Ideas for success with a long term aggressive cough?
December 3, 2015 3:02 PM Subscribe
You are not my doctor. I have a doctor who I will see for the third time later today. This has been going on for four weeks now without much visible improvement. I really need it to improve because right now I can't run or hike and I have a bike trip coming up at Christmas and a half marathon in January. I already missed a race last weekend. Any ideas for what worked for a similar stubborn cough?
This started as a minor cold during a trip to Sweden. I flew from there to Shanghai, where the cold got worse and I think my throat got irritated by the pollution in the city so I started to cough. I flew back to Hong Kong at the end of the week and immediately saw a doctor. He thought it was a virus and to take it easy-- drink lots of fluids.
One week later it was worse and I went back to the doctor. This time my lungs sounded bad, so they did chest xrays (no pneumonia). Doctor noted that my tonsils looked red and infected. I left with prescription cough medicine, a steroid inhaler, and antibiotics. The throat inflammation in my throat went down quickly, but the cough is still unstoppable and now this morning I can feel my throat and glands are swollen again. So back to the doctor I go.
The cough medicine (codeine syrup) does work but I hate codeine side effects and I can only take it at night and I'm getting worried about taking it too many days in a row.
During these four weeks I have also humidified, dehumidified, stayed in bed for three days, taken endless hot baths, stopped eating dairy products, quit booze and drunk literally litres of water.
I tried to go running with it anyhow two days ago-- results could best be described as "really stupid! stop running!"
Any clue? Anything that helped with something similar? I'm getting really frustrated at this point and I'm afraid I'll be so out of shape by Christmas that I will need to ride in the support truck. I had a bout of serious bronchitis in the past, but then the inhaler did the job quickly. This time it isn't really helping.
(I live in Hong Kong, so there may be some pollution at work, but it's nowhere near as bad as the rest of China generally. I am in generally good health.)
This started as a minor cold during a trip to Sweden. I flew from there to Shanghai, where the cold got worse and I think my throat got irritated by the pollution in the city so I started to cough. I flew back to Hong Kong at the end of the week and immediately saw a doctor. He thought it was a virus and to take it easy-- drink lots of fluids.
One week later it was worse and I went back to the doctor. This time my lungs sounded bad, so they did chest xrays (no pneumonia). Doctor noted that my tonsils looked red and infected. I left with prescription cough medicine, a steroid inhaler, and antibiotics. The throat inflammation in my throat went down quickly, but the cough is still unstoppable and now this morning I can feel my throat and glands are swollen again. So back to the doctor I go.
The cough medicine (codeine syrup) does work but I hate codeine side effects and I can only take it at night and I'm getting worried about taking it too many days in a row.
During these four weeks I have also humidified, dehumidified, stayed in bed for three days, taken endless hot baths, stopped eating dairy products, quit booze and drunk literally litres of water.
I tried to go running with it anyhow two days ago-- results could best be described as "really stupid! stop running!"
Any clue? Anything that helped with something similar? I'm getting really frustrated at this point and I'm afraid I'll be so out of shape by Christmas that I will need to ride in the support truck. I had a bout of serious bronchitis in the past, but then the inhaler did the job quickly. This time it isn't really helping.
(I live in Hong Kong, so there may be some pollution at work, but it's nowhere near as bad as the rest of China generally. I am in generally good health.)
Best answer: Maybe a dose of oral steroids in addition to the inhaled?
Could the coughing be an allergy symptom? Have you tried an anti-histamine or other allergy product?
posted by muddgirl at 3:12 PM on December 3, 2015 [5 favorites]
Could the coughing be an allergy symptom? Have you tried an anti-histamine or other allergy product?
posted by muddgirl at 3:12 PM on December 3, 2015 [5 favorites]
If this is dumb just ignore, but I got a bad cough that started as a "minor cold" and it turned out it was chronic "silent" acid reflux. i.e., no heartburn, just a small amount of acid in my throat all the time. Really sucked. Fixed with esomeprazole (Nexium).
posted by easter queen at 3:21 PM on December 3, 2015 [7 favorites]
posted by easter queen at 3:21 PM on December 3, 2015 [7 favorites]
Best answer: I'd see an ENT at this point.
