COPD - nonproductive cough

[D0n49]

Is it normal for someone diagnosed with COPD to have non-productive coughs for extended periods of time please? Can anyone recommend anything that may help/provide relief please?

[Feelingblessed2013]

I don't know if it's normal or not, but I've always had a non productive cough. My doctor doesn't seem concerned about it.

If you have congestion but can't get anything out, maybe ask your doctor to prescribe a nebulizer?

[D0n49 in reply to Feelingblessed2013]

Hi KatherineK,

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply! I know my Dad has always had a cough but I have become more sensitive/possibly over sensitive to it since we have had COVID at the end of last year!

Hope you are keeping safe and well and thanks again for the advice 😊

[Feelingblessed2013 in reply to D0n49]

We are keeping safe, hope you are as well.

[Sally001]

That is annoying when you can't bring anything up, I know. I find that drinking something hot, like tea or coffee helps, I also have a humidifier going all day and night with eucalyptus oil in it and that helps as well as a hot bath or shower. Do you use an inhaler at all? Sometimes using the rescue inhaler will open up the lungs enough to be able to bring up the phlegm. I hope this was helpful for you.

[D0n49 in reply to Sally001]

Thank you so much Sally, that is really helpful advice. It’s my Dad that has COPD, not me, so just trying to find ways to make his condition more manageable 😊

[Sally001 in reply to D0n49]

You are welcome. Also, turmeric is a very good herb that you can buy in tablet form, powder or the root itself and this naturally helps to open airways. Please let us know how your dad is doing and if any of these things have helped him, and feel free to ask me anything, and if I can help I will.

[D0n49 in reply to Sally001]

Thank you sooooo much!!!

Please take care and stay safe 😊

[Azcowboy]

What I've found was when I wake in morning and can't caught up what I feel is in my lungs, in my nebulizer I use, to start, a half vial of saline. A nurse in my V.A. Hospital, during a prolonged stay told me about it. It works. I'm stage 4 C.O.P.D. it's much safer than using an albuterol vial.

[D0n49 in reply to Azcowboy]

Thank you so much Azcowboy. We have never actually tried a nebuliser - are they tricky to maintain please? Always conscious about equipment that need sterilisation, thank you!

[Azcowboy in reply to D0n49]

Nebulizer are easy to maintain. Just a small cup you put albuterol or saline in needs washing. A small filter in machine which you will need to change periodically. Thats it. No idea of cost as being a disabled Vet the V.A. tales care of me.

[D0n49]

Thank you very much Azcowboy!

Hope you are keeping safe and well 😊