COUGH

See also

Cold, Sore throat

Types

• Productive cough: Especially when yellow/green sputum and fever may herald an infection requiring symptomatic relief you can provide - but if not resolving quickly. Contact GP.
• Dry cough: May be associated with URTI. Advise symptomatic relief (NB. Asthma - below)
• Persistent cough: Cough lasting more than 4-6 weeks should be checked by your GP.

Danger signs

• Haemoptysis/coughing up blood. Contact GP urgently.
• Night and post exercise cough; particularly in atopic individuals or families may indicate asthma. Chest tightness and wheeze may also be present.Contact GP if persistent.

Notes for children

• Coughs are common. Parents should be reassured if child is thriving (growing well, full of energy) and asthma/post nasal drip causes of cough have been eliminated by doctor.
• Fluids and temperature control measures are high priority. The latter include: paracetamol - avoid overheating - tepid sponging if needed. NB: Children may inhale foreign bodies - if suspected - Contact GP.
• Drug related cough. Especially ACE inhibitors. Certain heart drugs (B-blockers) may induce bronchospasms and cough.

General advice

• Treat underlying cause where possible.
• NB: Codeine may constipate.
• Theophyllines can cause tachycardia, GIT disturbance, irritability.

Therapy

• Decongestants and antihistamines may give symptomatic relief.
• Codeine - for symptomatic cough - Not in respiratory/liver failure.
• Theophylline - treats bronchospasm.
• Expectorants.
• Demulcents.

Dictionary

Atopy: type I allergic reaction, ,specifically one with strong familial tendencies caused by allergens such as pollens, foods and itisect venoms.
Bronchospasm: contraction of smooth muscle in the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles, causing narrowing of the lumen.
Demulcent: a soothing agent that protects the mucous membranes and relieves irritation.
Expectorant: a drug that enhances the secretions of sputum by the air passages.
Haemoptysis: the spitting of blood derived from the lungs or bronchial tubes.
Sputum: material coughed up from the respiratory tract.
Tachycardia: rapid beating of the heart, usually applied to rates over 100 per minute.
Theophylline: an alkaloid found with caffeine in tea leaves. A smooth muscle relaxant, diuretic, cardiac, stimulant and vasodilator.

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