Constant cough can cause headache, insomnia, vomiting and exhaustion.
Exclude potentially reversible causes of cough – infection/aspiration, GE reflux, obstruction/compression of bronchus, heart failure, COPD exacerbation, medications
Non-pharmacologic: saline via nebulizer reduces dryness and irritation of airways
Medications:
- opioids. No opioid better than another. If on regular opioid increase dose by 20-25%. If not on opioid initiate as for dyspnea
- refractory chronic cough: gabapentin/pregabalin start low and titrate to effect