Reducing cough

[Medjugorje]

Hi any advice on reducing cough and clearing very sticky mucus would be much appreciated.

[BronchyBronwen]

On cough reduction at night, can thoroughly recommend Night Nurse, guaranteed to give good night’s sleep, but you must ensure that you don’t take anything else containing paracetamol during preceding day. Have had exacerbations of bronchiectasis that have landed me in bed for weeks, and this was my one bright spot amidst the gloom! Really hope you feel better soon.

While writing, a well-meaning reminder to my chesty friends that we all absolutely must wear warm woolly scarves covering throat/top chest , ie the bronchi, EVERY time we venture out at this time of year, and please forgive me if obvious.

[Medjugorje in reply to BronchyBronwen]

Thank you for you good advice.

[Bevvy in reply to BronchyBronwen]

You can take paracetamol as well as night nurse in the same 24hrs. Many people alleviate symptoms of cold by taking Day Nurse during the day and then Night Nurse to aid symptoms and sleep at night. What people must take care of is to not exceed amount of paracetamol (equivalent of 8 tablets) taken in 24hrs.

[BronchyBronwen in reply to Bevvy]

Absolutely right, and my apologies for inaccuracy.

[Medjugorje in reply to Bevvy]

Thank you

[Aljm in reply to BronchyBronwen]

Hi this is a basic question but why is the scarf to cover throat important in cold weather?

[BronchyBronwen in reply to Aljm]

It's a good question. Apparently keeping the bronchi warm is important for warding off chest infections, colds, coughs etc. Some of us are particularly sensitive to cold air.

[Patk1 in reply to BronchyBronwen]

Scarf loosely round mouth,breathing warm air helps to reduce likelihood of bronchospasm

[BronchyBronwen in reply to Patk1]

Yes, good idea. I have found that wearing FFP3 masks during Covid outbreaks also helps to keep that cold air at bay. Also handy if you live in area with high air pollution.

[Alberta56]

What are you already taking? Many of us are on Carbocisteine to thin mucus. Some of us have been prescribed devices like AeroBikas or Acapellas to help bring the mucus up. I was told to drink plenty of water to thin the mucus. Hope this helps.

[Medjugorje in reply to Alberta56]

Thank you for advice will talk to GP about prescribing Carbocisteine.

[Medjugorje in reply to Alberta56]

Meet GP today and prescribed Carbocisteine. Thanks for advice.

[eleanordigby in reply to Medjugorje]

You need to give it 4-6 weeks to see if it works. Unfortunately it doesn’t help everyone & I’m one of the unlucky ones! I use 7% saline instead but that can irritate your lungs so it’s best to try carbocisteine first.

[Patk1]

Hiya + welcome to the forum.id increase your fluids,to help thin it.i get carbocysteine o prescription,to thin it too,so it's a bit easier to get up...never easy but it helps.read up on ' lung clearance techniques" - active cycle of breathing,postural drainage.if yr under care of hospital,I'd start working on lung clearance,but ask them to make u an appointment with lung physio - theyll show u techniques + give u advice.if u start with twice a day,perhaps 20mins,and adjust to suit yrself.it should help x

[Timberman]

Do you have bronchiectasis? For that I take carbocistene daily which thins out the mucus and help me clear it. Talk to your clinician.

[Tempo57]

Hi Medjugorje,

Having read your post I don’t know whether the following information may help…..

I’ve had this irritating cough for months. It first began in early 2020 after contracting Covid. I suffer with sinusitis and had sinus surgery last August (2022), and large polyp was also removed in the process. But the cough still continued. Sticky mucus which is a result of Post Nasal Drip, or as it’s now called “Upper Airway Cough Syndrome”. It keeps me awake at night, as well as upsets my husband.

Like you I’ve also had a lot of anesthesia over the past three years for various operations. Each one was a general an anesthetic lasting more than an hour each time. Anesthetic lowers one’s immune system and makes one more vulnerable. My surgeon informed me of such. Vulnerable to catching viruses, longer recovery times for colds, etc., and longer lasting, with worsening symptoms. This may exacerbate any current condition. My motto since is to try and avoid any surgery in winter!

I’ve done a lot of research over the past three years. It was originally suggested by my previous doctor that I had COPD. I had Covid at the time but she didn’t know enough about Covid early in 2020. Few of us did. I’ve had chest X-rays and Spirometry tests too, but told all is normal and neither am I asthmatic.

Currently I have my cough under control after reading about others who suffer with this irritating cough. I read that taking a first Generation Antihistamine can help, namely Chlorphenamine. I’ve tried all the usual antihistamines (2nd generation ones), with no reduction in my coughing until I tried this particular one. It has an effect on the nerve senses in the throat area and calms the nerve which causes the coughing. Apparently it acts in a different manner within the body to the 2nd generation antihistamines. Cannot explain how off hand because I’m not a doctor!

I believe that Covid affected my nervous system and in particular my throat and nose area. I coughed so much for months on end I am sure I have damaged my throat and larynx as it feels different when I swallow or cough than before I had Covid. I also believe I had too much anesthesia over too short a time of which I have not had the likes of in years. I was fatigued for many months, particularly when exercising, and I was determined to beat this but it’s taken me a long time to feel better even though I’m still not 100% myself, I’m getting there. I also take immune boosting vitamins daily, as well as probiotics.

Chlorphenamine Antihistamine is available over the counter from Chemists and not expensive. It can be taken every few hours but I find that if I take just one 4mg tablet the last thing before bed at night it calms my throat down and I get through the night without coughing and it seems to last throughout the following day. I only wish I’d known about it 2+ years ago. I don’t even take one nightly now…I only use it when the coughing returns.

However, it may interact with other medications……so I would certainly do your research before trying in case of a reaction. I fortunately don’t take any other medication currently.

I hope you get over this as I have. It may take time but have faith you will get better. Wishing you all the very best for 2023 and beyond. T57

[Medjugorje in reply to Tempo57]

All good will do some research.

[Karenanne61]

I'm taking codeine linctus for my cough and so far it's helping. As others have said , carbocisteine can help thin the mucus.

[Medjugorje in reply to Karenanne61]

Tried the codeine linctus but no help. Hoping the Carbocisteine does the job.

[Lenic]

Ask for chest X-ray or CT scan to determine if you have liquid accumulated in chest and follow up with Pleural procedure.

[Medjugorje in reply to Lenic]

Have CT scan booked for 14th Feb . Will follow up on other advice.