Sometimes a cough is so strong that it causes vomiting: this is called an emetic cough. What diseases can cause it? How to treat it? Update with Dr Jean-Philippe Santoni, lead prevention pulmonologist at the Fondation du Souffle.
Definition: what is an emetic cough?
Emetic cough is a sudden cough that is violent enough to cause vomiting. This type of cough can be observed either in a tchronic ow, after a meal, either in certain pathologies such as chronic bronchitis but especially the tuberculosis or whooping cough. Emetic coughs are common in infants and they can be particularly impressive. Emetic coughs can also appear in case of gastroesophageal reflux.
What are the diseases that cause an emetic cough?
Emetic cough can be caused by different pathologies. It is very common in infants, especially in the bronchiolitis that is accompanied by congestion important of the respiratory tract by mucus. It is also observed in whooping cough, a bacterial infectious disease that causes a very characteristic and intense cough called cock crow, and which results in 4 or 5 respiratory jolts followed by a very noisy inspiration. Gastroesophageal reflux, in infants as in adults, can also cause an emetic cough. “In this case, it is not so much the cough that causes vomiting but cough that is associated with vomiting. Finally, during a viral infection, certain viruses, in particular adenovirusare likely to cause both respiratory tract infection and digestive inflammation with vomiting“, specifies Dr. Jean-Philippe Santoni, pulmonologist.
What are the consequences of an emetic cough?
Cough is a the body’s natural defense reflex against infections or aggressors of the airways. “Cough must be respected, and it is strictly inadvisable to give antitussives to children, especially in fatty coughs. It is important to let out mucus and phlegm“, warns the pulmonologist. However, vomiting can be bothersome and aggravate a dehydration, especially in infant bronchiolitis and in viral infections that cause fever and dehydration. Vomiting can also cause inhalations in the bronchi (false route) given the passage of food debris and bile in the airways, with a risk of superinfection.
How long can an emetic cough last?
The emetic cough is usually short duration. Vomiting does not occur with every coughing fit.
When and who to consult?
In infant bronchiolitis, as soon as the baby has difficulty with breast or bottle feeding, and shows signs of respiratory distress, you should go to the emergency room. “In adults, whooping cough requires an examination by the attending physiciant to ensure that there is no pulmonary superinfection by other germs or a pulmonary complication. Coughing and vomiting occurring in gastroesophageal reflux justify a consultation with the attending physician or a gastroenterologist to confirm the diagnosis of GERD and start antacid treatment, for example with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). At the same time, hygiene and dietary rules must be respected“, develops the specialist.
What is the treatment for an emetic cough?
Cough is a rthe body’s natural defense reflex, so it should not be treated, especially when it is productive. “The antitussive treatments should never be given to infants because they are associated with a risk of pulmonary superinfection“, recalls Dr. Jean-Philippe Santoni.
Thank you to Dr Jean-Philippe Santoni, primary prevention pulmonologist at the Fondation du Souffle.