Coughing badly after virus ...

[Padders]

Hi allI had a really nasty cold/cough which has left me with a bad cough and a flare up of asthma. Currently on holiday in India and although I am taking Fostair with a a couple of shots of ventolin inbetween, the cough is not dissipating. It's particularly bad at night. The pollution in India is bad - I'm wearing an N95 mask - but would be grateful for any tips on how to manage it before I get home in 5 days.

[beech]

I’m going through a similar thing following a chest infection after a virus here in England. I’ve contacted my GP whose suggested treatment so far has been to have a sputum sample checked in case there’s still a bacterial infection which needs more/different antibiotics; up my use of my Mart Duoresp Spiromax inhaler (2 puffs morning and evening, adding in an addition of up to 8 to a maximum of 12 in one day) to reduce inflammation; have a chest X-ray to rule out ‘other issues’; drink lots of fluids to keep secretions moving.

Nothing found in the sputum sample, so I’m following the other suggestions, though no x-Ray done yet. I’m in the cold/windy/slightly less cold cycle of weather, which always irritates. You’re in the hot, drying, dusty, different air pollutants situation, which will also irritate and inflame in different ways.

So really in the short term you may be stuck with your present management routine. I have had this back at the beginning of my respiratory journey, so I also take Montelukast and Fexofenadine (as needed) which helps damp down the inflammation, but I’m still slowly resolving my present continuous cough 🙄

Can you contact your surgery to set up an appointment to discuss for your return? So at least you will have something in hand. I hope it isn’t interfering too much with your interesting holiday 🤞

[Padders in reply to beech]

Thank you for your advice 👍

[peege]

Hi, commiserations, it must be very difficult and worrying. Do you have a rescue pack of prednisolone and and antibiotics? If not then if I were you I'd go to a pharmacist there and see if you can get some to see you home, even prednisolone will help get you home especially on the very long flight. See a doctor if you can to have your chest listened to for infection and as above, call your uk gp to make an appointment . Good luck.(NB I wouldn't normally suggest this self help but needs must to get Padders home safely).

[Padders in reply to peege]

I haven't got a rescue pack because my GP wouldn't give me one! But I'm going to make sure I get one next time. I don't think it's an infection rather the dreadful air pollution here in Delhi. Thank you for your advice 😊

[blackmememe]

Hi, I realy feel for you as I am the same have a chest infection and even the people next door have asked about my cough they can hear me, can you buy the best Manuka honey you can get out there ? it is very soothing for a cough and also pineapple juice or fresh pineapple has an enzyme that relives,

Sorry I cannot be of more help and I hope you feel better soon and get home safely .

[Padders in reply to blackmememe]

I've bought some honey - don't think it's Manuka as they haven't got anything like that here - and I've got a lemon so I'll try a hot drink. Thanks 👍

[Patk1 in reply to Padders]

A teaspoonof clear honey is gd for coating the throat too.youll b glad to get home.use Yr salbutamol whenever uneed it.x

[Gareth57]

if you are on Fostair 100/6 you can, during an exacerbation, take up to 8 doses a day to try and get control, I used to spread them out so 2 doses 4 times a day and try using your ventolin 15mins before the Fostair to open the airways.

[Padders in reply to Gareth57]

Good advice - thank you 👍

[dharshana]

I am also in India but in a small town where pollution is high too. may I know where are you located in India?