Chronic Cough

[Breester]

Help needed please. Diagnosed with PMR three weeks ago. Put on 20mg of Pred each morning after food intake. Joined this website & reading through various experiences with dosage, decided to take 5mg @ 6pm as I found, I couldn’t function properly when I awoke each morning & definitely couldn’t wait until the 20mg kicked in.

However I now have chronic cough particularly in the morning. Reading old blogs on this site, Omeprazole has been suggested for potential acid reflux, as well as higher dosage of Pred. I drink copious water all day BTW.

Anyone with similar experience would welcome very much any advice.

Thank you.

[Hidden]

Have you reported this to your GP? If not you should, it could be something simple such as one of your Meds irritating you.

My husband had a persistent sore Throat & following Investigation, it was reflux & he had a three month course of Omeprazole & he's now fine.

Any persistent cough should always be reported to your GP

Kind Regards

MrsN

[Breester in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply. I will go back to my GP.

[Hidden in reply to Breester]

Always best to report to GP

My friend has something called Cough Hypersensitivity Syndrome & has had numerous tests but it’s nothing sinister 🙏🏼

[Portobello in reply to Hidden]

Yes, I've had that for years. Had tests and scans and asthma treatment without success. Probably caused my bladder prolapse too!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Are you on any BP tablets? - Ramipril for example - many have a cough listed as a side effect.

But as MrsNails says - report to GP.

[Breester in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for your reply. I’m not taking any other meds at the moment. I will go back to my GP.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Reflux is the most likely reason - but cough CAN be a symptom of GCA affecting arteries in the chest/throat. Either way, speak to your GP.

[Breester]

Thank you for your reply. This too I will mention to the GP.

[Nancydk]

I’m not sure it’s related. I get a cough but it’s more seasonal or froM acid reflux. I do agree to see GI DOC

[Breester in reply to Nancydk]

Thank you for you reply.

[Telian]

I've had a dry cough since I started taking pred, over 5 years ago, I have GCA/PMR. I only take pred in the morning as it isn't advised to take it later when you have GCA.

You should see your GP, as for any persistent cough, to rule anything out and to discuss how and when you should take your pred. I have a tendency for chest infections since diagnosis and have to take note when the cough changes - I know when it's an infection now compared to just a pesky cough. I even have a lower gravelly voice which never goes. Anyone not knowing me thinks I have a cold. As long as I have regular checks I don't worry now.

If I were you I would see your GP - you will eventually get to know your body and what suits you best. It will settle down but don't put up with symptoms without getting checked out.

[Breester in reply to Telian]

Thank you for your reply. Your symptoms give me a further clue. I also have Bronchiectasis. As you say getting to know body I think the Pred agitates my lungs & shifts mucous out. Which is a good thing for Bronchs, but now have the constant cough; a viscous circle.

Again I am watching my body for symptoms of GCA, which until I joined this forum had no clue about.

I thank the community for its invaluable information.

[Telian in reply to Breester]

GP advised me to take Pholcodine for my dry cough and it does help calm it down. You can buy it OTC as they don’t prescribe it now. I also have an artificial saliva spray which help reduce the coughing.

I didn’t mention that each year the chest infections leave me with crackles in my chest. They eventually go but each time I have 2 or 3 courses of antis before the chest Infection goes. I’m a non smoker.

There’s always lots of information on here that we all find useful. At least you know you’re not on your own.

[Breester in reply to Telian]

Thnx for your reply, this could help me first thing when I awake & the coughing is at it’s worse.

[stellafmdm]

After you have done all the above and if cough still troublesome try an anti histamine tablet such as Piriton

[Breester]

Thank you for your reply. Another good possibility.

[Telian in reply to Breester]

I too take double dose of a prescribed antihistamine.