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