coughing up phlegm but not sick treatment

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), used to reduce pain and inflammationĪngiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease Hormonal therapies, such as fulvestrant (Faslodex) and letrozole (Femara) Immunotherapy drugs, including pembrolizumab (Keytruda), that can cause inflammation of the lungs Some types of oral targeted therapy drugs, including osimertinib (Tagrisso) and everolimus (available as a generic drug) Some types of chemotherapy, including bleomycin (available as a generic drug) and methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall, Xatmep) Non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancerĬancers that affect the upper respiratory tractĪny cancer that has spread to the lungs or chest Sometimes there may be more than 1 cause for people with cancer. What causes a cough?Ī cough can have many causes. If you are receiving cancer treatment, you should let your health care team know about a cough that develops. This is called palliative care or supportive care. Treating a persistent cough is an important part of your cancer care and treatment. Other risks include rib fractures, especially for people with cancer that has spread to the bone. Severe persistent coughs can also cause vomiting, dizziness, headaches, loss of bladder control, and muscle strains.

It is also called a chronic cough.Ĭoughs that last a long time can cause serious problems by disrupting sleep. A cough that starts suddenly and lasts less than 3 weeks. You may hear your health care provider describe your cough in different ways: People with cancer may also develop a cough related to cancer or its treatment.

But some coughs carry more serious risks. A cough can be due to a simple cold or allergies.

It clears your airways of irritants and protects your lungs.

Coughing up phlegm but not sick treatment