Persistent coughing.

[firstdates]

morning all im in moderate heart failure and although i understand a cough is part of it l still wanted to ask if anyone had found anything that has help the irritation in the throat.Regards and Merry Christmas to all xxx

[Healthyheart1]

Merry Christmas to you. Sorry can't help you. Sheena x

[Sunnie2day]

My father had CHF (congestive heart failure) as a complication of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) after an industrial accident. The tickle drove him mad, more so than what he called 'the faffing about' with O2 tubes, etc. We tried lozenges (some relief but not much), a constant supply of room temperature water to sip (again, some relief but he was fluid restricted, so more 'faffing about' keeping track of intake which didn't improve his sense of frustration!).

We finally realised sitting and sleeping with a wedge pillow was the missing part of the 'stop the tickle' puzzle. When sitting, the wedge pillow 'forced' his upper body forward just enough to keep the cough tickle at bay, and when sleeping with it, prevented lung fluid and/or sinus drip from causing cough (head and chest elevated - no lying flat).

I'm sure there is a medical explanation for why leaning forward reduces coughing (it also relieves chest pain and is why you'll see hearties 'hunched' over, it's an instinctive action to relieve symptoms), I just don't know what that medical explanation is. All I know is it worked for my dad - give it a go, I hope it works for you.

ETA: And a Happy Christmas and Merry New Year to you!

[firstdates in reply to Sunnie2day]

thankyou i do have wedge pillow already but will try it sitting down aswell.also i take on-boardwhat you say about sitting forward aswell.Thank you for taking the time to reply this morning.

[Hidden]

Interesting piece this...

I have developed a cough, a dry cough, and it has only appeared since taking medication for my recently 'general diagnosis' of a heart failure (a specific diagnosis is still waiting to be determined).

The introduction of Entresto has certainly made things worse, though Mrs B does not think it is the only cause.

I am trying to find a cure, because it is impacting mine and Mrs B's lives - and it is not something I am willing to tolerate for the rest of my life!

[cowparsley in reply to Hidden]

Are you on Ramapril or similar?I had to come off it due to the persistent dry cough.Now on Candesartan-no cough. See your GP.It is a known side effect for some people.Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to cowparsley]

I was on Ramripil - but was taken off it and moved ot Entresto.

The cough was much worse with Ramripil.

Reading this piece though, it seems as though the issue may be medical conditon related - which would be annoying.

[Hidden]

I am seeing the Cardiology NP next week, so will raise the issue and see what she has to say.

Thanks for the heads up...

[Bagrat]

Sitting forward or even better sitting forward with arms on a pile of cushions/ pillows on your lap or table if you are breathless works because it lifts ribs opening up intercostal spaces so a bit less effort involved in breathing.

[firstdates in reply to Bagrat]

Thank you xx