AIgo NotesFlashcards for:
Stop cough technique
Where can you find information about hospital accessibility at West Suffolk Hospital?
Press to flip
Visit the AccessAble website (formerly DisabledGo) for information about hospital access and facilities.
What is a chronic cough?
Press to flip
A chronic cough is a cough that persists for eight weeks or more, often experienced as a dry cough with an irritation or tickling sensation.
What are common causes of chronic cough?
Press to flip
Common causes include post nasal drip, reflux, asthma, lingering effects of infections, and side effects from some medications.
How can post nasal drip cause a chronic cough?
Press to flip
Excess mucus from the nose or sinuses drips down the back of the throat, irritating it and causing the urge to cough.
How does reflux lead to coughing?
Press to flip
Acid from the stomach rises up the oesophagus and can irritate the vocal cords, triggering coughing.
Can asthma cause chronic cough?
Press to flip
Yes, asthma can trigger coughing, especially when breathing in cold air or certain smells/chemicals.
Can coughing be a side effect of medication?
Press to flip
Yes, some medications can cause coughing as a side effect.
What are common triggers for chronic cough?
Press to flip
Triggers include changes in air temperature, aerosols, sprays, perfumes, cleaning substances, pollen, dust, dryness, viral infections, and physical exercise.
How does a dry cough worsen?
Press to flip
A dry cough can worsen with continuous coughing, which increases throat irritation, especially after taking deep breaths.
Why does coughing repeatedly make symptoms worse?
Press to flip
Repeated coughing and taking large breaths further irritate the lungs and throat, perpetuating the cough.
What is the stop cough technique?
Press to flip
It is a breathing and swallowing exercise designed to reduce the over-sensitive cough reflex and help stop coughs early.
What is the first step of the stop cough technique?
Press to flip
At the first sign of a tickle or urge to cough, put your hand over your mouth.
What should you do after placing your hand over your mouth in the stop cough technique?
Press to flip
Swallow once.
What is the next step after swallowing in the stop cough technique?
Press to flip
Hold your breath for a few seconds, then when breathing again, take slow, smooth breaths for at least 30 seconds while keeping your hand over your mouth.
What should you tell yourself during the stop cough technique?
Press to flip
Tell yourself that you are not going to cough.
How do you end the stop cough technique?
Press to flip
Take a smooth, normal-sized breath through your nose and then remove your hand from your mouth.
What should you do if the throat tickle persists after doing the stop cough technique?
Press to flip
Repeat the exercise from the beginning until the tickle has subsided.
Why does keeping the throat warm and moist help with a dry cough?
Press to flip
It helps reduce the airflow irritation around the throat, making it possible to stop coughing earlier.
What lifestyle measures can help with reflux-related cough?
Press to flip
Lifestyle or dietary changes, postural care, and medications can help; consult a GP for advice.
Why might you want to consult your GP about chronic cough?
Press to flip
To review possible medication side effects, discuss persistent symptoms, and explore treatment options, especially for reflux or other underlying causes.
Where can you find information about hospital accessibility at West Suffolk Hospital?
Press to flip
Visit the AccessAble website (formerly DisabledGo) for information about hospital access and facilities.
What is a chronic cough?
Press to flip
A chronic cough is a cough that persists for eight weeks or more, often experienced as a dry cough with an irritation or tickling sensation.