In a healthy 30-year-old with a dry, persistent cough for 10 days and no fever or other symptoms, what is the most appropriate management?

• A. Advise antibiotics
• B. Suggest a throat lozenge
• C. Reassure the patient, no treatment necessary
• D. Recommend a decongestant

Answer: (C)

Acute coughs in healthy adults are most often viral and self-limiting, so antibiotics don’t shorten the illness and aren’t indicated without red flags. In this scenario, a dry cough lasting 10 days with no fever or other symptoms and no signs of pneumonia or systemic illness fits a self-limited viral or post-viral cough. The best approach is reassurance that no specific treatment is needed now and to support the patient with simple measures if they want, such as throat soothing options and staying hydrated. Advise them to return or seek care if red flags develop (e.g., shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, coughing up blood) or if the cough persists beyond about three weeks.