can the doctor help

My 86 year old father as a thoracic aortic aneurysm, but has other chronic health problems as well and is not considered suitable for surgery.  Unfortunately he has developed a dry cough which only resolves when he is lying down.  This has been going on for more than three weeks and he thinks it is his aneurysm pressing on his windpipe and that it is not worth seeing a doctor about.  The rest of the family are urging him to go in case there is a treatment which will at least ease his discomfort.  Is there such a treatment?