[redwitch]

Seeing a doctor is not in the picture. Getting a prescription medication is out of the question. I see doctors and take meds when it is something serious. This is a simple, inconvenient cold. I have a very strong gag reflex (dentists have been known to send me elsewhere) and the combo of coughing and saliva and occasional phlegm is causing the gagging. I was just hoping someone knew of something I could take that didn't include a decongestant.

I will check out Delsym since I have a tendency to really trust pharmacists. Hate honey but may break down and try that.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

Personally, in my 73 years, I never knew anyone who died from having a cold, and over the years many friends and relatives have had colds. Of the many people I've known, they just considered it to be an inconvenience. Today with HMOs and "free" PCP visits, everyone is encouraged to run to their doctor for the least little thing. What have we become?

I haven't had a cold for about 15 or 20 years but about two months ago, I had what I call "the coughing cold." That consisted of occasional sneezing, a mild sore throat, and periodic fits of coughing. No stuffy nose. It lasted about 4 or 5 days.

Today I just got over having a different kind of cold. It lasted 4 days. This cold was of a different character. It started with a bad sore throat but that cleared up after the first day. The main problem with this cold is that I had a runny nose.

So now my immune system has been strengthened and is totally up to date.

Here's my theory about taking medication: Medication may make you feel more comfortable by covering up symptoms, but meds may also interfere with your immune system and cause your cold to last longer. And perhaps you never get complete immunity. I've known people who said they get frequent colds. I think if people would let their cold run its natural med-free course they would likely get better immunity.

Medication to treat symptoms, do NOT keep your body from building immunity.

[rubicon]

"He who doctors himself has a fool for a patient."

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Medication to treat symptoms, do NOT keep your body from building immunity.

I guess you didn't notice I had qualifiers in my statements. I didn't make a blanket statement intended to cover everyone. That's why I called it a theory!

But you did make a blanket statement intended to cover everyone. Gee, I thought you always said that everyone is different. Suddenly you're sure that everyone is exactly the same.

[cattywampus]

.
Redwitch ( Dee)

Sorry U R not feeling well.

For COUGH control...
................................"FISHERMAN'S FRIEND"
Awful tasting flat brown lozenge.
Always works for me. Made by Lofthouse of England

Comes in a box about 2 1/2 by 5 inches with a pic of
trawler boat on front (red white and Black)
Most any Drugstore or Walmart.

Please pursue Doc and possible antibiotics ...
some nasty bugs are going around.

Got back from Denver and 20% have your symptoms and
required antibiotics. Most also had Temps around 102 F.
Antibiotics cleared most in 2-3 days.

Hope you get well soon.

.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

I guess you didn't notice I had qualifiers in my statements. I didn't make a blanket statement intended to cover everyone. That's why I called it a theory!

But you did make a blanket statement intended to cover everyone. Gee, I thought you always said that everyone is different. Suddenly you're sure that everyone is exactly the same.

Every body's special. Every body's fine.
Your body's special. And so is mine.

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Every body's special. Every body's fine.
Your body's special. And so is mine.

And he's wearing his Christmas sweater. How thoughtful.

[bettymg1866]

This is a waste of time and space - Go to a doctor - dont use this feed for something as important as your health...

[villager]

Had/have the exact same thing. Cough has been lingering for a long time but getting better, albeit slowly. Am on week 7. The worst times for me are morning and night and if I'm outside on a cold day. In the mornings I cough until I release some of the phlegm that must build up during the night, but phlegm is not green. Not trying to be gross here but sharing the symptoms. If your phlegm is green, you should go to the doc because that means it is usually bacterial. If it is clear or creamy color, that usually points to viral and no antibiotics will make a difference. I've tried Robitussin DM cough syrup, suggested by a pharmacist, no luck. I've tried Delsyn cough syrup, a little better but once I start coughing, it is hard to stop it. Riccola cough drops work the best for me and frankly, hubby noticed a hot toddy made the most difference. Our hot toddys contain strong hot tea, a little burbon or Southern Comfort, lemon or lime juice and honey. Lately, I've found if I add a little peppermint extract it helps, too. Everything works together to sooth that little throat irritation that makes you cough and seems to settle it all down so you can relax and rest and stop the cycle of coughing over and over. Yes, my cough sounded like a whooping cough and I would cough until I gagged at times. But, hang in there, it will get better but sounds like you're like me and it will take a while. No, I never went to the doctor. I could tell from the symptoms that it was a virus and there was nothing the doc could do for me. Good luck and I hope you find something that works for you. Oh, and don't forget to Vicks your chest and put a warm towel on it! Several people have said Vicks on the bottom of your feet (with socks) will stop a cough but that didn't work for me (but I did try it!).

