Coughs - how do you know when to visit GP?

[Sunshineonsea]

Ds (4) always gets a cold over winter months, always accompanied by a cough that sounds terrible.
But I can never tell when it's just a Virus and when it needs medical attention, my GP is a nightmare to get an appointment with and I don't want to waste their time.
Ds has been prescribed antibiotics in the past for a cough, I went in and said i was a bit worried etc and GP had a listen, said he did have an infection and he was surprised as he was expecting to send me off with just calpol.

Ds has had a cough(and cold) for about 4/5 days now, temp controlled with calpol, eating and sleeping ok and has been to school but the coughing is waking him up this evening and he seems like he's in a bit of pain with it

Sorry for long post

An 'infection' can by caused by either virus or bacteria.

I'd only go to GP if the DC seemed extremely unwell (eg several symptoms) or if a cough has lasted more than 3 to 4 weeks.

Thanks for the reply

I hadn't even considered GP before this evening as I just thought it was a cold that would pass but is the pain when coughing normal?
It's been years since I had a cough so can't really remember

Took him to Gp as he had was a bit dizzy and he has got a chest infection