Chronic Cough - Paediatric Palliative Care
Description General and supportive measures Medicine treatment ICD-10 code: R05 DESCRIPTION Involuntary cough lasting more than 3 weeks caused by chronic stimulation of cough receptors impairing sleep, communication and feeding. GENERAL AND SUPPORTIVE MEASURES Determine and treat the underlying cause where possible. Exclude undiagnosed GORD and bronchospasm. If caused by ACE inhibitor, cons
General and supportive measures
ICD-10 code: R05
DESCRIPTION
Involuntary cough lasting more than 3 weeks caused by chronic stimulation of cough receptors impairing sleep, communication and feeding.
GENERAL AND SUPPORTIVE MEASURES
- Determine and treat the underlying cause where possible.
- Exclude undiagnosed GORD and bronchospasm.
- If caused by ACE inhibitor, consider changing meds.
- Try simple linctus to soothe throat.
- Alternatively, a homemade solution of hot water with a squeeze of lemon and teaspoon of honey.
MEDICATION AND TREATMENT
- Severe and disturbing cough that impacts negatively on sleep and quality of life warrants suppression.
- Codeine is no longer recommended given issues with metabolism (nonmetabolizers or ultra-rapid metabolizers).
- Use morphine at dyspnoea doses (see: Dyspnoea).
- If already on morphine for pain, increase dose by 30–50%.
Standard Treatment Guidelines And Essential Medicines List For South Africa, Hospital Level, Paediatrics, 2023 Edition
Chapter: 21. Palliative Care, 21.1 Symptom Control, 21.1.2 Respiratory Symptoms, 21.1.2.2 Chronic Cough