coughing

[ghelen]

For as long as I can remember I would get an awful cough for days after getting over a cold. It's worse at night which points to post nasal drip but I suffer all day as well. I'm not talking about a normal cough either. I've had to leave class when I was in school, I've had to leave my post at work because I can't stop. I get sweaty, my eyes run and i feel like I'm going to vomit. My mom suffers from the same thing and like her, it really takes a toll on the body. I haven't had more than 4 hours of sleep in 2 days, my stomach feels like I've done a million sit ups, and I'm weak all over- not from being sick- but from coughing so much. I can't take it anymore. Does anyone have any ideas- preferably home remedies because I don't trust cough syrup and I know they can make a cough worse. I used to use honey and lemon but I can't anymore. Please help!!!!!

[not2late]

Re: coughing

Have you seen your doctor?

[sallyseachange]

Re: coughing

Oh yes! I get that too...always on the tail end of a cold. I feel like there's a sudden dry spot in my throat then I go into a real fit of coughing... a spasm like thing. Feel like vomiting, eyes watering... the lot! I don't get it at night though.

It usually goes after a while, but it's really uncomfortable and embarrassing when it happens. Can't offer you any advice or help I'm afraid...just empathy!

I'll certainly ask my doctor about it next time I go.

Hope you don't get this too much this winter (me too!!).

[ghelen]

Re: coughing

The doctors all pretty much agree that it's post nasal drip. There are antihistamines they recommend but they make me nervous and I don't really think they work very well anyways. sallyseachange- that's exactly what it's like- a violent spasm. People look at me like i'm crazy. I think the more nervous I get about it- the worse I get. It's just very tiring and I don't want it to happen anymore!!

[2big4mysize]

Re: coughing

have you tried any of the new nasal sprays they have for allergy post nasal drip? they don't effect a person like antihistamins do.

[ValidRouge]

Re: coughing

My doctor told me that when you have a cold, the membranes in your sinuses get inflamed. When those tissues get inflamed, they produce mucus to lubricate them. The excess of that mucus drips down the back of your throat (especially when you lay down) and it pools in areas on each side of your vocal cords. This causes the "tickle" or "dryness" in your throat and causes the cough. You have to cough really hard to get the mucus up and out of these crevices on either side of your vocal cords.

What she recommended to me (and it works!) is to use a saline nasal spray to soothe the inflamed nasal tissues. This will also clean out mucus. You can also use a decongestant to dry it up. The saline is really good...think of gargling salt water when you have a sore throat and how that soothes your throat.

[ghelen]

Re: coughing

NOw that 2 of you have suggested nasal sprays- I will definitely try it. I'm just having a hard time wrapping my brain around how a spray in your nose helps stop a cough in your throat. I mean I know that's all connected but it's just hard to picture. Maybe I'm just afraid the solution is too simple- to think after 20 years of suffering, a simple nose spray could do the trick. Well, after work I'm off to buy it. I will let you know how it works. If anyone else has any different ideas- please post- the more I have the better.

[2big4mysize]

Re: coughing

see if your doc will prescrib the new allergy sprays since decongestants can give you rebound congestion.

[ValidRouge]

Re: coughing

Don't get Afrin or anything like that. You want just plain NASAL SALINE spray. There is a difference.

[jcapulet]

Re: coughing

I get these sudden outbursts of coughing sometimes...usually on the bus or train and probably from allergens/and or dry air. It's very embarrassing and frustrating because it's involuntary! Hasn't happened in a while though, so I am glad for that.

Have you tried OTC cough suppressants? That's helped me in the past when I had the flu. Just a thought, since you said it keeps you from getting a good night's rest.

Sometimes drinking warm herbal tea can help break up mucus.

Hope you feel better soon!

[ghelen]

Re: coughing

Thank you all so much! When I was researching what to do on the internet I said to myself" I need to get on ADBB because somebody out there will want to help" and I was right. I can't tell you how much it means to me to know what a support system you all are. Validrouge- I went out and got saline spray because of your suggestion and it seems to help- quite a bit!!! Thank you again to everybody who wanted to help. It means the world to me

[sallyseachange]

Re: coughing

Ghelen... glad you found the saline spray helped. Now I'll have to try it when I next get a cold! Thanks for bringing this subject up!

[ghelen]

Re: coughing

Just an update for everyone....I started the saline drops last night and have come very close to not coughing anymore at all. I urge anyone who goes through the post nasal drip cough to try this. It took about 18 hours or so of use every hour or so, but it has made a HUGE difference. Thank you Validrouge

[ValidRouge]

Re: coughing

You're welcome! I'm pretty vehement about not going to the doctor looking for a Rx for antibiotics for every little sniffle. When I went the last time I had to see the new doctor in the office told me. She didn't try to prescribe me an antibiotic, but had me do the saline solution instead. I was happy because it worked and I didn't have to take antibiotics.

I'm glad it worked for you too.

[sallyseachange]

Re: coughing

This sounds so good! Glad for you Ghelen!