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Cough and Respiratory Secretions

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Integrated Palliative Care of Respiratory Disease

Abstract

Cough is both an important defense mechanism for the lungs and a ­troublesome symptom. Treatment is first directed at the underlying mechanisms giving rise to cough. Codeine or strong opioids can help to relieve cough although their use is limited by adverse effects such as sedation and constipation. Patients with ineffective cough due to neuromuscular diseases, such as motor neurone disease, are vulnerable to retained airway secretions and pneumonia. Physiotherapy techniques and cough assist devices may enhance clearance of respiratory secretions under these circumstances. 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 Respiratory Medicine, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK

    Stephen J. Bourke M.D., FRCP, FRCPI, DCH

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  1. Stephen J. Bourke M.D., FRCP, FRCPI, DCH
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Correspondence to Stephen J. Bourke M.D., FRCP, FRCPI, DCH .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, United Kingdom

    Stephen J. Bourke

  2. , Palliative Care Unit, North Tyneside General Hospital, Rake Lane, North Shields, NE29 8NH, United Kingdom

    Edwin Timothy Peel

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© 2013 Springer-Verlag London

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Bourke, S.J. (2013). Cough and Respiratory Secretions. In: Bourke, S., Peel, E. (eds) Integrated Palliative Care of Respiratory Disease. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2230-2_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2230-2_4

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-2229-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-2230-2

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