What is the treatment for cough and diaphoresis with temperature fluctuations?

From the Guidelines

Treatment for cough and diaphoresis with temperature fluctuations should start with over-the-counter cough syrups, such as those containing dextromethorphan, and home remedies like honey and lemon.

Initial Treatment Options

• Over-the-counter cough syrups, including those with dextromethorphan 1
• Home remedies like honey and lemon 1
• Menthol lozenges or vapour may also provide relief 1

Next Steps

If the initial treatment options do not provide relief, opioids like codeine or pholcodine may be considered 1.

Important Considerations

• Antibiotics are not recommended for viral coughs 1
• Smoking cessation is crucial to prevent worsening of symptoms 1
• Hand hygiene and use of handkerchiefs can help prevent the spread of diseases 1

Dosing Information

• Dextromethorphan: 10-15 mg tid or qid 1
• Codeine: 30-60 mg qid 1
• Pholcodine: 10 mL qid 1

From the Research

Treatment for Cough and Diaphoresis with Temperature Fluctuations

• The treatment for cough and diaphoresis with temperature fluctuations depends on the underlying cause of the symptoms.
• For acute cough, which is a common symptom of upper respiratory tract infections, treatment options include over-the-counter analgesics, zinc, nasal decongestants, and ipratropium for cough 2.
• In cases of chronic cough, which is defined as a cough lasting more than 8 weeks, treatment of the underlying disease is often sufficient to improve or resolve cough symptoms 3.
• If the chronic cough persists even after treatment of the underlying disease, a symptomatic approach with neuromodulators such as gabapentin may be considered 3.
• For patients with chronic refractory cough, speech pathology treatment and/or neuromodulators may be discussed as alternative options, taking into account the risk/benefit ratio 3.
• It is essential to note that antibiotics are ineffective and should not be used for acute cough due to the risk of resistance development, unless there is a clear indication of a bacterial infection such as community-acquired pneumonia 4, 5.
• In children, the management of acute cough is based on a "wait, watch, review" approach, and clinicians should educate parents on expected illness duration and the risks of using over-the-counter medications 6.