posted by DarlingBri at 3:22 PM on December 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by DarlingBri at 3:22 PM on December 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
(Also, I totally sympathize. I've had an on-again off-again cough every winter for the past few years and it's really stressful. In my case it looks to be allergy- and cold-weather-induced asthma and steroids knock it right out).
posted by muddgirl at 3:22 PM on December 3, 2015
posted by muddgirl at 3:22 PM on December 3, 2015
The thing that helped me kick my three-month cough after an illness was really great asthma drugs (my current blend is Singulair and Breo Ellipta every day, plus Ventolin as needed) plus pantoprazole for reflux. Perhaps you should look into cough-variant asthma.
posted by Andrhia at 3:22 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Andrhia at 3:22 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
My boss had an aggressive cough for literally years. It was diagnosed as GERD and it was awful. You could tell if he missed one day of his meds.
Then he was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder that kept him hospitalized for about 10 days received intravenous corticosteroids, followed up with oral prednisone on a slow taper that lasted hmmm probably a few months all told. We were all focused on the AI disorder and didn't realize until a few months had gone by that his cough was gone. G.O.N.E.
It might have been the steroids. He was on a pretty high dose -- the oral pred was I think 60mg for a week before starting the taper. It might also have been related to changes in his diet after the diagnosis -- specifically that he stopped drinking coffee and that helped with the GERD.
However, he has been coughing again in the last few months and keeps "forgetting" to ask his doctor about it when he goes in for his regular blood tests. He hasn't started drinking coffee again so I don't think that's the answer, but it could have contributed initially. He's got an appointment with his doctor tomorrow and I'm sending him a reminder to mention it. I'm not a nice person. I'm just really sick and tired of hearing that cough.
Anyway, I see your doctor provided you with a couple of kinds of steroids, which helped somewhat but didn't cure. Consider asking about a more aggressive oral steroid and/or GERD testing.
posted by janey47 at 3:23 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Then he was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder that kept him hospitalized for about 10 days received intravenous corticosteroids, followed up with oral prednisone on a slow taper that lasted hmmm probably a few months all told. We were all focused on the AI disorder and didn't realize until a few months had gone by that his cough was gone. G.O.N.E.
It might have been the steroids. He was on a pretty high dose -- the oral pred was I think 60mg for a week before starting the taper. It might also have been related to changes in his diet after the diagnosis -- specifically that he stopped drinking coffee and that helped with the GERD.
However, he has been coughing again in the last few months and keeps "forgetting" to ask his doctor about it when he goes in for his regular blood tests. He hasn't started drinking coffee again so I don't think that's the answer, but it could have contributed initially. He's got an appointment with his doctor tomorrow and I'm sending him a reminder to mention it. I'm not a nice person. I'm just really sick and tired of hearing that cough.
Anyway, I see your doctor provided you with a couple of kinds of steroids, which helped somewhat but didn't cure. Consider asking about a more aggressive oral steroid and/or GERD testing.
posted by janey47 at 3:23 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Have you tried Guaifenesin mucus relief products? Mucinex brand or cheap, single ingredient generics, would help clear out your lungs along with all that water. Do not overdo it with cold products that have Tylenol you don't need.
And yes, I would test the allergy theory by seeing how you feel after taking two loratadine (brand name: Claritin) or maybe cetirizine (Zyrtec). One Clartin doesn't work if you have symptoms, you need two initially to see if it works. Some allergies cause more coughing, some are more nasal, so it gets confusing and worth a try.
posted by TenaciousB at 3:23 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
And yes, I would test the allergy theory by seeing how you feel after taking two loratadine (brand name: Claritin) or maybe cetirizine (Zyrtec). One Clartin doesn't work if you have symptoms, you need two initially to see if it works. Some allergies cause more coughing, some are more nasal, so it gets confusing and worth a try.
posted by TenaciousB at 3:23 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: There was a virus going around in my part of the UK (and elsewhere from what I've heard) in the past month or two. It's entirely possible that the same one made its way to Sweden. Starts as a cold-like thing, progresses to a cough that lasts several weeks. My kids had it, I've had it, and pretty much everyone I know has had it. Swollen glands, a sore throat and a low-energy feeling are all part of it.
