Treatments for Cough

Cough: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers

Products, offers and promotion categories available for Cough:

• Asthma
• Allergies
• Flu (influenza)
• more product offers...»

Cough: Research Doctors & Specialists

• Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists:
  • Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat)
  • Pediatric Otolaryngology (Child Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist)
  • Otology / Neurotology (Ear/Hearing Specialists)
  • Plastic Surgery within the Head & Neck
• Lung Health Specialists (Pulmonologist):
  • Pulmonology (Lung Health Specialists)
  • Pediatric Pulmonology (Child Lung Health)
• more specialists...»

Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.

Drugs and Medications used to treat Cough:

Note:You must always seek professional medical advice about any prescription drug, OTC drug, medication, treatment or change in treatment plans.

Some of the different medications used in the treatment of Cough include:

• Alamine Expectorant
• Ambenyl Expectorant
• Ambenyl Syrup
• Codeine
• A.B.C. Compound w/Codeine
• Accopain
• Actagen-C
• Actifed w/Codeine
• Alamine-C
• Anacin 3 w/Codeine #2-4
• Anacin w/Codeine
• APC w/Codeine
• Atasol-8,-15,-30
• Ban-Tuss
• Benylin Syrup w/Codeine
• Bitex
• Bromanyl Cough Syrup
• Bromotuss
• Bromphen DC
• Brontex
• Bufferin w/Codeine
• Butalbital Compound
• Chemdal Expectorant
• Chem-Tuss NE
• Cheracol
• Chlor-Trimeton Expectorant
• Coactifed
• Codecon-C
• Codehist DH
• Codehist Elixir
• Codeine Contin
• Coricidin w/Codeine
• Co-Dimetane Cough Syrup-DC
• Dimetane Expectorant-C
• Dimetapp-C
• Dimetapp w/Codeine
• Empirin w/Codeine No. 2,4
• Empracet-30,-60
• Empracet w/Codeine No. 3,4
• Emtec-30
• Exdol-8,-15,-30
• Extra Strength Acetaminophen with Codeine
• Glydeine
• Isoclor Expectorant
• Lenoltec w/Codeine No. 1,2,3,4
• Mersyndol
• Naldecon-CS
• Normatane
• Novadyme DH
• Novahistex C
• Novo-Gesic
• Nucochem
• Nucofed
• Omni-Tuss
• Oridol-C
• Panadol w/Codeine
• Paveral
• Pediacof
• Penntuss
• Phenaphen No. 2,3,4
• Phenaphen w/Codeine No. 2,3,4
• Phenergan w/Codeine
• Poly-Histine
• Promethazine CS
• Pyra-Phed
• Robaxacet-8
• Robaxisal-C
• Rounox w/Codeine
• SK-Apap
• Tamine Expectorant DC
• Tecnal C
• Terpin Hydrate and Codeine
• 318 AC&C
• Triafed w/Codeine
• Triaminic Expectorant w/Codeine
• Triatec-8,30
• Tussaminic C Forte
• Tussaminic C Ped
• Tussi-Organidin
• Tylenol w/Codeine
• Tylenol w/Codeine No. 1,2,3,4
• Tylenol w/Codeine Elixir
• VC Expectorant w/Codeine
• Veganin
• Hydrocodone
• Dihydrocodeinone
• Allay
• Alor 5/500
• Anaplex
• Anexsia
• Anexsia 7.5
• Anolor
• Atuss
• Azdone
• Ban-Tuss-HC
• Biohisdex DHC
• Biohisdine DHC
• Chemdal-HD
• Codone
• Detussin
• DHC Plus
• Dicoril
• Dimetane Expectorant-DC
• Endal-HD
• Entuss-D
• Histinex-HC
• Histussin HC
• Hycodan
• Hycomine
• Hycomine Compound
• Hycomine Pediatric Syrup
• Hycomine-S
• Hycomine Syrup
• Hycotuss Expectorant
• Lorcet-HD
• Lorcet Plus
• Lortab
• Lortab ASA
• Medipain 5
• Norcet 7
• Novahistex DH
• Novahistine DH
• Polygesic
• Protuss
• Robidone
• Ru-Tuss
• T-Gesic
• Triaminic Expectorant DH
• Tussaminic Expectorant DH
• Tussend
• Tussend Expectorant
• Tussionex
• Tycolet
• Vanex
• Vicodin
• Vicodin ES
• Vicoprofen
• Zydone
• Morphine - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• Astramorph - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• Astramorph PF - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• Avinza - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• Duramorph - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• Epimorph - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• Infumorph - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• Kadian - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• M-Eslon - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• Morphine H.P - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• Morphitec - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• M.O.S - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• M.O.S.-S.R - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• MS Contin - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• MS-IR - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• OMS Concentrate - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• Opium Tincture - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• Oramorph SR - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• Paregoric - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• RMS Uniserts - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• Roxanol - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• Roxanol 100- mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• Roxanol SR - mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• Statex- mainly used for treatment-resistant cough
• Anacin 3 w/Codeine No. 2-4
• Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan and Pseudoephedrine
