Cough: Information for patients and carers

This advice is sourced from Dr Ros Taylor a senior palliative physician

Q. What causes a cough at the end of life?

A. There may be a treatable cause of a cough which is unrelated to the patient's terminal illness. For example:

  • Chest infection
  • Allergy
  • Acid reflux
  • Underlying COPD or asthma
  • Aspiration due to unreliable swallowing (swallowing food/liquid into the airways)

However at the end of life, retained mucus /secretions is a common cause of coughing, but the person may be took weak to cough the mucus up. 

Q. Should a cough be treated?

A. Coughs are often exhausting and disturb sleep. It is always worth thinking about if there is a treatable cause.

Q. What simple measures can patients and carers use to try and alieviate a cough?

A.

  • Use simple measures first e.g. moist inhalations or taking honey 
  • A saline nebuliser can be helpful - ask your GP or pharmacist
  • If possible avoid lying on your back because this makes coughing ineffective

Q. When should we ask for medical help?

A.

  • If a cough is not responding to simple measures and disturbing sleep
  • If you are coughing up blood 
  • If you have signs of a chest infection - such as coughing up green sputum/ or have a high temperature
  • If you are becoming more breathless

 

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