Persistent dry cough driving me mad!

[Woofly]

I started with a chest infection about 3 weeks ago, started on my emergency meds. Antibiotic and Prednisone but I still have this annoying cough. I have continued to take Prednisone but only 2 tablets a day now, but still no improvement. When i use my Nebuliser the cough seems to get worse!

I am on oxygen....... I don't want to even try to get a Dr consultation, and without listening to my chest how can they advise?

What would any of you who have gone through the same do? start the antibiotics again, or carry on with prednisolone. HELP!!

[sassy59]

I’d phone my GP or go onto 111 online Woofly. Just to be on the safe side.

Feel better soon. Xxxxx

[Badbessie]

I agree with sassy. Ring your GP or 111

[Bkin]

If its just the cough and anything like I experienced back in January, it just takes time to go that cough. I found over time it becomes more and more infrequent, lasting over a month.

I wouldn't take antibiotics and steroids just for the cough, but do have a telephone conversation with your doctor if you are concerned the lung infection hasn't responded to the first lot of ABs and steroids.

[cazy-g]

I would personally take both with an up dose of pred for 5days, see a doc if no improvement

[dormguard]

Well, the Prednisone opens up the airways. I was recently diagnosed with "chronic asthma" and the cough is there what seems to be constantly. I was worried before I went to pulmonologist. I had tests done and he said I have chronic asthma...(this can get better over time). So I have the inhalers, Symbicort, and an emergency inhaler Combivent. Seems to really help the cough. Before I saw the pulmonologist, I was worried, but to have "just asthma" makes it better. Asthma can have symptoms that something is very wrong....so the pulmonologist said. I am feeling better now. The antibiotics, usually doctor's do not want to keep people on them for very long. Maybe you just have asthma that can be alleviated with inhalers.

[dogwork123]

Hi Wolfy. Sometimes after a chest infection the cough persists for quite some time. But this new virus also has dry cough symptoms so you should get it checked. Try honey and lemon soothers to lubricate the throat and drink plenty of water in the meantime. Hope you're feeling better soon.

[skinnylizzy59]

Hi Woofly, you are on the home run with the steroids so carry on until the end of the course. Meanwhile book a telephone consultation with your doctor and tell him exactly how you are. Good luck. Take care, Lizzy xx

[dawnz]

definitely consult a medic, no question

[Mi33y]

You need to seek medical advice it’s just that Steriods don’t agree with me. They make me feel awful so I try to avoid taking them

[dormguard]

If you are on oxygen also, maybe that along with the prednisone, and antibiotic (the antibiotic , I don't think Doctors want patients on antibiotics too long), so maybe once you stop the antibiotic, it will be better. Antibiotics stay in one's system for a while, and also, sometimes, even if one is on oxygen, the air outdoors and indoors can really affect one's breathing. In the wintertime through March the use of humidifiers is good for people on oxygen and in the May through Sept or October, get a dehumidifier. The older one gets, it's like sometimes the seasons seem to take over (That is one of the reasons I have asthma and susceptible to seasonal allergies now, and not when I was younger.).

[dormguard]

Now with this virus going on, I would definitely seek medical attention (just in case).

[Woofly]

Thank you all so much for your advice. I have managed to get a telephone appointment tomorrow morning, so I will see what they say. The cough seems to get worse after I use the Nebuliser? mmmmmm

[Woofly in reply to Woofly]

The Dr phoned me, and said to continue with a low dose of steroids for another 10 days. I didn't really expect anything else. Thank you all so much for your advise. Keep safe.