Coughs

Coughs
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What is it?
 Cough- is a reflux that protects your breathing passages, also includes your
lungs, from secretions that can clogs the lungs and hinder the intake of
oxygen;
o a natural reflux to lung irritation that rids the lungs of mucus or
secretions
o Dry or Unproductive Cough- especially irritating at night, a cough
suppressant will provide a restful night with relief
 Coughing- may be an important signal to more serious health problems
Signs and Symptoms:
 Dry Cough- suck on medicated throat lozenges or hard candy
 Cough with thick Phlegm- use over the counter syrups or expectorants to
help you cough and spit up the material, drink plenty of fluids
 Dry Irritating Cough- ask your physician or health care provider about a
suppressant with codeine
Recommendations:
 Notify Physician- if a persistent cough lasts more than 10 days; pneumonia
causes thick, foul-smelling rusty greenish phlegm
o Chest Pain- when you breathe
 Avoid –Cigarette Smoke, stop smoking and avoid second hand smoke
o Stop Smoking- talk with your health care provider about an
alternative to smoking
What can I do?
 See your Health Care Provider- if you cough up blood
o Medicine- with codeine is often recommended but causes
constipation nausea and vomiting in some people
 See a Registered Dietitian- for help as needed
 See FFF RD- on line for help