• Alka-Seltzer Plus Flu Liqui-Gels
• Comtrex Non-Drowsy Cold and Cough Relief
• Infants' Tylenol Cold Plus Cough Concentrated Drops
• Contac Severe Cold and Flu/Non-Drowsy
• Sudafed Severe Cold
• Triaminic Cough and Sore Throat Formula
• Tylenol Cold Day Non-Drowsy
• Tylenol Flu Non-Drowsy Maxium Strength
• Vicks DayQuil Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu
• Contac Cough, Cold and Flu Day & Night
• Sudafed Cold & Cough Extra Strength
• Tylenol Cold Daytime
• Brompheniramine, Pseudoephedrine and Dextromethorphan
• AccuHist DM Pediatric Drops
• AccuHist PDX Drops
• Anaplax DM
• Andehist DM NR
• Bromaline DM
• Bromaxefed DM RF
• Bromhist-DM
• Brotapp-DM
• Carbofed DM
• Dimaphen DM
• Dimetapp DM Children's Cold and Cough
• EndaCof-DM
• EndaCof-PD
• PediaHist DM
• Rondec-DM Syrup
• Carbetapentane and Chlorpheniramine
• Tannate 12 S
• Tannic-12 S
• Tannihist-12 RF
• Tussi-12 S
• Tussizone-12 RF
• Carbetapentane and Pseudoephedrine
• Respi-Tann
• Carbetapentane, Phenylephrine and Chlorpheniramine
• Carbaphen 12
• Carbaphen 12 Ped
• Xira Tuss
• Carbinoxamine, Pseudoephedrine and Dextromethorphan
• Andehist DM NR Drops
• Carbaxefed DM RF
• Decahist-DM
• Pediatex-DM
• Rondec-DM Drops
• Slidec-DM
• Tussafed
• Chlorpheniramine, Ephedrine Phenylephrine and Carbetapentane
• Rynatuss
• Rynatuss Pediatric
• Tetra Tannate Pediatric
• Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine and Dextromethorphan
• Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough
• Coldtuss DR
• Corfen DM
• De-Chlor DM
• De-Chlor DR
• Dex PC
• Tri-Vent DPC
• Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine and Dextromethorphan
• Kidkare Cough and Cold
• PediaCare Multi-Symptom
• Robitussin Pediatric Night Relief
• Tanafed DMX
• Triaminic Cold and Cough
• Triaminic Night Time Cough and Cold
• Vicks Children's NyQuil
• Vicks Pediatric 44m
• Dextromethorphan
• Abbee Cof Syrup
• Benylin Adult
• Benylin Pediatric
• Creomulsion Cough
• Creomulsion for Children
• Creo-Terpin
• Delsym
• Dexalone
• ElixSure Cough
• Hold DM
• PediaCare Children's Medicated Freezer Pops Long Acting Cough
• PediaCare Infants' Long-Acting Cough
• Robitussin CoughGels
• Robitussin Honey Cough
• Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough
• Robitussin Pediatric Cough
• Scot-Tussin DM Cough Chasers
• Silphen DM
• Simply Cough
• Triaminic Thin Strips Long Acting Cough
• Vicks 44 Cough Relief
• Athos
• Bekidiba Dex
• Neopulmonier
• Romilar
• Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan
• Aquatab DM
• Benylin Expectorant
• Cheracol D
• Cheracol Plus
• Diabetic Tussin DM
• Diabetic Tussin DM Maximum Strength
• Duratuss DM
• Fenesin DM
• Genatuss DM
• Guaifenex DM
• Guiatuss-DM
• Humibid DM
• Hydro-Tussin DM
• Kolephrin GG/DM
• Mytussin DM
• Respa-DM
• Robitussin DM
• Robitussin Sugar Free Cough
• Safe Tussin 30
• Silexin
• Tolu-Sed DM
• Touro DM
• Tussi-Organdin DM NR
• Vicks 44E
• Vicks Pediatric Formula 44E
• Z-Cof LA
• Balminil DM E
• Benylin DM-E
• Koflex DM-Expectorant
• Guiafenesin and Phenylephrine
• Aldex
• Amidal
• Ami-Tex LA
• Crantex ER
• Crantex LA
• Deconsal II
• Endal
• Entex
• Entex ER
• Entex LA
• Guaifed
• Guaifed -PD
• Liquibid-D
• PhenaVent
• PhenaVent D
• PhenaVent Ped
• Prolex-D
• Rescon GG
• Sil-Tex
• Sina-12X
• SINUvent PE
• Guaifenesin and Pseudoephedrine
• Ambifed-G
• Ami-Tex PSE
• Aquatab D
• Congestac
• Dynex
• Entex PSE
• Eudal-SR
• G-Phed
• Guaifenex GP
• Guaifenex PSE
• Guaimax-D
• Levall G
• Maxifed
• Maxifed-G
• Miraphen PSE
• Mucinex-D
• Nasatab LA
• PanMist-JR
• PanMist-LA
• PanMist-S
• Profen Forte
• Profen II
• Pseudoevent 400
• Pseudo GG TR
• Pseudovent
• Pseudovent-Ped
• Refenesen Plus
• Respaire-60 SR
• Robitussin-PE
• Robitussin Severe Congestion
• Sudafed Non-Drying Sinus
• Touro LA
• Zephrex
• Zephrex LA
• Novahistex Expectorant with Decongestant
• Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine and Dextromethorphan
• Ambifed-G DM
• Aquatab C
• Dimetapp Cold and Congestion
• Maxifed DM
• PanMist-DM
• Profen Forte DM
• Profen II DM
• Pseudovent DM
• Realcon-DM
• Robitussin CF
• Robitussin Cold and Congestion
• Robitussin Cough and Cold Infant
• Touro CC
• Tri-Vent DM
• Z-Cof DM
• Balminil DM + Decongestant + Expectorant
• Benylin DM-D.E
• Koffex DM + Decongestant + Expectorant
• Novahistex DM Decongestant Expectorant
• Novahistine DM Decongestant Expectorant
• Robitussin Cough & Cold
• Pseudoephedrine and Dextromethorphan
• Children's Sudafed Cough & Cold
• Pediacare Decongestant Plus Cough
• Pediacare Long Acting Cough Plus Cold
• Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough & Cold
• Robitussin Pediatric Cough & Cold
• Vicks 44D Cough & Head Congestion
• Balminil DM D
• Benylin DM-D
• Koffex DM-D
• Novahistex DM Decongestant
• Novahistine DM Decongestant
• Robitussin Children's Cough & Cold
• Triporolidine, Pseudoephedrine and Codeine
• Covan
• Ratio-Cotridin
• Echinacea
• Liquorice
• Chamomile

