Coughing and sickness

Hi RLNO5

Welcome to the online community. I’m Sarah one of the Cancer Information Nurses on our Support Line.

Sorry to hear that your mum has a cough which was chronic before her diagnosis. Coughs can be troublesome and frustrating. Good to hear that CT and X-Rays have cleared any issues in her lungs.

Here at Macmillan, we can give general advice and support. We are independent from the NHS and don’t have access to medical records so cannot give personalised information.

There can be different causes of a cough. It would be difficult to say if managing one symptom may stop another. Sometimes indigestion and reflux can cause this, which may be related to nausea.

If your mum’s GP or hospital team have ruled out any physical cause, then it can be known for patients to experience a cough for psychological reasons.

It may help for your mum to see a counsellor or be referred for talking therapies or CBT.  It is natural to feel anxious and talking things through may help your mum manage her worries.

Also make sure that you look after yourself. Caring for someone with cancer you may experience different feelings. You often then forget to look after yourself. It may help your mum if someone visits when you are going out. There are charities who can provide support with this.

You may find it helpful to talk with others who are caring for friends and family with cancer.

I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.

Best wishes,

Sarah

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref/ SS/PW