Risk Factors to Cough

If a person possesses any of the following risk factors, coughing is more likely to occur:

• Smoking cigarettes. People who smoke too much are more likely to develop a persistent cough. Coughing in the lungs is directly caused by tobacco toxins and secondhand smoke.
  being around someone who has a respiratory infection. Respiratory infections are highly likely to spread from person to person.
  Allergies. The triggers of allergies make people with allergies more likely to cough.
  Environmental. Coughing can be caused by irritants in the air in some workplaces. Additionally, it is more likely to take place in areas with high pollution levels and where coal is used for cooking and heating.
  Lung conditions that persist. Coughing is more common in people who have asthma, bronchiectasis, COPD, or scars from previous lung infections.
  Gender. Women are more likely than men to suffer from chronic coughing because their cough response is more sensitive.

Complications of Cough

• Insomnia. Due to its ability to disrupt sleep, a persistent cough can be tiresome.
  Hoarseness. Voice changes can be caused by chronic coughing that causes inflammation of the vocal cords.
  Headaches. A lot of noise comes from coughing. It’s also possible to get a headache caused by loud noises if you constantly hear loud, sudden noises.
  Nasal and subconjunctival vein rupture. When a person coughs, the increased pressure in the vessels can cause the tiny veins in the nose and below the eyes to burst. A nosebleed is an example of this.
  Pain. When you cough constantly, your back and chest wall move a lot, which can strain and hurt the muscles in your back and chest.
  inability to control the flow of urine. The pressure in the abdomen (including the bladder) and blood pressure increase when you cough. If the pelvic floor is already compromised, this condition can cause urine to leak when coughing.

Physical examination and history taking are used to diagnose cough. In addition to performing a physical examination, the healthcare provider will inquire about the patient’s medical history. A thorough medical history and physical examination may reveal important details about a persistent cough. Additionally, the doctor may order tests to ascertain the cause of the persistent cough.

Laboratory Tests

• Analyse phlegm or mucus. In sputum analysis, an analytical method is used to investigate the cellular and acellular components taken from the patient’s upper respiratory tract. Lower respiratory infections and other long-term conditions can only be properly diagnosed and treated with this method.
  Skin and blood tests Antibodies known as Immunoglobulin E (IgE) are detected in both blood and skin tests to identify allergens. IgE antibodies can be found in the blood and skin of a patient. These antibodies recognize allergens and cause an allergic reaction, allowing the doctor to determine what is escalating the patient’s condition.

Imaging Tests

• X-ray. Postnasal drip, acid reflux, and asthma are among the most common causes of coughing, but a conventional chest X-ray can be used to screen for lung cancer, pneumonia, and other conditions. An X-ray of the sinuses may reveal signs of a sinus infection.
  Echocardiogram. In rare cases, a doctor may request this test to ensure that the cough is not caused by the heart and that it is functioning properly.
  CAT scan By providing a more in-depth image of the chest and airways, this procedure can assist in determining the cause of the cough.

Noninvasive Test

• Test of lung function. It will ascertain the cause of breathing problems.

Scope Tests

• Bronchoscopy. Using a bronchoscope, the specialist will examine the lungs and airways with a laser, a camera, and a thin, flexible tube. A biopsy of the mucosa, the internal lining of the airway, can also be taken to look for other problems.
  Rhinoscopy. Using a rhinoscope, the doctor will look at the upper airway, sinuses, and nasal airways.

Treatment of Cough

• Medications
• Decongestants, antihistamines, and corticosteroids Allergic conditions and postnasal drip are frequently treated with these medications.
  asthma medications inhaled. The most effective treatments for asthma-related cough are corticosteroids and bronchodilators, which reduce swelling and widen the airways.
  Antibiotics. If the chronic cough is caused by a bacterial, fungal, or mycobacterial illness, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
  Anti-acidic agents. The patient may be prescribed medications that prevent the production of acid if lifestyle changes do not alleviate acid reflux. The condition may necessitate surgery for some people.
  Suppressant for Cough. A cough suppressant may also be suggested by the doctor to expedite symptom relief while the doctor is determining the cause of the cough and beginning treatment.
• The way of life and home remedies. During a health education session, the patient may be offered the following treatments:
  Get a lot of fluids in. The thinning of the mucus in the throat is aided by liquid. The sore throat might be eased by warm liquids like broth, tea, or juice.
  Lozenges for coughs They can ease a dry cough and calm an irritated throat.
  Think about eating honey. A teaspoon of honey might help relieve a cough. Honey contains bacteria that are harmful to infants, so it should not be given to children under the age of one.
  Make the air damp. Use a cool-mist humidifier or take a hot shower.
  Avoid using tobacco. The lungs are irritated by cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke, which can exacerbate coughing caused by other causes. If the patient smokes, recommend that they talk to their doctor about programs and products that can help them quit.
  Be careful not to get triggered. Eliminating allergens from one’s home is beneficial for anyone who suffers from asthma or allergies. Additionally, air conditioners should be used to filter the air.

Nursing Diagnosis for Cough

Nursing Care Plan for Cough 1

Ineffective Airway Clearance

Diagnosis in nursing: Pertussis-related whooping cough, unusual breath sounds (crackles, rhonchi, wheezes), abnormal breathing rate, pattern, and depth, breathlessness, copious secretions, hypoxemia or cyanosis, failure to clear airway secretions, and orthopnea are all signs of ineffective airway clearance.

Desired Outcomes:

• Regular breath sounds, a standard rate and depth of respiration, and the capacity to cough up secretions following medications and breathing exercises all indicate that the patient’s airways will remain clean and open.
• The patient will get more air moving around.
• The patient will classify ways to get rid of more secretions.
• The patient will be able to identify and steer clear of certain situations that prevent good airway clearance.