Unlabeled Drugs and Medications to treat Cough:

Unlabelled alternative drug treatments for Cough include:

• Cromolyn - mainly used for cough caused by ACE inhibitors
• Cromolyn Sodium - mainly used for cough caused by ACE inhibitors
• Sodium Cromoglycate - mainly used for cough caused by ACE inhibitors
• Children's Nasalcrom - mainly used for cough caused by ACE inhibitors
• Crolom - mainly used for cough caused by ACE inhibitors
• Fisoneb - mainly used for cough caused by ACE inhibitors
• Gastrocrom - mainly used for cough caused by ACE inhibitors
• Intal - mainly used for cough caused by ACE inhibitors
• Intal Spincaps - mainly used for cough caused by ACE inhibitors
• Intal Syncroner - mainly used for cough caused by ACE inhibitors
• Nalcrom - mainly used for cough caused by ACE inhibitors
• Nasalcrom - mainly used for cough caused by ACE inhibitors
• Novo-Cromolyn - mainly used for cough caused by ACE inhibitors
• Opticrom - mainly used for cough caused by ACE inhibitors
• Rynacrom - mainly used for cough caused by ACE inhibitors

Latest treatments for Cough:

The following are some of the latest treatments for Cough:

• Fundoplication
• Avoid caffiene
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid nicotine
• Avoid Citrus
• Avoid Fatty foods
• Dextromethorphan
• Narcotics
• Hydrocodone

Hospital statistics for Cough:

These medical statistics relate to hospitals, hospitalization and Cough:

• 0.075% (9,564) of hospital consultant episodes were for cough in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
• 94% of hospital consultant episodes for cough required hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
• 52% of hospital consultant episodes for cough were for men in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
• 48% of hospital consultant episodes for cough were for women in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
• more hospital information...»

Hospitals & Medical Clinics: Cough

Research quality ratings and patient incidents/safety measures for hospitals and medical facilities in specialties related to Cough:

• Lung Health (Pulmonology) -- Hospital Quality Ratings
• more hospital ratings...»

Hospital & Clinic quality ratings » »

Choosing the Best Treatment Hospital: More general information, not necessarily in relation to Cough, on hospital and medical facility performance and surgical care quality:

• 50 Best Hospitals Report
• Women's Health Best Hospitals
• Patient Safety
• Hospital Quality and Clinical Excellence Study (2009)

Medical news summaries about treatments for Cough:

The following medical news items are relevant to treatment of Cough:

• Adults with a cough should stay away from infants
• Antibiotic causes loss of vision
• Belief in salt vapor therapy for varying ailments
• Bushfires may pose risk to asthma sufferers
• Childhood asthma is a chronic problem
• Prescription error lands hospital in court over cerebral palsy boy
• Reflux in detail
• Tests of cocoa substance as a cough suppressant
• More news »

Book Excerpts: Treatment of Cough

• Treatment - Hemoptysis
• Treatment - Sore Throat
• Treatment - Cough - Productive
• Treatment - Cough - Nonproductive
• Treatment - Stridor & Wheezing
• Treatment - Hemoptysis
• Treatment - Sore Throat
• Treatment - Stridor
• Treatment - Wheezing
• Treatment - Cough – Acute
• Treatment - Cough – Chronic
• Emergency interventions - Hemoptysis
• Emergency interventions - Stridor
• Emergency interventions - Cough, productive
• Emergency interventions - Cough, barking
• Emergency interventions - Wheezing [Sibilant rhonchi]
• Treatment - Whooping cough
• Emergency interventions - Hemoptysis
• Emergency interventions - Stridor
• Emergency interventions - Cough, productive
• Emergency interventions - Cough, barking
• Patient counseling - Cough, nonproductive
• Emergency interventions - Wheezing [Sibilant rhonchi]
• Nursing considerations - Hemoptysis
• Nursing considerations - Stridor
• Nursing considerations - Wheezing
• Nursing considerations - Cough, productive
• Nursing considerations - Cough, barking
• Emergency Actions - Hemoptysis
• Emergency Actions - Stridor
• Emergency Actions - Wheezing
• Emergency Actions - Cough, productive
• Patient counseling - Cough, barking
• Patient counseling - Cough, nonproductive
• Nursing considerations - Hemoptysis
• Nursing considerations - Stridor
• Nursing considerations - Cough, productive
• Nursing considerations - Cough, barking
• Nursing considerations - Cough, nonproductive
• Nursing considerations - Wheezing [Sibilant rhonchi]
• VI. Treatment - Cough - Case 4-2 7-Week-Old Boy
• VI. Treatment - Cough - Case 4-3 7-Month-Old Girl
• VI. Treatment - Cough - Case 4-6 4-Month-Old Boy

Treatments of Cough: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the treatments of Cough.