[Yung Dum]

Originally Posted by redwitch

I rarely get colds or the flu, so really am at a loss. I can deal with the drippy nose and other general symptoms. However, I have a horrible cough -- so bad that I end up gagging. The cough is coming from the throat, not the chest. I don't need a decongestant but do need something to stop the cough. Any suggestions?

Try a nasal saline solution. You mat be surprised.

[blueash]

Originally Posted by villager

In the mornings I cough until I release some of the phlegm that must build up during the night, but phlegm is not green. If your phlegm is green, you should go to the doc because that means it is usually bacterial. If it is clear or creamy color, that usually points to viral and no antibiotics will make a difference.

I will gently disagree with that commonly held belief.
From the CDC;
The presence of purulent sputum is not predictive of bacterial infection. - >95% of patients with purulent sputum do not have pneumonia (J Chron Di 1984; 37:215).
and as you can see from the publication date of 1984, this is not new information. This information is for patients who do not have any underlying chronic pulmonary disease, eg COPD.

http://www.ersj.org.uk/content/38/1/119.full
"Patients producing discoloured sputum were prescribed antibiotics more frequently than those not producing sputum unlike those producing clear/white sputum Antibiotic prescription was not associated with a greater rate or magnitude of symptom score resolution (as measured by a 13-item questionnaire completed by patients each day) among those who: produced yellow or green sputum; reported any of three categories of feeling unwell; or produced discoloured sputum and felt generally unwell.

Adults with acute cough/LRTI presenting in primary care settings with discoloured sputum were prescribed antibiotics more often compared to those not producing sputum. Sputum colour, alone or together with feeling generally unwell, was not associated with recovery or benefit from antibiotic treatment. "

There are many more identical studies. But so many patients just know that they need an antibiotic because... my mucus is green, I don't get better without my Zpak, my cousin got an antibiotic for this exact same illness, I'll end up in the ER if I don't get it from you... that too often doctors who should or do know better just reach for the Rx pad.

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by blueash

I will gently disagree with that commonly held belief.

From the CDC;

The presence of purulent sputum is not predictive of bacterial infection. - >95% of patients with purulent sputum do not have pneumonia (J Chron Di 1984; 37:215).

and as you can see from the publication date of 1984, this is not new information. This information is for patients who do not have any underlying chronic pulmonary disease, eg COPD.



http://www.ersj.org.uk/content/38/1/119.full

"Patients producing discoloured sputum were prescribed antibiotics more frequently than those not producing sputum unlike those producing clear/white sputum Antibiotic prescription was not associated with a greater rate or magnitude of symptom score resolution (as measured by a 13-item questionnaire completed by patients each day) among those who: produced yellow or green sputum; reported any of three categories of feeling unwell; or produced discoloured sputum and felt generally unwell.



Adults with acute cough/LRTI presenting in primary care settings with discoloured sputum were prescribed antibiotics more often compared to those not producing sputum. Sputum colour, alone or together with feeling generally unwell, was not associated with recovery or benefit from antibiotic treatment. "



There are many more identical studies. But so many patients just know that they need an antibiotic because... my mucus is green, I don't get better without my Zpak, my cousin got an antibiotic for this exact same illness, I'll end up in the ER if I don't get it from you... that too often doctors who should or do know better just reach for the Rx pad.

Well said. If a test does not provide proof of a bacterial infection there is no need for an antibiotic.

[Shadow8IA]

You need to see a dr if you are getting worse. An antibiotic will take care of the secondary bacterial infection that you get from the viral infection.

[redwitch]

Folks, I promise I will see a doc if it sticks around too long or gets worse. Oddly, barring the cough and tender nose from being blown, I feel okay. Not as much energy but okay. And I'm not thrilled reading this dang cough will hang around for weeks.

Thank you all for the info and concern.

[asianthree]

Oddly at work 60% of us have the same thing since we see multitude of doctors every day! That would be 58 people. From ent to gastric to ortho, to general surgeon. Constant cough near close to vomiting. Coming from throat, not lungs. No fever. Laryngitis also. Not the flu it's viral. No antibiotic will work. We are running about three weeks with this then slowly get better. Happy Holidays