Good morning.
Has anyone had a long term cough associated with inflammatory arthritis? I have had it about five years and it's driving me nuts! I've had a couple of chest xrays, which were clear apparently. I was given a puffer to try a few years back, but that just made things worse. I've tried antihistamines, and a proton pump inhibitor (just incase!). I would go back to GP I could be certain of actually seeing one!
Yes, I've had a cough for donkeys' years. Finally had a diagnosis of mild bronchiectasis,, which is associated with RA/IA. Luckily, mine is only present in the tips of my lungs and doesn't cause breathlessness, but it's a nuisance. Also, when I get a chest infection, it makes it so much worse. Sorry to hear you have similar problems. I was prescribed an inhaler, but it gave me so many mouth ulcers, I couldn't tolerate it, so I manage without. Just one of the many gifts that arthritis gives!
Ah...thanks for the reply. I didn't know about that.
Yep, same here. Years of coughing and have had RA for many years too. GP finally sent me to see a Respiratory Consultant at the hospital and diagnosed as having Bronchiectasis due to the RA which can affect your lungs. So if you can, get a referral to check the cough out with a consultant from your GP. Good luck.
Thank you.
yes, and I had a similar journey to you. Eventually my GP sent me for a CT scan. My respiratory consultant said thank god they decided to do a Ct scan 🥴. I have ILD ( very mild). They think it was caused by my untreated RA ,I am in remission.(on Humira)it shouldn’t progress. I had lung function tests and appointment with respiratory consultant.I still have a persistent cough though but at least I know what is causing it. I am a little concerned I haven’t had a follow up for well over a year but I know it’s not serious and I guess they are busy!
Thank you. I hope you get seen soon.
I’m severely immune suppressed and I have to take low dose antibiotics every day. I’ve found over the last three years that as soon as I get a cold or chest infection that the associated cough can last for months and months and occasionally the infection keeps coming back. The only thing that has helped me is taking fexofenadine antihistamine every day if I forget to take it my cough is decidedly worse I am at last able to sleep at night and not coughing day and night. My rheumy and GP are aware I take it.
It might be useful to talk with your rheumatologist about seeing a physiotherapist to help with breathing exercises. I have found these helpful.
I had a cough that was getting worse and worse. I thought it was from my PsA. The doctor but me on Sandoz-pantoprazole for a month because she thought my cough could be from heartburn irritating my throat. Then I would cough and it was a cycle. My cough has calmed down now. I think that the Fisherman cough drops I was using were also making by cough worse, too. I am not really sure.
are you still coughing? I’ve been dealing with a dry cough for several months. Tried antihistamines, cough meds, cough drops. Doctor appt scheduled next week.
Hi there. Thanks for asking.
I was until I went off to Orkney recently. Suddenly stopped coughing. No trees! Realise I have a tree pollen allergy. Started coughing again as soon as I got home. Tree pollen has been particularly high.
I hope your appointment goes well.
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