Dr Phil Kieran: What is the best treatment for a teen with a hacking cough?

If you think your child is significantly unwell and needs a doctor’s intervention, you are probably right, and if you think they are doing OK and you can manage them at home, you are probably correct too.

My 15-year-old son has a stubborn hacking cough. He took two days off school last week, which helped, but he hasn’t fully shaken it off yet. I’ve given him a cough bottle, but it doesn’t seem to be making any difference. At what point should I bring him to see a GP?

Respiratory infections are arguably the most common infections, and most, if not all, will include some degree of coughing. It is common for children to get over six viral respiratory infections per year.