This advice is sourced from Dr Ros Taylor a senior palliative physician
What causes a cough in advanced illness?
There may be a treatable cause of a cough which is unrelated to someone's terminal illness. For example:
- Chest infection
- Allergy
- Acid reflux
- Underlying lung disease e.g. COPD or asthma
- Swallowing food/liquid into the airways (aspiration)
What simple measures can patients and carers use to try and improve a cough?
Use simple measures first e.g. steam 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
When does coughing require medical help?
If a cough is not responding to simple measures and disturbing sleep
Coughing up blood
Signs of a chest infection - such as coughing up green sputum/ or have a high temperature
Becoming more breathless
If there is a cough right at the end of life please see this page which explains the normal changes in breathing that occur at this stage