Dry Cough & Mesothelioma

What Is a Dry Cough?

A dry cough is a cough that produces little to no mucus. It is a respiratory reflex designed to keep the throat and airways clear. Many people have occasional dry coughs. But a cough that won’t go away may signal a serious condition like pleural mesothelioma. So can a cough with other symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing up blood. Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lung lining. It is caused by asbestos fibers that irritate and scar the smooth tissue.

Coughing is a warning sign of mesothelioma cancer. But it cannot confirm a diagnosis. Patients with a dry cough should see a lung specialist to find the cause. A dry cough can also be a symptom of other cancers like laryngeal cancer and some leukemias. It may also be a side effect of cancer treatments.

Patients need to discuss any history of asbestos exposure and symptoms, like a dry cough, with their provider. This can help reduce the chances of a misdiagnosis. Early diagnosis gives mesothelioma patients more treatment options. They also have better long-term outcomes than those diagnosed later. 

“Some of the typical symptoms that someone with asbestos exposure might present with wouldn’t occur for sometimes decades after their initial exposure,” said registered nurse and oncology writer Sean Marchese. “It might present as a dry cough that won’t go away.”

What Causes Dry Cough for Mesothelioma Patients?

A dry cough results from a thickening of the lung lining or pleura. The thickened tissue then presses inward. This action can also cause shortness of breath and chest pain.

Irritation, disease progression and some treatments can cause mesothelioma patients to have a dry cough. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma rarely have a dry cough. This is unless their cancer spreads to the lungs. In contrast, pleural mesothelioma patients often do. Some research suggests that a mesothelioma-related cough may have mucus. If you have a history of asbestos exposure, see your doctor, even if your cough is wet.

A dry cough is a common symptom of pneumonia and other chest infections. Patients with pleural mesothelioma have a higher incidence of chest infections than the general population. 

Also, immunocompromised people are more likely to get lung infections that cause coughs. Some mesothelioma treatments may weaken the immune system. Additionally, repeated coughing can worsen irritation and symptoms.

Don Berlin

Verified Asbestos.com Survivor

Dry Cough & Other Symptoms Led to Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Don’s dry cough and chest tightness were puzzling. He was out of breath much too quickly. One doctor visit led to another and another. Finally, a battery of tests led to a pleural mesothelioma diagnosis.

Don Berlin

Verified Asbestos.com Survivor

Read Don’s Story

Treating Mesothelioma-Related Dry Cough

Health care providers treat dry cough related to mesothelioma with medications, medical procedures and some complementary therapies. The treatment depends on the cause of the cough. A good treatment plan can significantly enhance the quality of life for mesothelioma patients.

A persistent cough irritates the throat. This can cause more coughing. Breaking the cough cycle may relieve patients. Sniffing, swallowing and sipping water may help with coughing. Throat drops may help, too. Some mesothelioma treatments may also cause a dry cough.

Medications

Some medications can ease dry coughs from mesothelioma. Cough suppressants, like Robitussin, reduce coughing. This helps break the cycle. 

Other medicines for cough include painkillers and steroids. They reduce inflammation and irritation. Nebulizers can deliver some medications to the lungs as a mist. 

Surgery

Surgery is a treatment option used to remove as much of the mesothelioma tumor as possible. It helps with many mesothelioma symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may also help. They may shrink tumors more.

In 2015, doctors diagnosed Yvette King with pleural mesothelioma. She had chemotherapy first. Doctors later removed her lung and its lining with an extrapleural pneumonectomy. After that procedure, King had proton therapy and physical therapy. An improved diet and more exercise finally gave her relief. King says she knew the key to a better recovery was exercise.

Palliative Procedures

After surgery, a dry cough often persists or worsens as the disease progresses. Palliative care can boost comfort and quality of life for mesothelioma patients. Treatments may include draining fluid from the pleural lining. This can relieve pressure on the lungs and ease symptoms like a dry cough and wheezing.

Your doctor’s recommended procedures will vary. The procedures will depend on your mesothelioma’s type and stage. 

At-Home Cough Remedies

At-home cough remedies for dry coughs from mesothelioma are a good, easy way to control mild symptoms. Many use common and convenient household ingredients.  

Herbal teas may also help. They include ginger, marshmallow root, peppermint, slippery elm and thyme. However, patients should be cautious with herbal remedies. They can interact with medications or worsen other conditions. Some of these remedies may cause allergic reactions. Consult a doctor before using any homeopathic, herbal or OTC remedies. 

Complementary Therapies

Complementary therapies may help with mesothelioma symptoms. They include acupuncture, acupressure, cupping, medical marijuana and meditation. But, they cannot cure the disease. For example, mind-body therapies can improve breath control. This may help with dry coughing. 

Cupping is another therapy that may work for some patients. Doctors may recommend it to help the lungs and provide relief. Cupping may reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. 

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

A pulmonary rehab program aims to improve breathing and quality of life. of mesothelioma patients. Pulmonary therapists can help patients perform breathing exercises in 2-3 weeks. It also helps with anxiety, depression and other common disorders in those with serious illnesses like mesothelioma.

Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen therapy gives extra oxygen to people with breathing problems or lung diseases like mesothelioma. It’s also known as supplemental oxygen therapy. Treatments are given through a mask, nose tube or tent. The extra oxygen is inhaled along with normal air. It can help people feel better and stay active.

Lifestyle Adjustments

While there are certain factors you cannot change cancer symptoms, there are some things you have control over. Managing these, such as avoiding certain foods and throat irritants, can improve your dry cough caused by mesothelioma.

Identify and limit exposure to things that worsen coughing to reduce symptoms. Many things, like cold weather, irritate the airways and cause coughing. Air filters can reduce some airborne irritants.

A 2020 CDC report found that portable air filters reduce indoor smoke. Smoky environments are a common trigger for coughs. Patients who have family or friends who smoke indoors should discuss alternatives.

Some body positions cause coughing and make it hard to breathe. So, changing positions can help. Lying flat is a common trigger for coughing. Propping up on pillows or in a chair may provide relief. 

Sleep positions can also affect breathing. Lying on your back puts pressure on the lungs and chest and can worsen a cough. Adding pillows under the head, neck and shoulders can help. Propping up the head of the bed also helps alleviate a dry cough. Side sleepers may find relief by raising the head and neck. 

Recommended Reading