Persistent cough

[gingermusic]

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?

[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 in reply to 2greys]

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 in reply to gingermusic]

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

[gingermusic in reply to Darceydoo]

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 in reply to gingermusic]

Hope you get sorted 👍🏼

[Darceydoo in reply to gingermusic]

Hope you get sorted 👍🏼

[Hidden in reply to gingermusic]

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 in reply to gingermusic]

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 in reply to 2greys]

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

[Hidden in reply to gingermusic]

Pfffff not very helpful

[Hidden]

@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]

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 in reply to Hazejames]

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

[Darceydoo in reply to Hazejames]

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 in reply to Darceydoo]

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

[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 in reply to gingermusic]

👍🏼🖐😊

[Pippers in reply to gingermusic]

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

[gingermusic]

I would imagine it is ears nose and throat

[Darceydoo]

It’s Ears Nose n Throat.