Hemoptysis: Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004

Cough - Nonproductive: Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

• Cessation of cigarette smoking and/or ACE inhibitors
• Postnasal drip: Treat underlying etiology (e.g., antibiotics for sinusitis, antihistamines and/or nasal steroids for allergies)
• GERD: Lifestyle modifications (e.g., weight loss, dietary changes to eliminate predisposing agents, avoid alcohol and tobacco, avoid food within 4 hours of bedtime, sleep with head of bed elevated), anti-ulcer/antacid medications (H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors), anti-reflux surgery (fundoplication)
• Asthma: Avoid triggers; use inhaled β₂ agonists (e.g., albuterol) and anticholinergics (e.g., ipratropium), inhaled or oral steroids (delayed onset 2–6 hours), children may benefit from magnesium or cromolyn
• Acute bronchitis: Inhaled β₂ agonists (e.g., albuterol); since most cases are of viral origin, antibiotics are usually not indicated; increased fluid intake; antitussive
• Pneumonia: Appropriate oral or IV antibiotics

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004

Stridor & Wheezing: Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

• Attention to airway, breathing, and circulation
• Administer supplemental O₂
• Asthma: Avoid triggers; bronchodilation with inhaled β ₂ agonists (e.g., albuterol) and anticholinergics (e.g., ipratropium); inhaled, oral and/or IV steroids
  • Epiglottitis: Emergent airway intervention (endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy); cephalosporin antibiotics
  • Respiratory infection: Appropriate antibiotics if bacterial cause is suspected; βagonists
  • Anaphylaxis: Patients in extremis require immediate subcutaneous epinephrine injection; antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine); inhaled β ₂ agonists (e.g., albuterol); steroids
• Croup: Supportive care; nebulized steroids; epinephrine

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004

Hemoptysis: Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

• The patient may need blood, packed red cells, or blood products emergently
• Diagnosis-specific therapy (e.g., FB removal)
• Therapy for bronchiectasis is aimed at treatment of underlying endobronchial infection
• Cauterization of bleeding vessels is more useful in the upper airway
• Digestive tract: Antacids, reduce portal hypertension, surgically repair source of bleeding
• It is a life-threatening surgical emergency if a large blood vessel bleeds into the trachea from tracheotomy tube-related erosions
• Consider gel-foam or metal coil injection into the bronchial circulation for chronic bleeding caused by bronchiectasis

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Sore Throat: Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

• Viral causes
  –Supportive care including hydration, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, bedrest, salt water rinses
  –Steroids may be considered to minimize upper airway obstruction
• Antibiotics for bacterial etiologies
  –For group A β-hemolytic strep: Shortens duration of symptoms and prevents rheumatic fever
• Consider inpatient admission when there is concern about adequate airway or oral intake
• Airway management: Intubation or tracheotomy
• When gastroesophageal reflux is suspected, treatment may include dietary changes, antireflux therapy
• Adenotonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis is considered depending on frequency of recurrence, i.e., 6–7 infections/year, or 4–5 infections/year for 2 years, or 3 infections/year for 3 years

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Stridor: Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

• Treatment is frequently based on diagnosis from endoscopy
• Immediate evaluation when respiratory distress is present
  –Observation, intubation, tracheostomy, FB removal
• Acute stridor
  –Viral laryngotracheobronchitis: Steroids, racemic epinephrine, and supplemental O2
  –Bacterial tracheitis: Culture-directed antibiotic therapy, consider intubation
• Chronic stridor of newborn
  –History, physical, and endoscopy (fiberoptic or direct) confirmation of laryngomalacia
  –Consider treatment for reflux
  –Repeat endoscopy and possible supraglottoplasty if persistent stridor and failure to thrive

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Wheezing: Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

• Asthma is treated with layered therapy for acute symptom control (“rescue” medicine) and prevention of disease (“controller” medicine)
  –Rescue medicines are inhaled β-agonists (immediate) or steroids (rapid)
  –Controller medicines include ICS, leukotriene modifiers, anti-inflammatory agents, and long-acting bronchodilators

• Bronchomalacia is treated with atrovent and/or ICS
• Treat/eliminate underlying triggers

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Cough – Acute: Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

• Treatment is often empiric and based on history
• Cough suppression is usually avoided, but may assist with sleep; other OTC therapies of little value
• An empiric “diagnostic trial” of medication may treat asthma, GER, or bacterial infections
• Treatment of “habit component” may help with psychogenic cough or other chronic conditions (e.g., postinfectious bronchitis)
• Speech therapy is very helpful for VCD or habit cough (i.e., using cold water “hard swallow,” benzocaine throat lozenges, breathing exercises)
• Serious psychiatric disease may be associated with VCD but referral to mental health specialists is rarely needed

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Cough – Chronic: Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

• Treatment is often empiric and based on history
• An empiric “diagnostic trial” of medication may treat asthma, GER, or bacterial infections. Treatment of “habit component” may help with other chronic conditions (e.g., postinfectious bronchitis)
• Speech therapy is helpful for VCD or habit cough (i.e., using cold water “hard swallow,” benzocaine throat lozenges, breathing exercises)
• Serious psychiatric disease may be associated with VCD, but referral to mental health specialist is rarely needed
• Other treatments first require accurate diagnosis (e.g., TB, CF, FB)
  
• Cough suppression may be of use at night to achieve sleep, but is generally avoided

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Hemoptysis: Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

If the patient coughs up copious amounts of blood, endotracheal intubation may be required. Suction frequently to remove blood. Lavage may be necessary to loosen tenacious secretions or clots. Massive hemoptysiscan cause airway obstruction and asphyxiation. Insert an I

V. line to allow fluid replacement, drug administration, and blood transfusions, if needed. An emergency bronchoscopy should be performed to identify the bleeding site. Monitor the patient’s blood pressure and pulse to detect hypotension and tachycardia, and draw an arterial blood sample for laboratory analysis to monitor respiratory status.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006

Stridor: Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

If you hear stridor, quickly check the patient’s vital signs, including oxygen saturation, and examine him for other signs of partial airway obstruction — choking or gagging, tachypnea, dyspnea, shallow respirations, intercostal retractions, nasal flaring, tachycardia, cyanosis, and diaphoresis. (Be aware that abrupt cessation of stridor signals complete obstruction in which the patient has inspiratory chest movement but absent breath sounds. Unable to talk, he quickly becomes lethargic and loses consciousness.)

