Respiratory symptoms assessed today
Cough, respiratory infections, and other respiratory symptoms are among the most common reasons to see a doctor — and most can be assessed safely by video. Our doctors registered with the Ordem dos Médicos take a full medical history, assess your symptoms, and advise on treatment, referral, or an in-person assessment when needed.
If the doctor considers that your symptoms need a physical examination or urgent care, you will be told clearly and directed to the appropriate service.
Upper and lower infections
Respiratory infections can affect the nose, the sinuses, the throat, the airways or the lungs. They are divided into two groups:
- Upper (nose and throat): colds, sinusitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis.
- Lower (bronchi and lungs): bronchitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia. These tend to last longer and can be more serious.
Flu can affect both. Most respiratory infections clear up within one or two weeks and can be treated at home.
Flu or cold?
How quickly it starts tells you a lot. According to the DGS, flu starts suddenly, with fever, feeling unwell, pain on swallowing, headache, muscle and joint pain and a dry cough. It usually forces you to stay in bed. A cold comes on slowly and stays in the upper airways: blocked nose, sneezing, watery eyes and a scratchy throat. It rarely causes a high fever or body aches, and most people can carry on with their lives.
Flu usually passes in 5 to 7 days, but the cough and tiredness can last up to two weeks. In both cases, the treatment is the same: rest, fluids and paracetamol for fever and aches. Antibiotics do not work for either.
Is it a virus? In most cases, yes
The DGS explains that if you have a cough, a blocked nose, sneezing or a runny nose, with no fever or a low fever (up to 38 °C), and the symptoms came on suddenly, it is most likely a viral infection.
Antibiotics do not treat viruses. They do not make the infection go away faster and can have unwanted effects. In addition, taking them when they are not needed makes bacteria resistant. The DGS points out that Portugal is one of the countries with the highest rates of antibiotic resistance, partly because of their misuse.
That is why, in the consultation, the doctor only recommends an antibiotic when the assessment points to a bacterial infection, and always explains why.
Symptoms of bronchitis
Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi, almost always caused by an infection. The symptoms are similar to those of a cold or flu:
- cough, sometimes with phlegm
- chest pain when coughing
- shortness of breath
- sore throat and runny nose
- fever
Acute bronchitis usually gets better on its own in about three weeks. The cough is usually the last symptom to go, so a "cough that won't go away" is often part of normal recovery. If it is still there after three weeks, it should be assessed.
What to do at home
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Take paracetamol if you have a fever, headache or muscle aches.
- Breathe in moist air (for example, steam from the shower), especially before going to bed, to loosen secretions.
- Sleep with your head raised.
- Do not smoke.
And what the DGS asks you not to do: do not pressure the doctor or pharmacist to recommend unnecessary medicines, do not self-medicate, do not use leftover antibiotics and never take medicines recommended by other people.
A cough that won't go away: when to worry
After a cold, flu or bronchitis, the cough is often the last symptom to go and can last up to three weeks. That alone is not a sign of anything serious. The body is clearing the airways.
Talk to a doctor if the cough lasts more than three weeks, if you cough up blood, if you have shortness of breath or chest pain, if the fever comes back after it had gone, or if you feel worse and worse instead of better. People who smoke or who have asthma, COPD or another chronic condition should be seen sooner. In a video consultation, the doctor listens to the cough, takes a history and decides whether you need tests, such as a chest X-ray.
When to talk to a doctor
Book an appointment if you have a respiratory infection and:
- you feel very unwell or your symptoms are getting worse
- you have had a fever for more than three days
- you are coughing up blood or blood-stained phlegm
- your cough has lasted more than three weeks
- you are pregnant or over 65
- you have a weakened immune system (for example, due to diabetes or chemotherapy)
- you have a chronic heart, lung or kidney condition
Severe symptoms may indicate pneumonia, which needs prompt medical assessment.
When it is an emergency
Call 112 if you have severe difficulty breathing (you cannot speak, you are struggling for breath), if your lips or skin become very pale, bluish or greyish, or if you suddenly become confused.
In less serious situations where you are unsure what to do, call the SNS 24 helpline (808 24 24 24). The helpline assesses your symptoms and directs you to the most appropriate health facility.
What a video consultation cannot do
The doctor can see how you are breathing, hear your cough and take a careful history. They cannot listen to your lungs, measure your oxygen saturation (unless you have a pulse oximeter at home) or do an X-ray during the call. If your history suggests pneumonia or another problem that needs these tests, the doctor will tell you where to go and how urgently, or will arrange the test request.
How to avoid infecting others
These infections spread through coughs and sneezes. SNS 24 recommends what is known as respiratory etiquette: cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze, throw tissues away straight afterwards and wash your hands often, with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
If you have a fever or do not feel well, stay at home, rest and drink water. If you really have to be with other people, wear a mask. Avoid contact with babies, older people and people with weakened immune systems until your symptoms have passed. If you have questions about your symptoms, you can contact the SNS 24 helpline (808 24 24 24).
Book a same-day appointment
Talk to a doctor today about your respiratory symptoms.
Family and General Medicine Appointment
If you need time off work, the doctor can issue a medical note or, when justified, a certificate of temporary incapacity for work. Find out how sick leave works.
Sources
- Respiratory tract infections (NHS)
- Prevenção de infeções respiratórias (SNS 24)
- Gripe, perguntas e respostas (DGS)
- Flu (NHS)
- Infeções respiratórias (DGS)
- Bronchitis (NHS)
- Chest infection (NHS)
- Sobre nós (Linha SNS 24, 808 24 24 24) (SNS 24)
- Antibiotics (NHS)