Is there something you can do for the terrible cough associated with emphysema?

Several options: Talk to your doctor about making sure nothing else is going on, have a ct scan of the chest. Review your medications in detail, check for side effects, interactions, appropriateness of therapy. Bronchodilators are often used, steroids might help, over the counter anti tussives, opiate based cough syrups can also help. Make sure your oxygen level is ok day and night, at rest and with exercise.

Treatments...: Possible treatments include bronchodilator and steroid inhalers. The most important thing you can do is to quit smoking. Your doctor can help with this.