If you detect signs of airway obstruction, try to clear the airway with back blows or abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver). Next, administer oxygen by nasal cannula or face mask, or prepare the patient for emergency endotracheal (ET) intubation or tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation. (See Emergency endotracheal intubation.) Have equipment ready to suction aspirated vomitus or blood through the ET or tracheostomy tube. Connect the patient to a cardiac monitor, and position him upright to ease his breathing.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006

Cough, productive: Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

A patient with a productive cough can develop acute respiratory distress from thick or excessive secretions, bronchospasm, or fatigue, so examine him before you take his history. Take his vital signs and check the rate, depth, and rhythm of respirations. Keep his airway patent, and be prepared to provide supplemental oxygen if he becomes restless or confused or if his respirations become shallow, irregular, rapid, or slow. Look for stridor, wheezing, choking, or gurgling. Be alert for nasal flaring and cyanosis.

A productive cough may signal a severe life-threatening disorder. For example, coughing due to pulmonary edema produces thin, frothy, pink sputum, and coughing due to an asthma attack produces thick, mucoid sputum. Assist the patient to clear excess mucous with tracheal suctioning if necessary.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006

Cough, barking: Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

Quickly evaluate the child's respiratory status, and then take his vital signs. Be particularly alert for tachycardia and signs of hypoxemia. Also, check for a decreased level of consciousness. Try to determine if the child has been playing with any small object that he may have aspirated.

Check for cyanosis in the lips and nail beds. Observe the patient for sternal or intercostal retractions or nasal flaring. Next, note the depth and rate of his respirations; they may become increasingly shallow as respiratory distress increases. Observe the child's body position. Is he sitting up, leaning forward, and struggling to breathe? Observe his activity level and facial expression. As respiratory distress increases from airway edema, the child will become restless and have a frightened, wide-eyed expression. As air hunger continues, the child will become lethargic and difficult to arouse.

If the child shows signs of severe respiratory distress, try to calm him, maintain airway patency, and provide oxygen. Endotracheal intubation or a tracheotomy may be necessary.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006

Wheezing [Sibilant rhonchi]: Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

Examine the degree of the patient’s respiratory distress. Is he responsive? Is he restless, confused, anxious, or afraid? Are his respirations abnormally fast, slow, shallow, or deep? Are they irregular? Can you hear wheezing through his mouth? Does he exhibit increased use of accessory muscles; increased chest wall motion; intercostal, suprasternal, or supraclavicular retractions; stridor; or nasal flaring? Take his other vital signs, noting hypotension or hypertension and decreased oxygen saturation or an irregular, weak, rapid, or slow pulse.

Help the patient relax, administer humidified oxygen by face mask, and encourage him to take slow, deep breaths. Have endotracheal intubation and emergency resuscitation equipment readily available. Call the respiratory therapy department to supply intermittent positive-pressure breathing and nebulization treatments with bronchodilators. Insert an I.V. line for administration of drugs, such as diuretics, steroids, bronchodilators, and sedatives. Perform the abdominal thrust maneuver, as indicated, for airway obstruction.

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Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006

Whooping cough: Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Vigorous supportive therapy requires hospitalization of infants (commonly in the intensive care unit) and fluid and electrolyte replacement. Other measures include adequate nutrition; codeine and mild sedation to decrease coughing; oxygen therapy in apnea; and antibiotics, such as erythromycin and, possibly, ampicillin, to shorten the period of communicability and prevent secondary infections.

Because very young infants (younger than age 1) are particularly susceptible to whooping cough, immunization — most commonly with the diphtheria-tetanus acellular-pertussis vaccine — begins at ages 2, 4, and 6 months. Boosters follow at age 18 months and at ages 4 to 6. The risk of pertussis is greater than the risk of vaccine complications such as neurologic damage. However, seizures or unusual and persistent crying may be a sign of a severe neurologic reaction, and the physician may not order the other doses. The vaccine is contraindicated in children older than age 6 because it can cause a severe fever.

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Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Hemoptysis: Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

If the patient coughs up copious amounts of blood, endotracheal intubation may be required. Suction frequently to remove blood. Lavage may be necessary to loosen tenacious secretions or clots. Massive hemoptysis can cause airway obstruction and asphyxiation. Insert an I.V. line to allow fluid replacement, drug administration, and blood transfusions if needed. An emergency bronchoscopy should be performed to identify the bleeding site. Monitor blood pressure and pulse to detect hypotension and tachycardia, and draw an arterial blood sample for laboratory analysis to monitor respiratory status.

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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Stridor: Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

If you hear stridor, quickly check the patient’s vital signs including oxygen saturation and examine him for other signs of partial airway obstruction—choking or gagging, tachypnea, dyspnea, shallow respirations, intercostal retractions, nasal flaring, tachycardia, cyanosis, and diaphoresis. (Be aware that abrupt cessation of stridor signals complete obstruction in which the patient has inspiratory chest movement but absent breath sounds. Unable to talk, he quickly becomes lethargic and loses consciousness.)

