Characters:

 Pharmacist: Sarah, a pharmacist with 5 years of experience.

 Patient: John, a 32-year-old man with a persistent cough.

Scene:

John walks up to the pharmacy counter, holding a box of cough drops in his hand. He looks tired and
has a slight wheeze in his voice.

John: Hi, I've been coughing like crazy for the past few days. I was hoping you could recommend
something stronger than these cough drops.

Sarah: (Smiling warmly) I understand how frustrating a cough can be. Can you tell me a little more
about it? When did it start, and what are your other symptoms?

John: It started about 4 days ago. It's mostly a dry cough, but sometimes brings up some phlegm. I
have a bit of a runny nose and a scratchy throat, but no fever or anything like that.

Sarah: Hmm, sounds like it could be a common cold. Have you tried any other medications or home
remedies?

John: I tried some over-the-counter cough syrup, but it didn't really help. I also used a humidifier at
night, which seemed to soothe things a bit.

Sarah: Good thinking. Humidifiers can definitely help with a dry cough. Based on your symptoms, I
wouldn't recommend anything stronger than what you've already tried. Overusing cough
suppressants can actually make your cough worse in some cases.

John: But I'm tired of coughing all the time! It's keeping me up at night and making it hard to work.

Sarah: I understand your frustration. Here's what I suggest:

 Continue using the humidifier at night.

 Try a saline nasal spray to clear your sinuses.

 Gargle with warm salt water several times a day to soothe your throat.

 Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

 Get plenty of rest.

John: But what about medication?

Sarah: If your cough persists for more than a week, or if you develop a fever, chest pain, or difficulty
breathing, it's best to see a doctor. They can rule out any underlying conditions and recommend a
more targeted treatment plan.

John: Okay, that makes sense. Thanks for your advice, Sarah. I appreciate you taking the time to
explain everything.

Sarah: You're welcome, John. Don't hesitate to come back if your symptoms worsen or you have any
questions.

John: I will. Thanks again!

Sarah: Have a good day, John!