Palliative Care (Cough)

What is Palliative Care (Cough) โ“

 Palliative care is treatment given to improve the quality of life of patients with serious illness and reduce any discomfort

 A cough is a reflex and the bodies attempt to clear the airways ๐Ÿ’จ

 Causes: cancer and/or associated treatment, lung or other conditions, infection or some drugs ๐Ÿฆ 


What are the Symptoms of a Cough โ“

 Coughing (dry, moist, productive, or non-productive) ๐Ÿ—ฃ

 May cause:

 Runny nose ๐Ÿ‘ƒ

 Phlegm (may be clear, or thick and yellow/green) ๐Ÿคง

 Breathlessness

 Bleeding ๐Ÿ’ง


How do you Diagnose a Cough โ“

 Medical assessment ๐Ÿ”

 Further investigation into cause e.g. scans


How do you Treat a Cough โ“

 Simple methods: cough medicine and air humidifier ๐Ÿงด

 Opioids to suppress cough e.g. codeine or morphine if severe ๐Ÿ’Š

 Clear airways using a nebuliser mask and/or medicine


Why should I Worry about a Cough โ“

 May affect quality of life, for example due to sleep disturbance ๐Ÿ›Œ

 Can lead to problems such as hernia or vomiting ๐Ÿคฎ


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