Remedies for flu/chest infections?

[Worrier1990]

My mum has an array of heart conditions including atrial fibrillation and angina as well as asthma and really struggles when she gets respiratory illnesses such as the flu and chest infections. She can't use most over the shelf meds because they interfere with her many heart medications. Does any body have any tips or tricks for making things easier for her when she's ill?

[Hidden]

hi would something as simple as honey and lemon in hot water help? Soothing if nothing else. Lots of fluids if that doesn’t interfere with meds? Some say steam inhalation but I’m sure I read somewhere not best for asthmatic. Other than keeping on top of taking inhalers and Lots and lots of rest, sorry not much help. It’s difficult soon as you say have heart meds Pharmacist reluctant to give anything. But broncho stop as a cough med I’ve found ok as it’s natural stuff. 👍

[SmokeAKipper in reply to Hidden]

maybe a stent in the Sun as this climate doesn’t help

[gladliz in reply to Hidden]

It's good to know about Broncostop. As nearly all common off the shelf cough mixtures are taboo of you are on heart medication. A hot toddy is also a good one of you can take alcohol. Suffering with chest infection at present myself, had to be triaged through the out of hours Dr at the local hospital.Given antibiotics and prednisolone steroids

[Hidden]

If your Mum has asthma then she will have been prescribed meds for her condition as in a reliever and a preventer according to needs. They should have been prescribed so that they do not interfere with the heart meds. It is essential she takes these if she is affected by colds and viruses to keep her lungs open. I also suffer from respiratory problems if I get a bad cold or a virus linked to a mild asthma and COPD condition, and for me I just have to tough it out until it goes, helped by not overdoing things and avoiding cold air and areas with poor air quality, especially where wood burners and similar are used, and vehicle fumes. Other than that there is not much else you can do in my opinion.

[Hidden]

Hello

It is a difficult one what she can do with he illnesses

Have you talked with her Doctor or your Mum talked with them with you there with her

I think this is something they may be best to answer and tell you what would be safe and what she could take

I hope her Doctor will be able to give some good advise x

[BabsJ]

I have atrial fibrillation plus a hole in the heart and in meds. I drink peppermint tea with honey. If I have a cough I use marshmallow capsules, completely natural and they work or alternatively get some manual honey and have some off a teaspoon that will also relieve your throat. Hope this helps you and you have a Happy Christmas

[Hidden in reply to BabsJ]

where do you get marshmallow capsules? We use broncho stop with has marshmallows and thyme extract.

[BabsJ in reply to Hidden]

Amazon

[fishonabike]

in addition to the suggestions above you might like to consider what you and others around her can do to help - i'm sure that as a caring and concerned child you have already thought of these but just in case.......

your mum needs to preserve her energy for dealing with whatever infection is adding to he woes - so making sure she has nourishing, light, enjoyable food available to tempt her would be a good move - things which are in small portions and easy to prepare quickly ( microwavable or easy to heat in one small pan

short visits at meal-times to prepare food and eat with her if that suits her - eating in company tends to stimulate the appetite

adequate hydration is important, so making sure she has drinks handy is helpful

offers of help with things like hair washing, when she feels up to it - and i know this one sounds odd but my gran loved having her feet washed and when i was a community nurse it was something that many patients also enjoyed and appreciated - a good soak in warm water, nice soap, fluffy towels and gentle handling - somehow it works wonders

[devonian186]

I was amazed to see that even Lemsip was off limits due to decongestant used. I drink, with hot water, a very nice cordial consisting of ginger lemon and honey. It is soothing and has good ingredients. If anyone has any other medical remedies for cold, flus etc I would be pleased to hear about them

[BARTLETT1965]

I’ve always used honey and hot lemon with a couple of paracetamol temperature. Grate for sorer throat and cough

Better then other cold remedies .

[bluedolphin2]

I put a few drops of Olbas in a cup of hot water and put it by my bed, it helps with my breathing. I also put vapour rub on my chest and a little under the nose before bed. I too have Asthma, heart condition and a rare chronic disease. A lot of medicine on supermarket shelves I can't have due to myself medical conditions. But they say a teaspoon of honey in morning is good for your throat and cold. Hot water with honey and lemon is also good & paracetamol. Hope you feel better soon xx

[MumaLines]

Your Mum could try my natural remedy that I use for coughs, colds and flu - local Honey, lemon & a little hot water. You can also put a small splash of whiskey. For a congested chest try Olba Oil, put droplets onto your chest right up to your neck, then put a top on and lay with a hot water bottle on it. It will go cold and tingly first then the warm vapours release your congested nose and the oil goes inwards and lifts a congested chest.

It works every time xxxx

[BHFnurse_June BHF Nurse]

Just to add to this conversation, that even if a remedy is billed as natural, it can still be powerful and interact with prescribed medication. If you’re thinking about taking any remedies – prescribed or not - talk to your doctor or pharmacist so they can check that it’s safe for you to take alongside your usual medication. June