New analysis has revealed that across a five-year period between 2020/21 to 2024/25, A&E medics in the UK dealt with 1.4million cases of a cough.

According to the Press Association, 4,200 attendances were for hiccups and 290,000 were logged where the chief complaint was constipation.

It has prompted a warning from health bosses in Suffolk to the public, urging them to think about what is best for their needs.

Nicola Cottington, chief operating officer at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (Image: West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust)

Nicola Cottington, chief operating officer at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: “At busy times people who have minor ailments can impact on space in the department, so we do ask everyone to think about the other options available to them, including NHS 111, community pharmacies and Pharmacy First, and our colleagues in GP practices.

“At this time of year we also encourage people to ensure they have a stock of over-the-counter remedies in their homes.”

The research found one million attendances were for earache, while 69,000 were for a blocked nose.

Several conditions have experienced an increase in A&E attendances, such as diarrhoea, which rose from 59,120 in 2020/21 to 143,591 by 2024/25.

Millions across the country have attended A&E for minor ailments (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Karen Lough, chief operating officer of East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Ipswich Hospital, said: “Our urgent treatment centres (UTCs), based at Clacton, Colchester and Ipswich hospitals, work alongside other partners of the urgent care network including GPs, community pharmacists, the ambulance service and other community-based services, such as opticians and dentists, to provide accessible and convenient alternatives for people who do not need to attend accident and emergency.

“The UTCs at Ipswich and Colchester hospitals are based alongside our emergency departments, helping to reduce pressure on our emergency teams and ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate care.”

Ms Cottington added: “Our emergency department is always here for those who are seriously ill or injured, and anyone who is experiencing a serious medical emergency should always call 999.”