If you detect any signs of airway obstruction, try to clear the airway with back blows or abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver). Next, administer oxygen by nasal cannula or face mask, or prepare for emergency endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation. (See Emergency endotracheal intubation, page 734.) Have equipment ready to suction any aspirated vomitus or blood through the endotracheal or tracheostomy tube. Connect the patient to a cardiac monitor, and position him upright to ease his breathing.

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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Cough, productive: Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

A patient with a productive cough can develop acute respiratory distress from thick or excessive secretions, bronchospasm, or fatigue, so examine him before you take his history. Take vital signs and check the rate, depth, and rhythm of respirations. Keep his airway patent, and be prepared to provide supplemental oxygen if he becomes restless or confused, or if his respirations become shallow, irregular, rapid, or slow. Look for stridor, wheezing, choking, or gurgling. Be alert for nasal flaring and cyanosis.

A productive cough may signal a life-threatening disorder. For example, coughing due to pulmonary edema produces thin, frothy, pink sputum, and coughing due to an asthma attack produces thick, mucoid sputum.

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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Cough, barking: Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

Quickly evaluate the child’s respiratory status. Then take his vital signs. Be particularly alert for tachycardia and signs of hypoxemia. Also, check for a decreased level of consciousness. Try to determine if the child was playing with a small object that he may have aspirated.

Check for cyanosis in the lips and nail beds. Observe the patient for sternal or intercostal retractions or nasal flaring. Next, note the depth and rate of his respirations; they may become increasingly shallow as respiratory distress increases. Observe the child’s body position. Is he sitting up, leaning forward, and struggling to breathe? Observe his activity level and facial expression. As respiratory distress increases from airway edema, the child will become restless and have a frightened, wide-eyed expression. As air hunger continues, the child will become lethargic and difficult to arouse.

If the child shows signs of severe respiratory distress, try to calm him, maintain airway patency, and provide oxygen. Endotracheal intubation or a tracheotomy may be necessary.

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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Cough, nonproductive: Patient counseling
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

Explain to the patient why nonproductive coughs should be suppressed and productive coughs encouraged. Encourage the patient to use a respirator in the presence of airway irritants such as paint fumes and dust.

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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Wheezing [Sibilant rhonchi]: Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

Assess whether the patient is in respiratory distress. Is he responsive? Is he restless, confused, anxious, or afraid? Are his respirations abnormally fast, slow, shallow, or deep? Are they irregular? Can you hear wheezing through his mouth? Does he exhibit increased use of accessory muscles; increased chest wall motion; intercostal, suprasternal, or supraclavicular retractions; stridor; or nasal flaring? Take his other vital signs, noting hypotension or hypertension, decreased oxygen saturation, and an irregular, weak, rapid, or slow pulse.

Help the patient relax. Administer humidified oxygen by face mask, and encourage slow, deep breathing. Have endotracheal intubation and emergency resuscitation equipment readily available. Call the respiratory therapy department to supply intermittent positive-pressure breathing and nebulization treatments with bronchodilators. Insert an I.V. line for administration of drugs, such as diuretics, steroids, bronchodilators, and sedatives. Perform the abdominal thrust maneuver, as indicated, for airway obstruction.

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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Hemoptysis: Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)

Comfort and reassure the patient, who may react to this alarming sign with anxiety and apprehension. If necessary, to protect the nonbleeding lung, place him in the lateral decubitus position, with the suspected bleeding lung facing down. Perform this maneuver with caution because hypoxemia may worsen with the healthy lung facing up.

Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests to determine the cause of bleeding. These may include a complete blood count, a sputum culture and smear, chest X-rays, coagulation studies, bronchoscopy, lung biopsy, pulmonary arteriography, and a lung scan.

Patient teaching

Explain that hemoptysis generally ceases (but not abruptly) during treatment of the causative disorder. Many chronic disorders, however, cause recurrent hemoptysis. Instruct the patient to report recurring episodes and to bring a sputum specimen containing blood if he returns for treatment or reevaluation.

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Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007

Stridor: Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)

Continue to monitor the patient’s vital signs closely. Prepare him for diagnostic tests, such as arterial blood gas analysis and chest X-rays. Offer reassurance and calm the patient and his family. Provide ongoing assessment of the patient’s respiratory status and oxygenation.

Patient teaching

Instruct the patient and his family about safety measures in the home environment if the stridor is related to aspiration of a foreign object. If the stridor is related to croup, teach the parents techniques to use to manage the condition. Teach the patient and his family about signs and symptoms that require immediate attention.

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Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007

Wheezing: Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)

Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as chest X-rays, arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function tests, and sputum culture.

Ease the patient’s breathing by placing him in semi-Fowler’s position and repositioning him frequently. Perform pulmonary physiotherapy as necessary.

Administer an antibiotic to treat infection, a bronchodilator to relieve bronchospasm and maintain a patent airway, a steroid to reduce inflammation, and a mucolytic or expectorant to increase the flow of secretions. Provide humidification to thin secretions.

Patient teaching

If appropriate, encourage increased activity to promote drainage and prevent pooling of secretions. Encourage regular deep breathing and coughing. Explain the importance of drinking fluids to liquefy secretions and prevent dehydration.

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Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007

Cough, productive: Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)

Obtain the patient’s vital signs and note signs of infection. Assess the respiratory system frequently, noting signs of respiratory distress. Avoid taking measures to suppress a productive cough because retention of sputum may interfere with alveolar aeration or impair pulmonary resistance to infection. Expect to give a mucolytic and an expectorant, and increase the patient’s intake of oral fluids to thin his secretions and increase their flow. In addition, you may give a bronchodilator to relieve bronchospasms and open airways. An antibiotic may be ordered to treat underlying infection.

