From the Guidelines
Coughing too hard can lead to severe complications, including cardiovascular, constitutional, GI, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, neurologic, ophthalmologic, psychosocial, respiratory, and skin complications, as well as a decrease in health-related quality of life, as reported in the study by 1. To manage these complications, it is essential to rest your body and avoid activities that worsen pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) at 650mg every 6 hours or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) at 400-600mg every 6-8 hours can help with pain and inflammation. Some key complications to watch out for include:
- Muscle strain
- Rib fractures
- Urinary incontinence
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Hernias Apply ice packs to painful areas for 15-20 minutes several times daily. For persistent coughing, consider cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan (such as Robitussin DM) at 10-20mg every 4 hours, or honey (1 tablespoon) for a natural remedy. It is crucial to stay hydrated and use a humidifier to moisten airways. If you experience severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, or symptoms that don't improve within a week, seek immediate medical attention, as these complications can be life-threatening and significantly impact morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, as highlighted in the study by 1.
From the Research
Complications from Coughing too Hard
- Coughing too hard can lead to various complications, including respiratory problems and other health issues 2
- Excessive coughing has been associated with a number of complications, such as airway obstruction and respiratory secretions 2
- The multifactorial nature of cough can contribute to its unresolved state, making it essential to identify and treat all contributing factors together 3
Potential Causes of Chronic Cough
- Chronic cough can be caused by several conditions, including upper airway cough syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, asthma, and nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis 4
- Other potential causes of chronic cough include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use, environmental triggers, tobacco use, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and obstructive sleep apnea 4
- In children, chronic cough is most commonly caused by asthma, protracted bacterial bronchitis, and upper airway cough syndrome 4
Management and Treatment of Cough
- A practical approach to the treatment and management of cough emphasizes identifying and treating all contributing factors together 3
- Empiric treatment should be initiated based on clinical evaluation, and patients with refractory chronic cough may require referral to a specialist 4
- Airway clearance therapy can be used to guide the most appropriate approach to airway clearance, but high-level evidence is needed to support its effectiveness 2