For most people I know, 3 or 4 weeks is when it started to clear up, and it went away quickly and with no lasting effect. I'm not saying that you've had this particular virus for sure, but it's possible.
posted by pipeski at 3:24 PM on December 3, 2015 [4 favorites]
For most people I know, 3 or 4 weeks is when it started to clear up, and it went away quickly and with no lasting effect. I'm not saying that you've had this particular virus for sure, but it's possible.
posted by pipeski at 3:24 PM on December 3, 2015 [4 favorites]
are you using the steroid inhaler? That's the only thing that will kill my coughing once it becomes chronic.
I am jealous you got prescribed codeine cough syrup. That worked wonders for me but they only prescribe the non-addictive version now :-(
posted by kitten magic at 3:29 PM on December 3, 2015
I am jealous you got prescribed codeine cough syrup. That worked wonders for me but they only prescribe the non-addictive version now :-(
posted by kitten magic at 3:29 PM on December 3, 2015
By any chance did you start any new medications around that time? A cough like that can be the side effect of some medications.
posted by Room 641-A at 3:46 PM on December 3, 2015
posted by Room 641-A at 3:46 PM on December 3, 2015
Are you on any other medication for anything else? My dad developed a horrible cough last year - I was worried about him driving because there's no way he could keep his eyes on the road when a coughing fit started - and it turned out to be caused by a medication he was taking for what we all assumed was an unrelated issue. I can't remember what it was, but the general idea might be worth discussing with your doctor - it took my dad's (usually pretty good) GP a while to pick up on the connection.
posted by une_heure_pleine at 3:47 PM on December 3, 2015
posted by une_heure_pleine at 3:47 PM on December 3, 2015
Response by poster: No-- no new medicines (or other medicines at all except vitamins) and yes, I am using the inhaler religiously. I have never had any GERD like symptoms at all.
Have not tried allergy medicine or Guaifenesin. I *do* have very mild asthma (diagnosed as a child but never really had active symptoms unless sick), which is why they always give me the inhaler when I get a cough-- but have never been offered more aggressive asthma meds.
Thanks! Keep the ideas coming.
posted by frumiousb at 3:52 PM on December 3, 2015
Have not tried allergy medicine or Guaifenesin. I *do* have very mild asthma (diagnosed as a child but never really had active symptoms unless sick), which is why they always give me the inhaler when I get a cough-- but have never been offered more aggressive asthma meds.
Thanks! Keep the ideas coming.
posted by frumiousb at 3:52 PM on December 3, 2015
Best answer: I get this nearly every time I have a serious respiratory infection that needed antibiotics. It sucks.
The only thing that has ever worked for me is a steroid inhaler combined with Tessalon Perles (which is the US brand name for oral benzonatate -- I think there is also a version called Zonatuss which might be available in HK.)
The benzonatate is magic. It gets rid of the coughing reflex long enough for the steroids to calm the inflammation.
posted by byzantienne at 3:55 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
The only thing that has ever worked for me is a steroid inhaler combined with Tessalon Perles (which is the US brand name for oral benzonatate -- I think there is also a version called Zonatuss which might be available in HK.)
The benzonatate is magic. It gets rid of the coughing reflex long enough for the steroids to calm the inflammation.
posted by byzantienne at 3:55 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
advair (if that is indeed the steroid inhaler you are taking) made my asthma 100,000 times better but made my dry scratchy cough WORSE and it continued to do so until i stopped taking it. I was using it for smoke inhalation damage, though, not a cold-related cough.
posted by poffin boffin at 3:55 PM on December 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 3:55 PM on December 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
Two things, I got mycoplasma (walking pneumonia) a couple of times. It took a different class of antibiotics to cure, and some time.
I have a relative who traveled in China on business, a married, strict Mormon guy, he was blue in color at the family Christmas event. I told him to get help. He waited and made the lung transplant list due to some food born infection that shredded his lungs.
Well, three and four, get a TB test, and make sure you get a Pulmonologist on the case, travel can get you Legionaire's disease as well. Take it easy, exertion is not a cure for upper respiratory illnesses. Baby those lungs.
posted by Oyéah at 3:57 PM on December 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
I have a relative who traveled in China on business, a married, strict Mormon guy, he was blue in color at the family Christmas event. I told him to get help. He waited and made the lung transplant list due to some food born infection that shredded his lungs.
