Cold help
 

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?

This is like a wonder drug. Prescription needed, the MD's are so busy now due to the flu and cold season that they'll phone it in to the pharmacy.

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-20...ist-conditions

Unfortunately the cough hangs on for awhile. Several of my friends have had this. Tons of meds, but that cough just doesn't want to go away very quick. :( Definitely get it checked out !

See a doctor as a persistent cough could have many causes. Could be a throat or ear infection and not necessarily a cold. Mucinex works great for a runny nose and mucus.

Maybe a pharmacist could advise you, if you don't want to go to the doctor.

Several years ago, I had a very bad cough so I took some cough medicine and it closed up my throat to the point I had difficulty breathing. Went to the doctor and found out I had an ear infection. Medication cleared it up fast.

My doctor told me recently that there is a viral form of bronchitis going through TV. Said anti-biotics are the only thing to knock it out. See your doctor just in case.

if it's viral, antibiotics do nothing for it. If you can get a doctor to prescribe a codeine containing cough syrup, they work the best. but many doctors might not be willing to do it without seeing you. Other than that, over the counter cough syrup with dextromethorphan (DM) is the best you are going to do. There is a product I use called Delsym. It is a liquid, time released form of DM, and provides 12 hour relief, which is a real help when taken at night to keep you from waking up coughing. It's a little pricey but it's the one I always go to for persistent cough (retired pharmacist here.)

I just got over a nasty cold, sore throat, coughing and phlem. It lasted nine days. I found that the night time Therma-Flu at least relaxed me and let me sleep.

I still have sore ribs from the extreme coughing.

Z

Be careful....this year's flu shot isn't working because of virus mutations. Many are getting flu while having had the shot.

"The [CDC] advisory sent Wednesday said 52% of the 85 influenza virus samples collected and analyzed from October 1 through November 22 were different than the virus strains included in this year's vaccine, indicating a mutation, or drift, of the strain......" CNN. 12-4-14

She is right. AND that virus is setting up folks for a sneaky bacterial assault. Could be asthma. Could be something that needs looked into by a very smart person.

Go someplace and see an MD. NOW. DO YOU HEAR ME? Red??????

Repeat after me: Antibiotics do not treat colds. Again: Antibiotics do not treat colds

No doctor (IMO) should be calling in antibiotics for a cough, or a sore throat, or an earache etc. The overuse of antibiotics in agriculture and by patients and doctors who know better but want to make their patients happy is leading to a huge proliferation of multiple resistant bacteria. Zithomax, the "wonder drug" suggested above, is now becoming increasingly useless due to overuse. It is the drug most docs, especially ER and doc in a boxers give to everyone with anything wrong.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/820736

Acute cough (less than 3 weeks) should not be treated with an antibiotic unless you have pneumonia. Bronchitis does NOT, repeat NOT, require or benefit from antibiotic treatment as it is almost always a viral illness
http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/campaign...gh-illness.pdf

If your cough is so severe that it causes vomiting from the intensity of cough then whooping cough should be considered. All adults should have received a recent w. cough booster but very few have gotten it. W. cough requires a very specific test and cannot be diagnosed by physical exam.

Codeine may or may not help cough, the literature is conflicted. Codeine works by depressing the central nervous system's protective response to airway irritation. It of course has a host of well known side effects including constipation and respiratory depression.

Honey has been shown to be as effective as DM (Delsym) for control of pediatric cough. Apparently the thick honey coats the tissues in the back of the throat thus protecting them from the irritation which causes the reflex coughing

1.Paul IM, et al. Effect of honey, dextromethorphan, and no treatment on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. 2007;161:1140

As some others said....there is a "bug" going around that is a respiratory/flu thing. I had it, it begins with a scratchy throat then goes into coughing (A LOT) and blowing. Stomach feels queasy and you have an achy, blah feeling along with it. Mine lasted about 4 weeks with the cough lasting a bit longer...mostly in the morning and evening. It's ALL from the throat up.

I did see a doctor 2X as I have a tendency towards sinus/ear issues along with bronchial (which has gone into pneumonia) in the past. With several autoimmune issues going on too, I can't be too careful. So otherwise wash hands frequently (if you've so far been missed by this) and rest helps too.

