from the nasal passages. Dry coughs are commonly caused by viral infections but can also signal other conditions.

Read more: Still coughing after COVID? Here’s why it happens and what to do about it

Any cough that lasts longer than four weeks should be assessed by your GP, while any severe or worrying symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, blood or chest pain, should prompt you to seek urgent care.

What is in cough medicines?

There are three main........

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