Chronic Cough

[Sulgravian]

My husband has had a cough for about 15 months. He’s been to the doctor on numerous occasions and has had three chest x-rays (all clear) The doctor is at a loss to explain it so has referred him to the hospital thoracic dept. However his appointment isn’t until end of April. In the meantime he is suffering these bouts of coughing which last for about half an hour multiple times a day and night. He did take Collis Browne medicine occasionally which helped but is now discontinued. Can anyone recommend anything that might help please?

[dunnitall]

Does he take the medication Ramipril? Only asking because my OH the same until he left it off. It's well known side effects that it does cause a cough. Wish you and he well if that isn't the answer.

[Sulgravian]

Thanks for the answer. The doctor tried taking him off all his medications for a few weeks and it made no difference so ruled that out as a possible cause.

[woofgang]

When I had an intractable cough, the GP gave me a ventolin inhaler which sorted it in 48 hours....if you can ask your doctor for stuff (I know some don't like it) it might be worth asking of he can try it? It was a couple of years ago when the virus of the time was leaving a dry non productive cough behind....a really nasty fight for breath cough...and the GP I saw said it was comparatively new to give it for a cough in someone with no history of asthma but they were trying it that year and it had been very successful.

[237SJ]

Is it a dry or productive cough?

[jourdain2]

Could be a form of asthma. I coughed for yonks until a nurse who was treating OH said that she thought I might have developed it. X-ray also clear.
Nurse sent me to GP who gave me chart to fill in and device to measure my lung capacity.
Result? Yes, it turned out I had become asthmatic. I have since identified lots of triggers.
Chgeck for asthma, it takes many forms.

[elliemay1]

Could he be allergic to something?

[elliemay1]

http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20267700,00.html

[Sulgravian]

Thanks for answers. Cough is usually productive. He’s not asthmatic as he’s had the lung capacity test. It’s possible he’s allergic to something-can’t think what though.

[woofgang]

oh ok. the doc is unlikely to give you ventolin for a productive cough as it suppresses the cough

[elliemay1]

Does he suffer these bouts of coughing regardless to where he is, or is it only when he is at home?

[Sulgravian]

It’s wherever he is though not very often in the fresh air.

[slessco]

old wives tale but it works,try rubbing vicks on the soles off his feet at night

[elliemay1]

Has he tried an antihistamine?

[Sulgravian]

Thanks. He’ll give vicks a try. He has tried antihistamines to no avail.

[Sulgravian]

Not sure about anti inflammatory. There are some medicines he’s not allowed to take because he’s on medicines due to a kidney transplant 28 years ago.

[bednobs]

My doctor gave me omeprazole for a cough - she thought it could be silent reflux

[Sqad]

I agree with Woofgang 20.38 yesterday, certainly worth asking your GP and even considering buying it over the counter....Ventolin that is.

"productive cough as it suppresses the cough "
Does it? didn't know that. BUT, isn't that what is needed a cough suppressant?
!5 months is a long time.....productive or otherwise.
Yes....Ventolin is worth a try.

[NoMercy]

NSAIDs will probably exacerbate hi symptoms rather than ameliorate them.