Coughing

[Joyfulheart777]

At the beginning of the month I got the upper respiratory virus that was going around so did the kids.  all three of the kids stopped the coughing withing a week (so did the co-workers)  I have asthma but I cannot get rid of the productive cough.  What should I do

[David Tinkelman, M.D.]

Assuming that you all had the same virus, the “upper respiratory virus” is likely to have a more sustained effect on your asthmatic bronchial tubes than it did on those of your children and this effect could continue as a cause of your cough for some weeks or longer.  Often when this occurs, an increase in ones regular asthma drugs until the cough finally subsides.

I cannot suggest that you make any changes in your usual asthma drugs or their doses.  It would be inappropriate for me to do so, but I do suggest that you contact your doctor, describe what has occurred and ask him/her if it would be appropriate to temporarily change the doses of any of your asthma meds.

Good luck

[Joyfulheart777]

Actually went to doctor today and I still have the upper respiratory infection and now on the z-pac and the 6 day steroid program again. plus the inhalers and nebulizer if I need it.  I hate that I cannot fight this off. I'm not a smoker so this irritates me more I guess.  Thank you for your help