How to treat cough in cancer patients?

When my late husband was going through his chemotherapy sessions, he had a dry cough. His doctor prescribed a specific soothing syrup and advised keeping a humidifier in the room. Don't worry, with proper supportive care, this phase can be managed comfortably.

To give some relief at home, you can keep a steam inhaler handy and let them breathe in warm steam twice a day. Keep the room dust-free and give them small sips of warm water throughout the day. It helps soothe the throat naturally.

Very gentle breathing exercises can help soothe a irritated throat and calm the nervous system. Avoid any forceful breathing techniques like Kapalbhati. Just focus on slow, deep inhalation and exhalation while sitting upright to keep the airways relaxed.

During my aunt's treatment, we noticed her cough worsened with cold air from the AC. Keeping her throat covered with a light cotton scarf and serving food warm instead of at room temperature made her much more comfortable. We strictly followed the oncologist's medication schedule.

I totally get it, seeing them cough while their body is already weak is so stressful and worrying. Please make sure to contact their oncologist to get the right medicine. In the meantime, gentle warm liquids like light broth can provide some comfort.

I suggest using a room air purifier with a HEPA filter to keep the indoor air completely free of dust and allergens that trigger coughing. You can also track their oxygen levels daily using a basic pulse oximeter, as recommended by their medical team, to monitor lung health.

Caring for a loved one with cancer is so hard, and seeing them struggle with a cough is heartbreaking. We found that keeping the head of the bed slightly elevated using extra pillows helped them rest better at night without coughing fits. Sending you a lot of strength.