Well, three and four, get a TB test, and make sure you get a Pulmonologist on the case, travel can get you Legionaire's disease as well. Take it easy, exertion is not a cure for upper respiratory illnesses. Baby those lungs.
posted by Oyéah at 3:57 PM on December 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
Best answer: This sounds like simple bronchitis. That's a fancy word for lung irritation, which you acquired from the cold & traveling, most likely.
Bronchitis can last a month or so after the initial infection that caused the irritation. I mean, I guess you can do steroids and stuff, but honestly? You have to let your lungs heal.
Sure go to the doctor again and get tested. Of course. If a secondary infection is ruled out, then give it a few more weeks of doing what you are doing, minus any medications that fuck with your lung mucus levels because drying things out just increases the irritation. Increasing irritation will prolong your cough! This means stay away from stuff that triggers your cough - cold, dry outside air + exercise if it leads to coughing.
Time. Moist air that soothes irritation. Time.
posted by jbenben at 4:02 PM on December 3, 2015 [3 favorites]
Bronchitis can last a month or so after the initial infection that caused the irritation. I mean, I guess you can do steroids and stuff, but honestly? You have to let your lungs heal.
Sure go to the doctor again and get tested. Of course. If a secondary infection is ruled out, then give it a few more weeks of doing what you are doing, minus any medications that fuck with your lung mucus levels because drying things out just increases the irritation. Increasing irritation will prolong your cough! This means stay away from stuff that triggers your cough - cold, dry outside air + exercise if it leads to coughing.
Time. Moist air that soothes irritation. Time.
posted by jbenben at 4:02 PM on December 3, 2015 [3 favorites]
Best answer: I had a lengthy cough last year -- I'm talking like six months -- and the only thing that helped was allergy meds and getting a really good handle on my asthma (which seems like it's about at the level of yours). Part of that actually involved NOT using my humidifer, FYI. Mine also started with a cold. I saw an ENT and he sent me to the allergist.
posted by Countess Sandwich at 4:13 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Countess Sandwich at 4:13 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Have you provided sputum for culture? IANAD, but it might be haemophilus influenzae, which can cause a nasty persistent cough that doesn't necessarily respond to the usual antibiotics.
posted by The Monkey at 4:20 PM on December 3, 2015
posted by The Monkey at 4:20 PM on December 3, 2015
Best answer: Two things:
It's an open secret in medicine that products sold for cough suppression don't have much of a discernible clinical effect. There's a lot of freely accessible data out there about this (here's an excellent, recent systematic review). Save yourself the money and side effects and wean yourself from codeine, guaifenisen, etc. unless otherwise advised against it by your physician.
Coughs that follow an infection, viral or otherwise, can last a very (very) long time. We're not really sure why this is, but speaking generally it can be because the bits and pieces of viral/bacterial/fungal cells and spores can keep your body overreacting long after the threat from infection has passed (this is a good read if you have access to the journal). Persistent cough itself is a diagnosis, and is a reason you should check back in with your doctor. There are serious but rare concerns (e.g. slim chance that you have pertussis) that a doctor can rule out, in addition to telling you about treatment and/or relief options.
Be well!
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 4:32 PM on December 3, 2015 [6 favorites]
It's an open secret in medicine that products sold for cough suppression don't have much of a discernible clinical effect. There's a lot of freely accessible data out there about this (here's an excellent, recent systematic review). Save yourself the money and side effects and wean yourself from codeine, guaifenisen, etc. unless otherwise advised against it by your physician.
Coughs that follow an infection, viral or otherwise, can last a very (very) long time. We're not really sure why this is, but speaking generally it can be because the bits and pieces of viral/bacterial/fungal cells and spores can keep your body overreacting long after the threat from infection has passed (this is a good read if you have access to the journal). Persistent cough itself is a diagnosis, and is a reason you should check back in with your doctor. There are serious but rare concerns (e.g. slim chance that you have pertussis) that a doctor can rule out, in addition to telling you about treatment and/or relief options.
Be well!
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 4:32 PM on December 3, 2015 [6 favorites]
Best answer: I've had six to eight week old dry coughs arise from a cold, present no signs of pneumonia, and then go away after a couple of days taking Claritin. No idea how much of that was placebo effect, medically advisable, or actually connected to allergies--just a personal observation.
posted by Monsieur Caution at 4:58 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Monsieur Caution at 4:58 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I get a chronic aggressive cough evey year or two from a cold or flu. It's not asthma it chronic bronchitis or gerd or anything else. It's just a long cough thing. Here's what does NOT work.
