Cough

Most coughs are caused by viruses which inflame the throat, airways or lungs. Here are some tips to relieve a chesty, dry or persistent cough.

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Coughs and colds in children

Most coughs and colds in children are caused by viruses. Find out how to treat your child and prevent them from developing and spreading a cold.

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Bronchitis

Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in your lungs, which causes a cough. Learn about the symptoms and treatment of acute bronchitis.

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Codeine

Codeine is an opioid medicine used to relieve mild pain and suppress a dry cough. Find out how codeine works and about possible side effects.

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Asthma

Asthma symptoms can include a cough, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness. Learn more about asthma symptoms, causes and treatment options.

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Dihydrocodeine

Dihydrocodeine is an opioid-based medicine available on prescription from your doctor. It is categorised as a 'weak' opioid. Learn more here.

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Croup

Croup is very common in children under 5 years old. Find out how croup is diagnosed and treated here.

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Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be very serious. It’s often caused by bacteria or viruses. Learn how to prevent getting pneumonia.

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Asthma in children

Find out more about the signs and symptoms of asthma, aids and tips to help you care for your child and what to do if your child has an asthma attack.

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Whooping cough

Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial infection and is most serious in babies. Here's how to spot the symptoms and protect infants.

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Haemoptysis (coughing up blood)

Haemoptysis (hemoptysis) is when you cough up blood from your lungs or airways. Read about the causes and when to seek emergency help for haemoptysis.

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Post-nasal drip

Post-nasal drip is when mucus drips down your throat, causing a cough. Treat by addressing the cause and staying hydrated.

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Lung conditions

Learn all about lung conditions and diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, whooping cough and more.

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Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis symptoms are ongoing wet cough and repeated chest infections. Find out about the causes, diagnosis and treatment for bronchiectasis.

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Emphysema

Emphysema is a progressive lung disease often due to smoking, causing shortness of breath and coughing. Read about symptoms and treatments.

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MERS

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is caused by a coronavirus. It can cause fever, cough and shortness of breath. Find out more about MERS here.

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Medicines for cold and flu

Learn about over-the-counter medicines that might help relieve cold and flu symptoms and when antiviral medicine may be helpful.

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Tetanus

Tetanus is an infection that can be fatal. Because of vaccination, few people now get tetanus infection in Australia. Learn more about tetanus here.

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School exclusion periods

If your child has an infectious illness, you may need to keep them home to stop it spreading at daycare or school. Learn about school exclusion periods here.

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Personal hygiene for children

Good personal hygiene is important to keep your child clean and healthy. Read these tips on supporting your child to learn these skills.

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Respiratory system

Your respiratory system brings oxygen into your body and helps to remove carbon dioxide. Learn more about how it functions and how to keep it healthy.

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Chest infection

Chest infections are common in people of all ages. Find out more about what causes chest infections, their symptoms and treatments.

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Choking

Choking is when something gets stuck in your throat or windpipe and blocks it. Find out about choking first aid and what to do in an emergency.

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Inhaled substance or foreign object

Substances such as a liquid, powder and gas or small objects can be breathed in accidentally. Learn what to do if you inhale a substance.

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Runny nose

Runny nose, also called rhinorrhoea, can be caused by things like allergies, colds and flu. Learn how to treat and prevent a runny nose.

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Colds and flu

Find out more about how to treat the cold or flu, how to avoid catching the cold or the flu and special cases in which to take extra care.

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Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections can affect many parts of your body. Find out about bacterial infections, how they are treated and how to stop them spreading.

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Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral disease that can cause severe pneumonia. Know what to do in a future outbreak.

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Cold or flu? (infographic)

Can't tell if you've got the cold or the flu? This infographic helps you compare cold and flu symptoms, debunk the most common myths.

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Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

ACE inhibitors and ARBs are commonly taken for hypertension. They work by relaxing your blood vessels. You shouldn’t take ACE inhibitors and ARBs together.

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