While many of us might reach for the cough bottle when we feel a cough coming on, GP Dr Nina Byrnes says they actually make you cough more.

On this week's Ask the GP on Lunchtime Live, one texter asked if they should take a cough bottle when they feel unwell.

Dr Nina Byrnes however said she rarely recommends cough bottles.

"There’s no real evidence that cough bottles make any difference," she said.

"If you have a very irritated sore throat, the old-fashioned lemon and honey spoon to soothe your throat can be OK.

"There are a lot of cough bottles, expectorants that people will buy - but I really only prescribe those to heavy smokers who have really thick secretions because expectorants actually make you cough more."

Dr Byrnes said it is important to talk with your GP or a pharmacist to help discover what is causing the cough.

Vitamins

The same texter also wanted to know what the best way to take vitamins is.

"When it comes to vitamins, look at the quality," she said.

"You do not have to be spending a fortune on vitamins - but you do need to get a decent one that is going to get absorbed properly."

Dr Byrnes said patients need to figure out what vitamins suit them best.

"If you have heartburn or stomach issues, a pill might not work for you," she said.

"You can get a powder, but then you have to drink it and some people don’t like the taste of it."

Dr Byrnes said a vitamin-rich diet is best, but it can be helpful to take certain vitamins - such as Vitamin D - in the winter months.

Cold sores

Another texter asked for help with treating cold sores quickly.

"Once the sore has come up it just has to run its course," Dr Byrnes said.

She recommended over-the-counter anti-viral creams to help with recovery.

However, if someone is particularly prone to cold sores, a GP may be able to prescribe a medication.

"The medicine works best when taken within the first 48 hours," she said.

Dr Byrnes also said some cold sore sufferers find it helpful to take lysine supplements.

You can listen back here: