really bad dry cough

[Lee_vee11]

hi, has anyone had this really bad dry cough that lasts for weeks? I’ve had it 6 weeks now and it causes my vocal cords to have spasms and feel like in choking? My lufrobec inhaler isn’t helping much. My peak flow was 650 but is 720 now max. I normally blow 800. Very dry cough with no phlegm?

[Padders]

Hi there - yep, I've got that very dry cough you have. Mine started 3 weeks ago with the flu' virus and my inhalers - Fostair and the blue reliever - did absolutely nothing. I had a course of prednisolone and am just finishing a course of clarithromycin. Still coughing but feel better generally. I can only assume that it'll go at some point. I'm drinking thyme tea - disgusting but seems to help - consuming lozenges by the boatload and staying inside as it's freezing here atm. Have a word with your GP, they might be able to help you. Sorry you're feeling rubbish. I hope things improve soon 😊

[Lee_vee11 in reply to Padders]

hi there. I’m sorry you are also been suffering. I’ve had 5 days of steroids prednisone hasn’t seem to have touched it. Thought I may have helped as my airways were inflamed especially my throat. Constant feel the need to clear it all the time.

[Poobah in reply to Lee_vee11]

Definitely go back to your doctor. It's not uncommon for the first 5 day course of Prednisolone to be insufficient to resolve things. And if further treatment doesn't resolve your vocal chord function, request a referral to the relevant specialist, probably ENT for starters. There are several treatment options, depending on cause.

[Itswonderful]

yes. I empathise. Does sipping fluids help? Honey is said to coat the throat and sooth. Tbh I'm wary of suggesting too much because some things that work for one will be a trigger for others and there's a lot of concern about that here. For example, I find cold dry air is a trigger and makes a cough worse so I use humidifiers in the house all the time and keep the air temperature quite warm. For others that might not help at all. Also using a scarf and /or mask if I have to go out. My respiratory physio has given me breathing techniques to use to reduce coughing that help and I believe that they are on this site too so worth a look. Speech and language told that talking too quickly and also talking on the phone can irritate your vocal cords too so I'm aware of that act accordingly. Nose breathing was recommended too and vocal cord exercises such as the Silent Yawn help me. I believe that some of these exercises are on here too. It's exhausting when you have this awful cough and very frightening when it makes you feel like you are choking so the best thing I found is to accept that you just can't do everything at speed and be kind to yourself. Best wishes to you.

[Lynneypin]

wow your peak flow is AMAZING

[Lee_vee11 in reply to Lynneypin]

Thanks haha

[Dreamer120]

Hi I have had problems on and off since April last year with 7 visits to A&E and 2 admissions and numerous visits to GP.. No vits to A&E previously. Mine started with 3 infections just after Easter one after the other since then keep getting really bad dry cough and my peak flow going down too far hence so visits to GP and A &E. Now back on steroids as it.loojs like they have been weaning me off them to early. So they are trying a longer course. This is via the respiratory nurse at the hospital and now seeing them weekly. As stated by others everyone is different and would really recommend you have a very honest talk tobyour GP / Asthma nurse to try get it sorted in case it is getting worse. Good luck and hope you get it sorted.

[Poshcards]

Yes, I had pneumonia beginning of November, cant have antibiotics as allergic to all of them, so got thorough with my ventolin and Jakemans throat and chest sweets!! still got cough but now dry like yours but slowly getting there x

[Lee_vee11 in reply to Poshcards]

I’m sorry to hear about that mate. Must of been awful. I had a chest x ray 3 weeks ago and all fine. Just thinks it’s viral. It’s a bad tickly dry cough really dry no phlegm

[Patk1 in reply to Poshcards]

Get well soon Poshcards

[Patk1]

If yr throat feels like it's closing ,mu vocal chords close to a pinhole, learn and practise frequently " controlled pursed lips breathing technique " on aluk website.it is recommended for it by lung physio- it works,just relax,stay relaxed + deep slow breaths.i like to gargle water as far back as I can for coughs like that.a tspn clear honey is gd for coating throat too x