Anything OTC. This includes cough drops cough syrup l, primatene type inhalers and anything else.
Any inhaler. I've used singular. Advair. And various preparations of albuterol/Ventolin (although albuterol/Ventolin does give me a Tony bit of relief it doesn't MAKE IT GO AWAY it just gives me a few hours of minor relief followed by jitteriness and headaches)
Here's what does work:
Prednison. I've tried the 2.5 5 and 10mg taper packs. The 2.5 does nothing. The 5 and 10 will work when its not bad. When it is I need either the 25 or worst case 50mg. They suck. I get hot flashes and get angry and eat like a rabid wolf. But. It. Works.
FYI I'm currently on day two of a 5mg taper pack because this time I went on day one of the cough and didn't wait for 3 weeks like I used too. I've cracked ribs from coughing and this is the onyl thing that ever works. By day 2 I cough 80% less and bybthe end of the week its 95% gone unless I get sick again or its really cold/hot where I'm always transitioning from extreme air conditioning to extreme outdoor temps... Then it hangs a little extra.
But seriously. Prednisone is my miracle drug that gives me a normal life.
posted by chasles at 5:01 PM on December 3, 2015
Anything OTC. This includes cough drops cough syrup l, primatene type inhalers and anything else.
Any inhaler. I've used singular. Advair. And various preparations of albuterol/Ventolin (although albuterol/Ventolin does give me a Tony bit of relief it doesn't MAKE IT GO AWAY it just gives me a few hours of minor relief followed by jitteriness and headaches)
Here's what does work:
Prednison. I've tried the 2.5 5 and 10mg taper packs. The 2.5 does nothing. The 5 and 10 will work when its not bad. When it is I need either the 25 or worst case 50mg. They suck. I get hot flashes and get angry and eat like a rabid wolf. But. It. Works.
FYI I'm currently on day two of a 5mg taper pack because this time I went on day one of the cough and didn't wait for 3 weeks like I used too. I've cracked ribs from coughing and this is the onyl thing that ever works. By day 2 I cough 80% less and bybthe end of the week its 95% gone unless I get sick again or its really cold/hot where I'm always transitioning from extreme air conditioning to extreme outdoor temps... Then it hangs a little extra.
But seriously. Prednisone is my miracle drug that gives me a normal life.
posted by chasles at 5:01 PM on December 3, 2015
Lots of folks in the southeastern US have had a virus like what pipeski mentions is going around the UK. I coughed for 6 weeks. After 4 weeks, I went to the doctor. She said that its just a viral bronchitis that's going around. She wanted to put me on steroids (cortisone), but I have bad side effects from those, so she put me on a steroid inhaler instead. It still took 2 weeks of that treatment for me to get better.
posted by hydropsyche at 5:08 PM on December 3, 2015
posted by hydropsyche at 5:08 PM on December 3, 2015
I'm not arguing with you but I want to be sure I'm clear: My boss's *only* symptom was this cough which is one reason it went on so long -- the cough was addressed without the GERD diagnosis. Once he got the GERD diagnosis, the cough got much better (although it didn't go away completely until he had the prednisone). It's a very wet cough that sounds just like bronchitis.
So then also just to add from my own experience: I have a problem with persistent post-nasal drip, for which I saw an ENT doc. He has me taking over-the-counter Mucinex expectorant only (he said: remember, if there's a DM on the package DO NOT take it. In this case, D is for DON'T). 1200 mg per day. He has an idea of why I have the post-nasal drip having to do with age and other medications.
I would still ask my dr about oral steroids if I were you, but I would also be inclined to ask about GERD.
posted by janey47 at 5:09 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
So then also just to add from my own experience: I have a problem with persistent post-nasal drip, for which I saw an ENT doc. He has me taking over-the-counter Mucinex expectorant only (he said: remember, if there's a DM on the package DO NOT take it. In this case, D is for DON'T). 1200 mg per day. He has an idea of why I have the post-nasal drip having to do with age and other medications.
