The Cough from Hell: Diazepam for Intractable Cough in a Patient with Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract Cough is a common symptom in cancer. Its underlying cause should be managed when identified; otherwise, empiric treatment is the mainstay of symptom control. Cancer-related cough usually responds to radiation therapy, an opioid, or benzonatate, a peripheral anesthetic. We present the case o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of pain and symptom management 2008-11, Vol.36 (5), p.553-558
Main Authors: Estfan, Bassam, MD, Walsh, Declan, MSc, FACP, FRCP (Edin)
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Anesthesia & Perioperative Care
Anticonvulsants - administration & dosage
benzonatate
Biological and medical sciences
Cancer
Carcinoma, Renal Cell - complications
Carcinoma, Renal Cell - drug therapy
Chronic Disease
Cough
Cough - prevention & control
diazepam
Diazepam - administration & dosage
Female
Humans
hydrocodone
Kidney cancer
Kidney Neoplasms - complications
Kidney Neoplasms - drug therapy
Kidneys
Medical sciences
Nephrology. Urinary tract diseases
Pain Medicine
Palliative care
Palliative Care - methods
palliative medicine
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
Pneumology
renal cell carcinoma
Respiratory system : syndromes and miscellaneous diseases
Treatment Outcome
Tumors of the urinary system
Valium
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Description
Summary:Abstract Cough is a common symptom in cancer. Its underlying cause should be managed when identified; otherwise, empiric treatment is the mainstay of symptom control. Cancer-related cough usually responds to radiation therapy, an opioid, or benzonatate, a peripheral anesthetic. We present the case of a patient with renal cell carcinoma hospitalized for intractable cough that failed to respond adequately to usual treatments, but improved with diazepam.
ISSN:0885-3924
1873-6513
DOI:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2007.12.007