coughing

[whit]

iv`e been getting chest infections one after the other for months ,which obviously makes my coughing worse: would cough medicine help? i know i should ask my doc or nurse this question ,but i thought i would try on here first

[Pentreath Volunteer]

Generally you need to check with your GP or respiratory nurse first because there are ingredients in over the counter cough medicines that might conflict with your medication. So be safe rather tha sorry!

[Lal531]

Hi Whit, I have been having the same problem and my GP recommended plian boiled sweets like black bullets. Hey presto it has worked for me. Also I tend to eat a mild curry or spicy food, this seems to alleviate the airways also.

I tend to keep away from chocolate and dairy products also when I am chesty

So don't waste your money on cough remedies.

Cheers

Lal

[pergola]

I was a chronic sufferer with chest infections over the years, two of which needed hospital admission. They always happened at first during the summer months then happened during the year. The coughing which happened as a result was constant and productive +++ Then I was put on azithromycin 3 times a week, by the consultant at Addenbrookes. That has worked well.

Do you have a rescue pack handy, of antibs/steroids + a specimen bottle to put a sample in. I still have mine, but see they will be out of date soon. XX

[whit in reply to pergola]

i have more pills in my wardrobe than boots have on their counters ( well it seems that way)

[Hidden]

My husband did try some cough medicine called BRONCHOSTOP (i think!) which is a new cough medicine he found in boots and that was OK but they also do some cough pastilles which he has found really good. Sometimes vicks on the soles of his feet (yes I did say the soles of his feet!) works and sometimes it doesn't. Steam inhalation is very good for me but my husband cannot tolerate it at all. Good luck, TAD xxx

[knitter]

My GP recommended hot lemon drink with honey to help a cough....I also saw this tip on a TV programme.

[Hidden]

Lemon honey and hot water work better than cough medicine ..they did a test on tv with it and it was shown to be much more effective x

[Hidden]

The nurses on the respiratory ward at my hospital usually give me a dose of simple linctus, so I keep a bottle in just in case.

nhs.uk/medicine-guides/page...

Watch out though, some brands contain alcohol.

[Hidden]

Having done a bit of research into cough mixtures, it would appear that they are all classed as no better than sucking a sweet, or downing a teaspoon of honey. The only exception is one that contains morphine, this will suppress the cough.

[James48]

Hi Whit, I always take a drop if I have a coughing fit - does the trick and I never asked the GP.

[whit]

thanks for all these answers ,i shall be trying all of them (at different times of cause)