I would still ask my dr about oral steroids if I were you, but I would also be inclined to ask about GERD.
posted by janey47 at 5:09 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Zyrtec (allergy medication) fixed my chronic cough, which followed a bad cold/flu.
posted by idb at 5:18 PM on December 3, 2015
posted by idb at 5:18 PM on December 3, 2015
It sounds like you push yourself a fair bit, I wonder if you're worn out and that's affecting your healing? Maybe you need more rest than you're getting? Maybe much more? This could be your body's way of saying you're trying to do too much
posted by PercussivePaul at 5:30 PM on December 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by PercussivePaul at 5:30 PM on December 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
Best answer: The cold virus that was prevalent in the US last year came with a cough that persisted for up to 6 weeks. You may just have this season's mutation of that virus.
posted by COD at 5:38 PM on December 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by COD at 5:38 PM on December 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
I bet it's the air in Hong Kong. A friend of mine was there for just a few months and had no end of coughing and breathing problems (and a lovely problem where her eyes were BLEEDING) despite never having a single problem with allergies or city air in Chicago. The pollution in Hong Kong is bad enough to cause you problems. I agree with the suggestion to get an air purifier.
posted by phunniemee at 5:50 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by phunniemee at 5:50 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Prednisone will kick a post-infection cough to the curb, but it is strong stuff and should only be taken if the cough is seriously impacting your health - eg you can't sleep.
posted by yarly at 6:31 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by yarly at 6:31 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: The asthma might have gotten worse - did they do a spirometry test?
Is it a tight and dry cough, or is it productive? If the latter, what colour is the product? Either way, 2nd staying away from cough suppressants. If it's phlegmy and you're having a hard time coughing things out, though, the one thing worth getting imo would be an expectorant, because it's no good to have mucus sitting around in there, puts you at risk for worse things.
(I've been prescribed steroid inhalers for both asthma and bronchitis, and almost never antibiotics for bronchitis, these days, but they might try another kind. When I get bronchitis, it usually lasts for a 2-3 months.)
You could try gargling with hot salt water - folk remedy, but might relieve a bit of your throat irritation. Another folk remedy is to put something warm over your chest (just for distraction and comfort, but that might be a good thing). +1 Hepa air filter.
(Also - your current throat irritation might be for a different reason than the first - I guess you know the steroid inhalers can cause local irritation and thrush in some people, even with rinsing after use.)
posted by cotton dress sock at 6:57 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Is it a tight and dry cough, or is it productive? If the latter, what colour is the product? Either way, 2nd staying away from cough suppressants. If it's phlegmy and you're having a hard time coughing things out, though, the one thing worth getting imo would be an expectorant, because it's no good to have mucus sitting around in there, puts you at risk for worse things.
(I've been prescribed steroid inhalers for both asthma and bronchitis, and almost never antibiotics for bronchitis, these days, but they might try another kind. When I get bronchitis, it usually lasts for a 2-3 months.)
You could try gargling with hot salt water - folk remedy, but might relieve a bit of your throat irritation. Another folk remedy is to put something warm over your chest (just for distraction and comfort, but that might be a good thing). +1 Hepa air filter.
(Also - your current throat irritation might be for a different reason than the first - I guess you know the steroid inhalers can cause local irritation and thrush in some people, even with rinsing after use.)
posted by cotton dress sock at 6:57 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Well, just got back from the doctor. They did a sputum test and I'll wait for the results. The good news is that my throat is no longer red and infected looking so it seems the antibiotics did what they were supposed to for the tonsillitis, even if they didn't impact the cough.
I asked about prednisone, and he said he wouldn't give that unless I was really (as noted above) unable to sleep or wheezing. I may try a Claritin myself tomorrow and just experiment.
He also recommends an ENT, but for my plan and network it's a two week wait so I decided to wait it out and see if it goes away on its own. He recommended I continue with the codeine at night. I pointed out that it didn't seem to work according to tests (thanks!), but he said "even so, if you're sleeping through the night on it then better than not sleeping"-- which does make some sense. Anyhow, I'll stop it and see if the coughing wakes me up and use it if not.
phunniemee-- I've been living in Hong Kong for two years, and I have had some allergic issues with the air quality (strange skin rash-- a dry cough when I first arrived) but then hopefully the Claratin will help. (An air purifier won't help me much when I need to be all over Hong Kong for my job).
The symptoms from the virus mentioned above sound *really* familiar. I've been exhausted as well as having a cough-- so maybe I really just did bring something nasty back from Europe.
