Affects up to 90% of lung cancer patients at some point in their cancer journey. Can affect patients with other primary diagnoses such as oesophageal carcinoma and those with metastatic lung involvement, particularly breast cancer.
Can be very debilitating particularly if spasmodic.
Identify treatable causes such as acute infection, bronchospasm or iatrogenic causes such as ACE-inhibitors. Remember the possibility of cough induced by aspiration or gastro-oesophageal reflux.
Consider the use of postural drainage and physiotherapy.
