My mom developed a cough about 2 years ago. It's a really wracking cough that is debilitating. It's horrendous to listen to and there is nothing we can do to help her. We do not smoke.
She brings up clear flegm has had chest xrays, blood tests, spirometry, echocardiogram. She has seen 3 different specialists who have diagnosed anything from post nasal drip to acid reflux to haven't got a clue. She's presently prescribed omeprazole 20mg and Spiriva inhaler. The doctors have seen her coughing but cannot come to a definitive diagnosis. She has had a couple if courses of prednisolone (30mg x 5 days) and always feels better afterwards but it never lasts.
My mother is 85 years old and feels that no one believes her!!
Anyone else suffered like this or found a cure?
Many thanks for reading
Written by
ladysandradawn
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My sister has a similar condition and also can't get a definitive diagnosis. I can't offer any advice other than the fact that if the prednisolone helped then looking at how it works may give a clue. "Steroid drugs, such as prednisone, work by lowering the activity of the immune system. The immune system is your body's defense system. Steroids work by slowing your body's response to disease or injury. Prednisone can help lower certain immune-related symptoms, including inflammation and swelling." Website - National Kidney Foundation - New York.
If it works to reduce inflammation and swelling then maybe by looking at other more natural substances that do the same thing, you might find something that works for her. Did an infection start this or did it just come on gradually without any specific beginning? Maybe building up her immune system may help. Blood tests and Hair Analysis can help to see where things maybe out of kilter. Good Luck!
I notice you don't mention any sort of scans, only X-rays. X-rays are useless for some lung conditions and can easily lead to misdiagnosis so perhaps she could ask about a CT or MRI scan? Poor woman. What a useless lot!
My 80 year old mother has been coughing for over a year and has been through the same regimen. I attribute it to Prolia which is an injection for osteoporosis. She also had the side effect of groin pain and bone on bone pain along with the cough. It says tell your doctor if your experience serious side effects of Prolia including jaw pain, new or unusual thigh/hip/groin pain, or bone/joint/muscle pain. Unfortunately, the doctor is clueless and my mother will not complain or be an advocate for herself. Nowadays, you have to be your own advocate. I just wonder if your mother got the shot or is allergic to another medication.
Hi so sorry just seen this reply. My mother does have Alundronix every 12 months by iv infusion.....I'll look into side effects of it. Many thanks for your reply and my apologies for not answering sooner
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Coughing etiquette.
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