Reactive Airway Disease and treatment

[RoboMini]

About 5 weeks ago I went to the doctor with strep throat and bronchitis. What finally forced me to go to the doctor was this terrible cough. I was put on antibiotics (Amoxicilin) and Tylonal and codine. I returned the next day after coughing non-stop from 10pm to 3am the night previous. I did have an x-ray, which was normal and was given an albuterol inhaler (which I was given years before after a bout with bronchitis). That worked in claming my cough for a week or two, but never did completly take care of the problem. I still had a heavy feeling in my chest. My cough is a very dry cough and would get quite bad, especially at night. I finally went back to the doctor yesterday and was told I likly have Reactive airway disease. I was put on a Z-pak (I was getting another sore throat) to make sure the infection was gone, as well as steroid(pill)regimen for the next six days. I was also given a steroid inhaler that I'm to use twice a day. I noticed that they gave me five refills on the inhaler. My question is how long should I expect to have to use the inhaler? Can't say I'm too crazy about being on steriods, even if it is just an inhaler. Do I have to ween myself off of the inhaler or can I just stop it when I'm no longer coughing? Is this something I will have to deal with the rest of my life or will it clear up enventually. I am 47 non-smoking woman who has no family history of asthma.

[Sick Mommy]

I, too, have had a nagging cough for over three months now.  I have been on Amoxicillin, Ceftzil, and Azythromycin (Z-Pack).  I have also tried Albuterol inhalers, nebulizer treatments, and Singulair tablets daily.  I as well cannot shake the cough.  It is very dry and raspy-sounding.  My doctor and I are ruling things out one by one.  Hang in there, they'll eventually find what the problem is!

[National Jewish]

You have asked lots of questions that are based on the assumption that this is, indeed, reactive airways disease.  From the description you have given, an infection is the most likely cause of the ongoing problems.  This could actually be from an infection of the sinuses and not the lower airways.  Both can lead to exactly what you are describing.  Also, without a breathing test it is not clear that this is indeed due to reactive airways from your lungs.

However, if the diagnosis is correct, no one can tell you how long you will need the inhaled steroids, weeks, months or years.  Most of the time it is weeks, but it could be longer.  Inhaled steroids in appropriate doses are safe and much less likely to lead to side effects than oral medicines.  I would see how you are doing in the next week or so and speak with your doctor.  If you are fine, he/she might stop the medicines.  If not, you may need other tests, such as a CT of the sinuses and a pulmonary function tests (PFTs).