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Cough and Respiratory Secretions

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Integrated Palliative Care of Respiratory Disease

Abstract

Cough is both an important protective mechanism for the lungs and a troublesome symptom. Treatment is first directed against any underlying disease. Opioids and gabapentin are the most effective cough-suppressant drugs, although their use can be limited by adverse effects. Cough-suppressant drugs can be combined with non-pharmacological multidisciplinary adjunctive therapies and vocal cord hygiene techniques designed to reduce cough hypersensitivity. Patients with ineffective cough due to neuromuscular disease are vulnerable to retained secretions and pneumonia. Physiotherapy techniques and cough-assist devices enhance clearance of respiratory secretions. Anticholinergic drugs such as hyoscine or glycopyrronium are effective in controlling secretions and a death rattle at the end of life.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Palliative Medicine, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK

    Rachel Quibell

  2. Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK

    Stephen J. Bourke

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  1. Rachel Quibell
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  2. Stephen J. Bourke
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Correspondence to Stephen J. Bourke .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK

    Stephen J. Bourke

  2. Policy, Ethics and Life Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK

    Tim Peel

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Quibell, R., Bourke, S.J. (2019). Cough and Respiratory Secretions. In: Bourke, S., Peel, T. (eds) Integrated Palliative Care of Respiratory Disease. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-18944-0_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-18944-0_4

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-18943-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-18944-0

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