Humidify the air around the patient; this will relieve mucous membrane inflammation and also help loosen dried secretions. Provide pulmonary physiotherapy, such as postural drainage with vibration and percussion, to loosen secretions. Aerosol therapy may be necessary.

Provide the patient with uninterrupted rest periods. If bed rest is ordered, change the position often to promote the drainage of secretions.

Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as chest X-ray, bronchoscopy, lung scan, and pulmonary function tests. Collect sputum samples for culture and sensitivity testing.

Patient teaching

Encourage the patient not to smoke because doing so can aggravate his condition. Explain that quitting even after decades of use is helpful. Teach the patient how to breathe deeply, to cough effectively and, if appropriate, to splint his incision when he coughs. Teach the patient and his family how to use chest percussion to loosen secretions.

Tell the patient to cover his mouth and nose with a tissue when he coughs and to dispose of contaminated tissues properly, to protect himself and others from the cough and secretions. Be sure to provide a container for tissues and sputum.

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Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007

Cough, barking: Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)

Don’t attempt to inspect the throat of a child with a barking cough unless intubation equipment is available. If the child isn’t in severe respiratory distress, a lateral neck X-ray may be done to visualize epiglottal edema; a negative X-ray doesn’t completely rule out epiglottal edema. A chest X-ray may also be done to rule out lower respiratory tract infection. Depending on the child’s age and degree of respiratory distress, oxygen may be administered. Rapid-acting epinephrine (racemic epinephrine) and a steroid should be considered.

Be sure to observe the child frequently, and monitor the oxygen level if used. Provide the child with periods of rest with minimal interruptions. Maintain a calm, quiet environment and offer reassurance. Encourage the parents to stay with the child to help alleviate stress.

Patient teaching

Teach the parents how to evaluate and treat recurrent episodes of croup syndrome. For example, creating steam by running hot water in a sink or shower and sitting with the child in the closed bathroom may help relieve subsequent attacks. The child may also benefit from being brought outdoors (properly dressed) to breathe cold night air.

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Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007

Hemoptysis: Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

If the patient coughs up copious amounts of blood, endotracheal intubation may be required. Suction frequently to remove blood. Lavage may be necessary to loosen tenacious secretions or clots. Massive hemoptysis can cause airway obstruction and asphyxiation. Insert an I.V. line to allow fluid replacement, drug administration, and blood transfusions, if needed. An emergency bronchoscopy should be performed to identify the bleeding site. Monitor blood pressure and pulse to detect hypotension and tachycardia, and draw an arterial blood sample for laboratory analysis to monitor respiratory status.

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Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Stridor: Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

If you hear stridor, quickly check the patient’s vital signs including oxygen saturation and examine him for other signs of partial airway obstruction — choking or gagging, tachypnea, dyspnea, shallow respirations, intercostal retractions, nasal flaring, tachycardia, cyanosis, and diaphoresis. (Be aware that abrupt cessation of stridor signals complete obstruction in which the patient has inspiratory chest movement but absent breath sounds. Unable to talk, he quickly becomes lethargic and loses consciousness.)

If you detect any signs of airway obstruction, try to clear the airway with back blows or abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver). Next, administer oxygen by nasal cannula or face mask, or prepare for emergency endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation. Have equipment ready to suction any aspirated vomitus or blood through the endotracheal or tracheostomy tube. Connect the patient to a cardiac monitor, and position him upright to ease breathing.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Wheezing: Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Examine the degree of the patient’s respiratory distress. Is he responsive? Is he restless, confused, anxious, or afraid? Are his respirations abnormally fast, slow, shallow, or deep? Are they irregular? Can you hear wheezing through his mouth? Does he exhibit increased use of accessory muscles; increased chest wall motion; intercostal, suprasternal, or supraclavicular retractions; stridor; or nasal flaring? Take his other vital signs, noting hypotension or hypertension, decreased oxygen saturation, and an irregular, weak, rapid, or slow pulse.

Help him relax, administer humidified oxygen by face mask, and encourage slow, deep breathing. Have endotracheal intubation and emergency resuscitation equipment readily available. Call the respiratory therapy department to supply intermittent positive-pressure breathing and nebulization treatments with bronchodilators. Insert an I.V. line for administration of drugs, such as diuretics, steroids, bronchodilators, and sedatives. Perform the abdominal thrust maneuver, as indicated, for airway obstruction.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Cough, productive: Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

A patient with a productive cough can develop acute respiratory distress from thick or excessive secretions, bronchospasm, or fatigue, so examine him before you take his history. Take vital signs and check the rate, depth, and rhythm of respirations. Keep his airway patent, and be prepared to provide supplemental oxygen if he becomes restless or confused, or if his respirations become shallow, irregular, rapid, or slow. Look for stridor, wheezing, choking, or gurgling. Be alert for nasal flaring and cyanosis.

A productive cough may signal a severe life-threatening disorder. For example, coughing due to pulmonary edema produces thin, frothy, pink sputum, and coughing due to an asthma attack produces thick, mucoid sputum.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Cough, barking: Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Teach the parents how to evaluate and treat recurrent episodes of croup syndrome. For example, creating steam by running hot water in a sink or shower and sitting with the child in the closed bathroom may help relieve subsequent attacks. The child may also benefit from being brought outside (properly dressed) to breathe cold night air.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Cough, nonproductive: Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Explain to the patient why nonproductive coughs should be suppressed and productive coughs encouraged. Encourage the patient to use a respirator (protective mask) in the presence of airway irritants such as paint fumes and dust. Instruct him to use a humidifier at home. Tell him to avoid using aerosols, powders, or other respiratory irritants — especially cigarettes. Make sure that the patient receives adequate fluids and nutrition.

