7-week cough

[Tefler]

A lady in her late 70s, has had a cough for more than 7 weeks. It's not combined with any other cold symptoms, apart from a sore throat - probably caused by the cough itself. She has been to her doctor, but as it's a viral rather than a bacterial problem, there's nothing to be prescribed, it seems.
The chemist has suggested cough medicine and sweets to alleviate the symptoms. She's taking these, but their effect is only temporary.
Unfortunately, the cough is waking her up several times throughout the night, it's affecting her appetite and frequently leading to nausea.
Any suggestions for her?

[puddicat]

tefler not really apart from fluids,nothing gets rid of it easily,but her age is for some concern,if it starts making her sick or even coughing up blood contact ure doctor!!!

[Eve]

The poor thing! I've found Weleda cough drops are good, a few drops in some warm water and they are very soothing.

Someone also mentioned about rubbing Vicks into the feet then sleeping with socks on though I have no idea if it works.

I find sleeping propped up can help, those V pillows are very good for that or a big beanbag she can prop behind her so she is more comfy.

Depending on the cough as well, some boiled sweets may help that she can suck to keep her throat lubrication though not if the cough is enough to make inadvertant swallowing and choking a possibility.

Chewing gum can also have a similar effect though she may not fancy that, especially if she has problems with her teeth.

What kind of cough is it? Chesty, productive etc...?

Have they tester her for asthma or tried her on an inhaler?

[Tefler]

Thanks, Puddicat and Jenna, for your replies. We got her back to the doctor today and they're now going to try an inhaler. With any luck, this might help.

The cough isn't productive, although she is wheezing when she breathes, so I'm assuming there's a chest problem there somewhere.

[Eve]

Bless her, I hope it helps her. If she has problems taking it you could ask for a spacer as well.

http://www.asthma.org.uk/all_about_asthma/medi cines_treatments/spacers.html

I hope she can get comfy enough to have a good sleep. I find the V pillows or a beanbag are great and wrap a throw round my shoulders as it is easier to breathe that way.

When people have mild asthma attacks, getting them sat down against a wall to straighten them out so to speak is helpful to getting the airways to open more to get more air in so similar if she is wheezy.

Breathing through something can also help (like a paper bag when someone has an asthma attack).

Have they listened to her chest? Usually they could hear a rattle if there is an infection in there.

If she likes cordial, it is nice and soothing made with boiling water then left to cool.