Chest ache and dry cough

[IMstacie]

I've been on Tx for only 3 weeks - ug.  But, in addition to feeling lousy, my chest hurts (aches) and I have a cough.  I don't have heart problems.  Is there anything I can do to alleviate this?  First blood test results indicate below normal WBC and low platelets.

[mirceani]

In my case, dry cough which lasted the whole 48 weeks of the treatment, only stopped while chewing gum. Hard candy (Ricola for ex) also helped.

Nothing else worked, and I tried all kind of anti cough medication.
Once treatment ended, cough dissapeared.

Good luck
Mircea

[IMstacie]

great - now I have that to look forward too.  My chest aches as well, did your chest ache?  I'm using heat while I'm home but more difficult to do that at work.

[RJGCEDARS]

The chest pains should be mentioned to your Doctor Hang in there,

[Kristina538]

I read here somewhere that IFN can intermittantly make you feel as though there's a 'rock on your chest',  which happened to me a lot early in tx.   I also had a cough and at week 3 went to emergency to check my WBC because I was so sure I had a chest infection (I didn't)..

Drink lots of water, and warm drinks also seemed to help.  Stretching and relaxing (and I watched funny movies and made myself laugh... when I could - it seemed to loosen up my muscles and clear anything on my chest).   Nurse told me that the riba can cause a 'producing cough' as long as it's not infected it's okay.   Good luck - I haven't had the cough continually, but comes and goes.   Early weeks seemed the hardest for me physically so be kind to yourself..

If it's 'pain' in your chest,  let your medical team know.

[desertrat55]

Kristina538 is spot on about drinking LOTS of water. I'm post tx now for a couple of weeks, after 48 week tx. I felt so lousy my first couple of months - including a constant dry cough. I spoke with an RN from the drug dispensary, who could not over emphisize the importance of drinking water - she said "drink at least half your body weight in water." I followed her advice, & the dry cough would only last about 20 minutes a day, & my other symtoms seemed a bit easier to handle. The only side effect from the water was night time frequent urinating - but it was worth it.

[IMstacie]

I'm a wimp, i hate this.  3 weeks and I'm tired of the lousy feeling, the headaches, and the cough (which hurts my head more).  i took off work today.  I'll try the water, i will just carry it around.  If it is in front of me I'll probably drink it.  Thanks.