Constantly having to cough during the evening/night

[2877]

For the past week or so, I have been having to cough a lot because it feels like something needs to get out, but isnt coming out when I cough. I notice that is it worse in the evening, sometimes I almost puke because I cant stop coughing. I live in a basement apartment, that was just renovated and is very dry. There is no mucus coming up when I cough, but when I wake in the morning and roll to one side, or bend over to pick something off the flood, I feel what I think is some fluid in my chest area moving. Where I live there is no walk in clinics so it takes a while to get an appointment to see a doctor. I had to take my boyfriends puffer that he used when he had pneumonia. The puffer contained Symbicort turbuhaler 200UG, it seemed to help. Any suggestions to what might be causing this and what could help me in the meantime until I see a doctor?

[jecamp]

I know of some natural remedies that can assist with this type of cough.  I typically use a combination of 3 herbal formulas.  The first is Lobelia extract.  Also known as Indian Tobbaco, this herb has been used in various studies for repiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and cough.  The second herb is Chinese Ginseng (Panx ginseng).  In chinese theory, this tonifies the lungs and promotes circulation within the lungs.  The last herbal formula is a product called Restore Qi by Energetix.  Another Chinese herbal formula dealing with both the lungs and spleen.  The spleen (Chinese Medicine) is responsible for phlegm transformation.  All our liquid extracts and can be combined in a small amount of water and taken twice a day.  For more information, you can contact me at ***@**** or visit my website www.*****.com.

[2877]

Thanks for the responses. It seems to have gone away. I think it was a really bad cold, because another employee had the same symptoms a couple of days after me. I no longer have the cough :)

[gymdandee]

You say you live in a basement " just renovated and is very dry" It could be some material  used in the renovation! I suggest buying a HEPA Air Purifier and keep it in your bedroom and a humidifier  

[caregiver222]

It sounds like reflux. Maybe yes, maybe no. On the other hand there is the possibility of an infection. Then there is always asthma...

For starters, do not eat lying on the floor, sleep at an inclined angle (thirty degrees) and don't eat within two hours of sleeping.

You won't be doing any short-term harm by using the medications, but you really need to see a physician for a thorough evaluation. I am not happy you do not have an albuterol sulfate "emergency inhaler". Things can go downhill quite rapidly, especially if you live alone. If you start to devlop serious difficulty in breathing do not hesitate to call 911!

Go to the drug-store and purchase an over-the counter expectorant.

The question is whether you have a chronic problem, or just something that will be self-limited. I really want you to see an M.D. as soon as possible.

Do NOT take the medications 24 hours before you see the physician because this will completely mask the symptoms. Everybody (including me) has made this mistake. Then the doctor auscultates your lung fields and says "You're perfectly normal".

Post when he provides a diagnosis.