Thanks all!
posted by frumiousb at 8:37 PM on December 3, 2015
I asked about prednisone, and he said he wouldn't give that unless I was really (as noted above) unable to sleep or wheezing. I may try a Claritin myself tomorrow and just experiment.
He also recommends an ENT, but for my plan and network it's a two week wait so I decided to wait it out and see if it goes away on its own. He recommended I continue with the codeine at night. I pointed out that it didn't seem to work according to tests (thanks!), but he said "even so, if you're sleeping through the night on it then better than not sleeping"-- which does make some sense. Anyhow, I'll stop it and see if the coughing wakes me up and use it if not.
phunniemee-- I've been living in Hong Kong for two years, and I have had some allergic issues with the air quality (strange skin rash-- a dry cough when I first arrived) but then hopefully the Claratin will help. (An air purifier won't help me much when I need to be all over Hong Kong for my job).
The symptoms from the virus mentioned above sound *really* familiar. I've been exhausted as well as having a cough-- so maybe I really just did bring something nasty back from Europe.
Thanks all!
posted by frumiousb at 8:37 PM on December 3, 2015
Response by poster: Oh, and I asked about the GERD but he said that the jury wasn't in about whether GERD caused coughing or whether it correlated with many chronic coughs and in any case he somehow didn't think so based on my symptoms. He said it was more likely to late with my mild case of asthma than anything else...
(I am not a doctor so I am not sure what he even meant by the above, but that's what he said.)
posted by frumiousb at 8:39 PM on December 3, 2015
(I am not a doctor so I am not sure what he even meant by the above, but that's what he said.)
posted by frumiousb at 8:39 PM on December 3, 2015
There are a whole host of things that can cause chronic coughing, and many people have made many great suggestions above.
(Your doctor is wrong about the link between reflux and coughing - it's such a well-established symptom that it's on all our reflux questionnaires. But I would still trust their judgement and follow their route first, since reflux is only one of a host of potential causes).
Whatever the underlying cause, it is certainly true that coughing causes more coughing. Banging your vocal cords together causes irritation and inflammation. If it happens over a long period this can actually perpetuate the cough. So in addition to all the great things you are already doing to find the underlying cause, I would suggest you also try to avoid coughing when you can, take small gentle breaths through your nose and a sip of water, and when you do have to cough try to make it as gentle and as few as possible.
I wouldn't give you this advice if you said you were coughing up phlegm from your lungs - in that case the cough is necessary.
posted by kadia_a at 10:40 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
(Your doctor is wrong about the link between reflux and coughing - it's such a well-established symptom that it's on all our reflux questionnaires. But I would still trust their judgement and follow their route first, since reflux is only one of a host of potential causes).
Whatever the underlying cause, it is certainly true that coughing causes more coughing. Banging your vocal cords together causes irritation and inflammation. If it happens over a long period this can actually perpetuate the cough. So in addition to all the great things you are already doing to find the underlying cause, I would suggest you also try to avoid coughing when you can, take small gentle breaths through your nose and a sip of water, and when you do have to cough try to make it as gentle and as few as possible.
I wouldn't give you this advice if you said you were coughing up phlegm from your lungs - in that case the cough is necessary.
posted by kadia_a at 10:40 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
If you have asthma and a recent upper respiratory tract infection, I would not be worried about exotic foreign infections or anything too creative right at this point.
Make sure your asthma is under control. Then worry about the weird and wonderful.
posted by chiquitita at 1:25 AM on December 4, 2015
Make sure your asthma is under control. Then worry about the weird and wonderful.
posted by chiquitita at 1:25 AM on December 4, 2015
Wanted to toss in to a fellow runner: even though your legs feel itchy and are screaming, "Let's just do a quick half hour! Don't be a sissy! You're FINE!!" you have to tell your legs to shut up because you can't run until your cough is gone.
But you CAN lift weights and do yoga and even non-strenuous swimming. Maybe even walking as long as you don't let your legs decide to move faster.
posted by kinetic at 2:46 AM on December 4, 2015 [1 favorite]
But you CAN lift weights and do yoga and even non-strenuous swimming. Maybe even walking as long as you don't let your legs decide to move faster.
posted by kinetic at 2:46 AM on December 4, 2015 [1 favorite]
It could be GERD or IBS. Symptoms manifest themselves in different ways--sometimes as coughs. Try it.
posted by Piedmont_Americana at 3:49 AM on December 4, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Piedmont_Americana at 3:49 AM on December 4, 2015 [1 favorite]
I am all about chronic coughs.
