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What is cough?

Cough is a reflex response to mechanical, chemical, or inflammation of the trachea brachial tree. Cough serves as a way to clear the obstruction or irritating material. It may be the sign of an infection. It happens automatically. It clears things from the airway.

How do people describe cough?

Some people describe cough as varying between a hacking and a productive cough. It is usually dry and a hacking cough can occur with sore throat and may be the sign of an infection. When people cough constantly they are not able to do their usual activities as activity may aggravate the coughing. They tire easier. Some report that coughing makes it difficult to sleep at night or eat meals or talk.

What causes cough?

There are different kinds of cough. People with cancer may experience cough due to a number of different problems including viruses, chronic lung disorders, fatigue, pneumonia, pain, infection, or anxiety. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy, tumor or fluid in the lungs may also result in cough. Cough is often associated with flu like symptoms such as chills, aches and pains.

How do people cope with cough?

Here are some tips people use:

  • Remain calm-try to stay relaxed.
  • Avoid smoking or being around smokers.
  • Limit unnecessary activity.
  • Cough suppressants should be used cautiously in patients with low white blood counts. Ask the doctor which lozenges you can use.
  • Pace activities to provide rest periods.
  • Place a cool washcloth on cheeks.
  • Avoid warm temperatures, unpleasant odors and fumes.
  • Eat six small meals a day rather than 3 large ones.
  • Try relaxation exercises.
  • Keep up fluid level by drinking water, 8 glasses per day (8 oz.).
  • Hard candy may help to stop a dry cough.
  • Avoid dryness in the home. If one uses humidifiers be sure they are cleaned every few days.
  • Water, lemonade, hot liquids help to get rid of irritation that causes cough.
What can family members and friends do to help with my cough?
  • Ask for and accept offers of help from family members and friends for cleaning, grocery shopping and cooking.
  • Ask them not to smoke.
  • Run a humidifier in the house.
How to talk with my family members and friends about cough?
  • Try to describe how the cough affects emotions and mood.
  • Ask for suggestions that might help relieve cough.
  • Try describing how cough may interfere with usual activities and may make one tired.
What should I report to my doctor or nurse?
  • If cough lasts more than 7 days.
  • Difficulty swallowing.
  • Chest pain with the cough.
  • Coughing up blood.
  • Wheezing.
  • Spike of fever above 100.4º F.
  • Cold, clammy skin.
  • High-pitched sound (stridor) when inhaling.
  • Thick, yellow, green or bloody phlegm (sputum).
  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath.
  • Hoarseness.
Where can I get more information?
  • Contact your local doctor or nurse.
  • Call the American Cancer Society at: 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit the internet at: http://www.cancer.org. Click on Patients, Family & Friends, then Coping with Treatment, then on Coping with Physical and Emotional Changes followed by Side.
  • Call the National Cancer Institute at: 1-800-4-CANCER or visit on the internet at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/. Click on Coping with Cancer.
  • Call the Oncology Nursing Society at: 1-866-257-4ONS or visit on the internet at: http://www.cancersourcern.com. Click on Side Effects.
  • Visit the American Lung Association on the internet at: http://www.lungusa.org; or call them at 1-800-543-LUNG (5864).
  • Visit the Family Care Research Program on the internet at: http://www.cancercare.msu.edu.
References:
  • The University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center’s website at: http://www.oncolink.com.
  • Hood, L.E. & Harwood, K.V. (2003). Flu like symptoms. In C.H. Yarbro, M.H. Frogge, & M. Goodman (Eds.), Cancer symptom management, 3rd Ed. (pp. 61-76). Boston: Jones and Bartlett.