Anything specific to help a cough

[EvianBaby]

My Dad picked up a cold which has resulted in a nasty cough for the past couple of weeks- sort of between wheezy and chesty. All he's been taking is these cold and flu hot drinks which have no effect at all.

He has COPD which I'm sure doesn't help and hearing the way he coughs is painful to listen to but he's not the type to 'bother' doctors.

Is there anything specific he could take to help eliviate it? Do any of these cough medicines have any effect?

[rowanwitch]

If he is COPD he should bother his doctor Cough medicines don't help .

[EvianBaby]

You know that, I know that and he knows that. But he won't. :(

[daffy654]

If he has COPD he really needs to get himself to the doctor about any cough that doesn't clear in a few days. He may need antibiotics and/or inhalers if he doesn't have them already, or possibly a short course of oral steroids. Make sure he understands that COPD is a killer and an exacerbation can be fatal if not treated properly and promptly. You could always play the "think about your family, not yourself" card ;)

[rowanwitch]

An expectorant cough mixture might help him cough up a bit more as would steam inhalation. But if he's got cruddy green sputum its possible he's got a superimposed infection ...

[EvianBaby]

It took me bursting into tears and telling him I thought he would die to get him to the docs last time. He only went to shut me up. But, I'm not supposed to know he has COPD - I only found out because I earwigged on a phone call. He doensn't tell us things because he doesn't want us to worry but he is a stubborn old fool and probably wouldn't see a doctor if he was having a heart attack.

[daffy654]

Could you call the doctor out on his behalf and make sure you are there when he or she turns up?

[rowanwitch]

Perhaps he is in denial about how serious it can be...

[Sqad]

He needs a steroid spray almost certainly.
I am not sure whether you can get them over the counter, but if you could they would be expensive.
He will be the best just as to the timing of a visit to the doctors........don't push him.

[EvianBaby]

He'd kill me if I did that Daffy. He can be like a stroppy teen sometimes and probably wouldn't speak to me for 6 months (I know this from experience).

Perhaps it's time to get the waterworks going again then.

[anneasquith]

although its very frustrating for you, i can see his reasoning behind him trying to protect you re his ill health. but he does need some assistance re the cough, good luck

[EvianBaby]

Thanks for all the answers. I'll pop into the chemist at lunch and enquire about steroid sprays then try some gentle persuasion later.

[jackthehat]

My Dad has COPD and has recently had a nasty chest infection.
He rang his surgery (he didn't even have to attend) spoke to the 'Chest Nurse' and she organised the GP to prescribe some Anti-B's, which were, in turn, delivered to his address via Pharmacy courier.

All pretty painless for a man who doesn't 'do' doctors.

[EvianBaby]

That's good Jack. He might be willing to go along with something like that.

I have just noticed on his repeat prescription that I sent off for him today that his meds review is due so I can maybe pester him to go about that and tell him to mention the hacking cough. Although when they hear him they'd probably want a look anyway :)

[Sade]

Covonia original- you have to ask for it and it is behind the counter. Sorts out my coughs straightaway! x

[dannyday5821]

someone once told me ages ago that cough medicines dont actually help long term - they make things more comfortable but your body neeeeeeds to cough to get rid of the rubbish thats in your lungs in the first place!

not sure if thats right though - i know its difficult with some people but like anyone else says if he's got COPD he should get himself checked out... easier said than done eh?

good luck though hope ya get somethin sorted for him!

[flobadob]

Doctor told me to use a glass of one third apple jusice to two third water. Also honey and lemon with warm water may be soothing.

[daffy654]

dannyday, you are spot on with that post. Cough medicines suppress the body's natural action of coughing to get rid of stuff in your lungs and airways. I have emphysema and my consultant once got a little 'shouty' with me when I told him I had been taking cough medicine, he said the only ones worth even considering were expectorants as they don't suppress the cough, they aid a little in expelling secretions.

[Sqad]

I have to disagree.

if a cough is "hacking" non productive, then coughing away is exhausting and this is where a cough suppressant is handy. Not all coughs are necessary.

A cough expectorant is handy to "loosen" thick mucous and makes coughing less exhausting.

e.g the cough of bronchitis would benefit from an expectorant....the cough after flu would benefit from a suppressant.

[Sqad]

methyl

\\\in the past I have had a persistent cough which was caused by taking Benylin\\

This thread is now getting silly.