To OP, just went through the same thing. Back in late August, caught mild cold, and the "normal" cough for -2 weeks. Except this time the cough was violent with vomiting. Went to Doctor, not much help. Went to ENT, initially minor help, then put me in a pill Singular, this is working very well. All told, took about 3 months to get rid of the cough completely, never had anything like this before.

My advise, see your doctor, and if they do not help see an ENT.

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.

If it's viral, antibiotics are contraindicated. Antibiotics will only work on a bacterial infection.

If you don't have a family doctor, please, go to an urgent care. Paramount on 466 is an extra good urgent care with a pharmacy onsite. Don't self-medicate with over-the-counter cold medicines. It is dangerous. Especially if you have high blood pressure or hidden high blood pressure. My mom was a diabetic and was in end stage renal failure before she passed. I cannot count how many people I talked to doing dialysis with her who had lost the use of their kidneys because of self-medicating with cold medicines.

There are warnings on the labels, but most people don't heed the warning and/or don't know they have high blood pressure. It is very dangerous.

Drink plenty of liquids and stay hydrated. Even hot steamy showers can help sooth the bronchial passages. But you need to get to the root of the problem. See a medical professional. I hope you start feeling better soon. If there is anything I can do for you, send me a PM.

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.

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

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

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.

For the COUGH
 

.
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.

.

http://elegyandirony.files.wordpress...-rogers-06.jpg

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.

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

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!).

Try a nasal saline solution. You mat be surprised.

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.

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.

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.

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

Thank you.

1) Try keeping your throat wet - frequent sips of water (hot beverages may work better).

2) You can try benadryl or similar. When we moved down here my sinus (and throat) problems cleared up. When we visit DC again, they come back for a month or so. Figured out that it is probably leaf mold (which we are blessedly free of here).

I think this virus is a one carried by birds.




snowbirds.

Some practical ideas: before bed try tea (decaffeinated if sensitive) with honey and a shot of whiskey or brandy; warmed ginger ale with a little lemon and southern comfort; chicken noodle soup - some studies have shown it really DOES work.

Blueash is correct in all he said. This year's flu vaccine has missed what appears to be going around - its a H3 virus thats hitting everywhere. Avoid crowds and people who are ill, wash your hands frequently and keep your fingers crossed you are not exposed.

This info may not be of help to you now but going forward maybe some food for thought.

Several years back I was contracting URI's one after the other figuring it was from my heavy work related exposure being a nurse in a primary care clinic. After the 3rd URI which I was pretty sick and required some prednisone as I was wheezing like a tea kettle my doctor decided to check my Vitamin D level as this vitamin plays an important role in immune health. Normal levels should be 30-50 and mine was 17. After a month or so of taking a prescribed high dose Vitamin D my level reached close to 30 and then I was put on a maintenance dose. Since getting and keeping my Vitamin D level in normal range I have thus far experienced another URI despite my heavy daily exposure to these nasty bugs.

Try a humidifier in your room at night. It will help with the cough. You may also put some Vicks vapor rub on your chest. Just wrap an old tee shirt around your neck. Wash off the Vicks before going out.

do you remember growing up before the onset of insurance that covered everything? in my family we had to be on death's doorstep before we got taken to a doctor. now people rush there for every head cold. the reason antibiotics "help" is because by the time you go to the doctor the illness would probably be winding down by itself. of course, people with conditions like copd or such have to be extra cautious. but sometimes a bad cold is just a bad cold. I had it in Oct. despite the delsym I would still wake up coughing at times. I kept lozenges by my bed and sucking on one of them helped, though I was afraid I'd fall back to sleep before it totally dissolved. I'll keep honey there next time. by the way, my old Irish grandmother said the best cure for a cold was a shot of whiskey and then bundled up in bed to sweat it out.

After reading all the posts, I believe there's something important that has been left out of this discussion. Here it is: The immune response is the cause of your symptoms, NOT the virus. And, of course, this assumes it's just a common cold.

The above statement is what I based my theory on. And my theory is this: Your immune system causes various cold symptoms for a reason. This is how your immune system works. For example, A sore throat is usually caused by inflammation and your immune system caused it for a reason, to fight the virus. Sore-throat caughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, it's all there for a reason, to fight the virus.

To the extent that you eliminate or cover-up symptoms, you are interferring with what your immune system is trying to accomplish. In that case I believe the cold may last longer.

What you can do is get plenty of rest, stay properly hydrated, eat a "normal" amount of healthy food, and stay away from vigorous exercise