Aa
Coughing fits
For the past two and a half weeks I have had a cough. For the first week or so it was just a small cough, then it developed into coughing fits.
For the past week the cough has led to nosebleeds, at least once a day, and vomiting, but only the once.
The cough produces white-ish phlegm and a lot of spit. It is hard to breathe whilst getting rid of the spit. During the night I wake up once or twice to cough and this often leaves me dry heaving.
I went to the doctors last week but they could not find a cause.
What is causing this and what can help?
For the past week the cough has led to nosebleeds, at least once a day, and vomiting, but only the once.
The cough produces white-ish phlegm and a lot of spit. It is hard to breathe whilst getting rid of the spit. During the night I wake up once or twice to cough and this often leaves me dry heaving.
I went to the doctors last week but they could not find a cause.
What is causing this and what can help?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
A cough is generally a result of an irritant such as stomach acid (gastric reflux), mucus (asthma), hair spray, perfume, dust, pollen, mold, even spicy food, post nasal drip, or infection. It could also be due to infection such as pneumonia or bronchitis. Chronic sore throats can be allergic, viral or bacterial in origin. Many viral conditions like EBV (glandular fever) behave in this way with recurrent respiratory infections. Many parasitic infestations and worms increase the eosinophil counts in the blood and thus cause an increased risk of upper respiratory infections. Conditions like tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, asbestosis and silicosis along with pulmonary fibrosis should be ruled out.
If there is no fever then chances of allergic reaction, acidity and reflux and high eosinophil count are more. Common allergens causing these symptoms are pollen, mold, dust, pet dander. Streptoccocal infection is the most common bacterial infection and can cause nasal symptoms too. Indoor exposure to black mold can cause upper respiratory tract symptoms such as sore throat and cough with or without wheeze in otherwise healthy people.
Ideally you should consult a chest specialist. A comprehensive investigation including CBC, throat swab, allergic tests, X-rays, examination with a scope in throat, spirometry etc is required keeping all the points in mind. Meanwhile try deep breathing exercise and steam inhalation. Over the counter antihistamines, and decongestants and non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs may all help. However please take with prescription. Steam inhalation, drinking hot fluids and soups, warm lemonade, gargling with warm saline water are all very helpful. Do discuss with your doctor and first try and find the cause. Take care!
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
A cough is generally a result of an irritant such as stomach acid (gastric reflux), mucus (asthma), hair spray, perfume, dust, pollen, mold, even spicy food, post nasal drip, or infection. It could also be due to infection such as pneumonia or bronchitis. Chronic sore throats can be allergic, viral or bacterial in origin. Many viral conditions like EBV (glandular fever) behave in this way with recurrent respiratory infections. Many parasitic infestations and worms increase the eosinophil counts in the blood and thus cause an increased risk of upper respiratory infections. Conditions like tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, asbestosis and silicosis along with pulmonary fibrosis should be ruled out.
If there is no fever then chances of allergic reaction, acidity and reflux and high eosinophil count are more. Common allergens causing these symptoms are pollen, mold, dust, pet dander. Streptoccocal infection is the most common bacterial infection and can cause nasal symptoms too. Indoor exposure to black mold can cause upper respiratory tract symptoms such as sore throat and cough with or without wheeze in otherwise healthy people.
Ideally you should consult a chest specialist. A comprehensive investigation including CBC, throat swab, allergic tests, X-rays, examination with a scope in throat, spirometry etc is required keeping all the points in mind. Meanwhile try deep breathing exercise and steam inhalation. Over the counter antihistamines, and decongestants and non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs may all help. However please take with prescription. Steam inhalation, drinking hot fluids and soups, warm lemonade, gargling with warm saline water are all very helpful. Do discuss with your doctor and first try and find the cause. Take care!
I am surprised that the doctor found nothing wrong with the amount of phlegm you seem to describe. Do you smoke (QUIT if so !) or have asthma or seasonal allergies? IDK what that has to do with it, I'm just wondering.
Have you tried products containing Guaifenesin? This incredient thins secretions and is found in Mucinex (pricey) and products like that - BUT, if you can find a generic or plain Guaifenesin, you will save tons of money. You need to drink plenty of water for Guaifenesin to work.
You may need to sleep with your head propped up temporarily, until [hopefully soon] you are well again.
Good luck. I hope you find some relief soon.
Have you tried products containing Guaifenesin? This incredient thins secretions and is found in Mucinex (pricey) and products like that - BUT, if you can find a generic or plain Guaifenesin, you will save tons of money. You need to drink plenty of water for Guaifenesin to work.
You may need to sleep with your head propped up temporarily, until [hopefully soon] you are well again.
Good luck. I hope you find some relief soon.
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