Persistent cough : Suffered from COPD... - Lung Conditions C...

Lung Conditions Community Forum

56,322 members66,953 posts

Persistent cough

gingermusic profile image
20 Replies

Suffered from COPD for the past 28 years and obviously I can tell over that time that things are getting worse. For the past few months now I have had a persistent cough which is productive but is not according to my pulmonary nurse an infection as he says my lungs are clear. All I know is I feel really unwell extremely tired and not myself at all. Does anybody have the same problem? If so how have you managed it and is there anything I can take to make life easier?

Written by
gingermusic profile image
gingermusic
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
20 Replies
2greys profile image
2greys

It is possible to have an inflammation of the airways without any infection. I have only just finished a course of Prednisolone for that very reason, with no antibiotics needed.

gingermusic profile image
gingermusic in reply to2greys

My pulmonary nurse gave no indication of taking anything just looked at me as if to say its normal get on with it which was no help to me at all.

Darceydoo profile image
Darceydoo in reply togingermusic

I’d try your GP, nurse isn’t a trained Dr after all!

gingermusic profile image
gingermusic in reply toDarceydoo

I think a GP appointment may well be the best thing and I think that will be my next step thank you for replying

Darceydoo profile image
Darceydoo in reply togingermusic

Hope you get sorted 👍🏼

Darceydoo profile image
Darceydoo in reply togingermusic

Hope you get sorted 👍🏼

in reply togingermusic

I’ve had a constant cough for quite some time. Went to my. Gp a month ago and told my heart and lungs sounded fine. Well...I finally got tired of the coughing and shortness of breath so I took a zpak the hubby had left over. Took two pills on the first day and was better within 24 hrs. Took the final dose today and the cough is completely gone. I don’t recommend self treating...however, I knew I didn’t feel right!

2greys profile image
2greys in reply togingermusic

That is not helpful at all. If the cough has not been a normal part of your symptoms in the past (a new development) then something different is going on. I would make an appointment to see your doctor, to at least discuss it.

gingermusic profile image
gingermusic in reply to2greys

Yes I think I shall do that thank you for the replies

in reply togingermusic

Pfffff not very helpful

@2greys is right about pred and steroids, also I think my Salbutamol nebs help a lot, it certainly opens your bronchi which would help you cough out that mucus. Look at the huffing technique on youtube if you haven’t practise respiratory exercises before.

Then I would go to the GP and ask for full blood work to see what is going on..

Take care x

Hazejames profile image
Hazejames

Hi gingermusic, I'm on all the meds I can be on for emphysema and heart failure. I've been coughing persistently especially at night for the past 6 months. My gp says he can't give me anything to suppress the cough because the mucus needs to come up. They say I don't have infection but I'm worn out with coughing. Seeing a specialist in October, hoping there's something can be done. I'll update you. X

gingermusic profile image
gingermusic in reply toHazejames

Thank you that would be most useful in the meantime I shall try for a doctors appointment

Darceydoo profile image
Darceydoo in reply toHazejames

I’ve been coughing for 3 yrs on/off mucus lots of it!Sputum test came back IH I B and mild COPD I’m also asthmatic have been for 50yrs. CT scans by Lung Specialist ENT also .Have you had any allergy testing done?

gingermusic profile image
gingermusic in reply toDarceydoo

No no allergy testing done might be a good idea thank you

gingermusic profile image
gingermusic

I was just 40 years old and am now 68 years of age. Cannot do very much for myself these days though I have not given up by any means, I do my own washing and ironing and can wipe up the dishes ok. Do not cook due to being on oxygen now 24/7. Heavy things like cleaning windows and hoovering my other half does for me but we try to get out walking a couple of times a week at least, and for relaxation I sit and decorate rocks then we go and hide them for local children to find which is great fun. I also do what I can for my 92 yr old mother who has dementia and cancer and wish I could do a lot more but just can't.

Darceydoo profile image
Darceydoo in reply togingermusic

👍🏼🖐😊

Pippers profile image
Pippers in reply togingermusic

Way to go, gingermusic... good luck to you.

gingermusic profile image
gingermusic

I would imagine it is ears nose and throat

Darceydoo profile image
Darceydoo

It’s Ears Nose n Throat.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Persistent cough

Hi all. I have had asthma all my life. Not too bad at moment but have had a cough for over 2 years...
anniemayde profile image

Persistent cough

Hi All, I don't know of anyone can assist me in this complex enquiry, I will give it a try and keep...
Vindicatrix profile image

Persistent cough

I do suffer from Bronchiectasis and know that coughing is something we have to suffer quite a lot....

persistent cough

My husband had a bad cold, Not Flu, Started 18/12/14 and now 25/1/15 he is still coughing. Says its...
Kevla profile image

Bronchiectasis persistent cough

I was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis last week. I am on Carbocisteine 2 x 3 times a day. What's...
Enable profile image

Moderation team

See all
AsthmaandLung profile image
AsthmaandLungAdministrator
moderator_AandLUK profile image
moderator_AandLUKAdministrator
Claire_ALUK profile image
Claire_ALUKAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.