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Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Hemoptysis: Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

▪ If necessary, to protect the nonbleeding lung, place the patient in the lateral decubitus position, with the suspected bleeding lung facing down.

▪ Perform this maneuver with caution because hypoxemia may worsen with the healthy lung facing up.

▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests to determine the cause of bleeding, such as a complete blood count, a sputum culture and smear, chest X-rays, coagulation studies, bronchoscopy, lung biopsy, pulmonary arteriography, and a lung scan.

Patient teaching

▪ Give the patient instructions for providing sputum specimens.

▪ Explain the underlying cause of hemoptysis and its treatment.

▪ Explain the importance of reporting recurrent episodes.

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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Stridor: Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

▪ Monitor the patient's vital signs closely.

▪ Prepare him for diagnostic tests, such as arterial blood gas analysis and chest X-rays.

▪ Administer oxygen and monitor airway and ventilation.

▪ Provide emotional support.

Patient teaching

▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment.

▪ Explain to the patient all procedures and treatments.

▪ Stay with the patient and talk to him in a calm voice to reduce anxiety.

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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Cough, productive: Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

▪ Avoid taking measures to suppress a productive cough because retention of sputum may interfere with alveolar aeration or impair pulmonary resistance to infection.

▪ Expect to give a mucolytic and an expectorant.

▪ Increase the patient's intake of oral fluids to thin his secretions and increase their flow.

▪ Give a bronchodilator to relieve bronchospasms and open airways.

▪ Administer an antibiotic to treat any underlying infection.

▪ Humidify the air around the patient to relieve mucous membrane inflammation and help loosen dried secretions.

▪ Provide pulmonary physiotherapy, such as postural drainage with vibration and percussion, to loosen secretions.

▪ Administer aerosol therapy if necessary.

▪ Provide the patient with uninterrupted rest periods.

▪ If the patient is on bed rest, change his position often to promote the drainage of secretions.

▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as chest X-ray, imaging studies, bronchoscopy, a lung scan, and PFTs.

▪ Collect sputum samples for culture and sensitivity testing.

Patient teaching

▪ Encourage the patient to stop smoking and provide him with written resources and contact information for support groups.

▪ Teach him how to perform cough and deep-breathing exercises.

▪ Discuss ways to avoid respiratory irritants.

▪ Explain infection control techniques.

▪ Teach the patient and family how to use chest percussion to loosen secretions.

▪ Explain to the patient his diagnosis and the treatment plan.

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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Cough, barking: Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

▪ Don't attempt to inspect the throat of a child with a barking cough unless intubation equipment is available. (See Managing the patient with epiglottiditis.)

▪ If the child isn't in severe respiratory distress, a lateral neck X-ray may be done to visualize epiglottal edema.

▪ A chest X-ray may be done to rule out lower respiratory tract infection.

▪ Depending on the child's age and degree of respiratory distress, oxygen may be administered.

▪ Rapid-acting epinephrine and a steroid may be administered.

▪ Observe the child frequently, and monitor pulse oximetry.

▪ Provide the child with periods of rest with minimal interruptions.

▪ Maintain a calm, quiet environment and offer reassurance.

▪ Encourage the parents to stay with the child to help alleviate stress.

Patient teaching

▪ Teach the parents how to evaluate and treat recurrent episodes of croup syndrome.

▪ Teach parents how to administer prescribed medications.

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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Cough, nonproductive: Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

▪ A nonproductive, paroxysmal cough may induce life-threatening bronchospasm; the patient may need a bronchodilator to relieve his bronchospasm and open his airways.

▪ Unless he has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, you may have to give the patient an antitussive and a sedative to suppress the cough.

▪ To relieve mucous membrane inflammation and dryness, humidify the air in the patient's room.

▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, a lung scan, bronchoscopy, and PFTs.

Patient teaching

▪ Teach the patient to use a humidifier if his home is dry.

▪ Tell him to avoid using aerosols, powders, or other respiratory irritants—especially cigarettes.

▪ If the patient smokes, stress the importance of smoking cessation, and refer him to appropriate resources, support groups, and information to help him quit smoking.

▪ Explain the importance of adequate fluids and nutrition.

▪ Explain to the patient the cause of his cough and the treatment plan.

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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Wheezing [Sibilant rhonchi]: Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as chest X-rays, arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function tests, and sputum culture.

▪ Ease the patient's breathing by placing him in a semi-Fowler's position.

▪ Perform pulmonary physiotherapy as necessary.

▪ Administer an antibiotic, bronchodilator, steroid, and mucolytic or expectorant, as ordered.

▪ Provide humidification to thin secretions.

Patient teaching

▪ Explain to the patient the underlying cause of wheezing and its treatment.

▪ Teach the patient how to promote drainage and prevent pooling of secretions.

▪ Explain deep-breathing and coughing techniques.

▪ Explain the importance of increasing fluid intake, if appropriate.

▪ Teach the patient how to take prescribed drugs correctly.

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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Cough - Case 4-2: 7-Week-Old Boy: VI. Treatment
(Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas)

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Source: Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas, 2003

Cough - Case 4-3: 7-Month-Old Girl: VI. Treatment
(Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas)

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Source: Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas, 2003

Cough - Case 4-6: 4-Month-Old Boy: VI. Treatment
(Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas)

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Source: Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas, 2003

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