So, since you've been x-rayed and checked for pneumonia / TB and so on the two front runners are the aforementioned GERD (which Nexium or other PPI type medicine should deal with, ask your doctor) or a post viral cough.
My guess is post viral cough at this point.
So thing is, OTC cough medicine as noted above won't help. It's useless don't waste your time or money. This is not "folk wisdom" there are studies and studies of studies.
Inhaled steroids are the common treatment, but there are a few medical studies which show that by far the most effective treatment for a post viral cough is coffee AND honey.
Get a cup of cheap instant coffee, slosh in some honey.
Here is a paper with details of clinical trials.
In the linked trials they compared honey plus coffee for the first group ('HC'), prednisolone for the second group (steroid, 'S'), and guaifenesin for the third group (control, 'C')
Analysis of variance showed a significant difference between the mean cough frequency before and after treatment in the HC group versus the S group (p< 0.001). Honey plus coffee was found to be the most effective treatment modality for PPC.
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 5:41 AM on December 4, 2015 [3 favorites]
So, since you've been x-rayed and checked for pneumonia / TB and so on the two front runners are the aforementioned GERD (which Nexium or other PPI type medicine should deal with, ask your doctor) or a post viral cough.
My guess is post viral cough at this point.
So thing is, OTC cough medicine as noted above won't help. It's useless don't waste your time or money. This is not "folk wisdom" there are studies and studies of studies.
Inhaled steroids are the common treatment, but there are a few medical studies which show that by far the most effective treatment for a post viral cough is coffee AND honey.
Get a cup of cheap instant coffee, slosh in some honey.
Here is a paper with details of clinical trials.
In the linked trials they compared honey plus coffee for the first group ('HC'), prednisolone for the second group (steroid, 'S'), and guaifenesin for the third group (control, 'C')
Analysis of variance showed a significant difference between the mean cough frequency before and after treatment in the HC group versus the S group (p< 0.001). Honey plus coffee was found to be the most effective treatment modality for PPC.
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 5:41 AM on December 4, 2015 [3 favorites]
Oh, and to add, you can also try regularly taking Gaviscon or another sodium alginate based anti heartburn product for a bit and see what that does. That's a non-prescription treatment for GERD.
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 5:44 AM on December 4, 2015
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 5:44 AM on December 4, 2015
Make the ENT appointment! If it's still bad in 2 weeks you won't want to wait another 2 weeks for an appointment, and if it gets better on it's own, it's easy enough to cancel an appointment.
posted by brainmouse at 7:34 AM on December 4, 2015 [7 favorites]
posted by brainmouse at 7:34 AM on December 4, 2015 [7 favorites]
Came in here to say what brainmouse says above. Consider that nth'd.
posted by janey47 at 11:09 AM on December 4, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by janey47 at 11:09 AM on December 4, 2015 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: So I will make the ENT appointment. I'm waiting for the sputum test to come back first.
I want to say that I took Claritin on an experimental base yesterday and today, and whatever is going on definitely seem to be allergy/asthma related, because it just stops the cough cold. Nothing. Today I woke up and started to cough, finally took the Claritin. One hour later-- cough gone. So that's great news!
The bad thing is I'm one of the lucky ones who gets an exhaustion reaction to Claritin (in a few patients, may cause etc. etc.) so it isn't helping me get back to running. But I've been doing more walking, so that's something.
Thanks again!
posted by frumiousb at 11:06 PM on December 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
I want to say that I took Claritin on an experimental base yesterday and today, and whatever is going on definitely seem to be allergy/asthma related, because it just stops the cough cold. Nothing. Today I woke up and started to cough, finally took the Claritin. One hour later-- cough gone. So that's great news!
The bad thing is I'm one of the lucky ones who gets an exhaustion reaction to Claritin (in a few patients, may cause etc. etc.) so it isn't helping me get back to running. But I've been doing more walking, so that's something.
Thanks again!
posted by frumiousb at 11:06 PM on December 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
« Older Sharing only music/select apps across multiple... | Curious about your experiences with Oru folding... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by andrewcooke at 3:05 PM on December 3, 2015