Remedy for cough wanted?

[rov1200]

How do you either get rid or alleviate a persistant cough that has dragged on for months. A non smoker. Takes ACE inhibitor BP tablets but recently changed because of side affects. Has seen doctor who prescribed anti-biotics but they don't work.

Some literature says it could be due to acid reflux but not sure. Is there something simple to deaden or mask the throat nerve endings to stop the cough.?

Unwilling to have cameras poked down the throat or internal examination. Desparation is setting in as lasting damage can only result of non treatment.

[LindyLouLou]

Hi rov

One of the most common side effects of ACE inhibitors is a dry cough - Is this why they were changed? It can take quite some time for the coughing to stop if the ACE inhibitor was the cause (can be a few months in some people). Did the cough start with the commencement of ACE inhibitors?

There are so many causes of cough that unless it is investigations are carried out, finding the correct treatment can be a bit hit and miss.

Why did the GP give antibiotics - was it for a chest infection? Antibiotics in themselves don't treat a cough unless they are treating some underlying cause.

Sorry, theres probably more questions than answers, but it sounds like more investigation is needed by someone medical...

Hope things get sorted...

Lynne

[rov1200]

Thanks.

The cough started over a year ago after changing to ACE inhibitors and soon after After coming off these tablets and being put on a different type the cough did stop so we thought the problem had been cured.

After a period of about 3 months after changing the BP tablets that cold/flu bug that was going the rounds reached our household. We both went down with it. Although I recovered quite quickly my partner did not, so the course of anti-biotics.
Ever since the cough has resumed from where it started 1 year ago.

[LindyLouLou]

Hi again,

If it has been going on for some time (like it sounds), the first likely investigation would possibly be a chest xray

If the xray is clear, it could be reflux as you mentioned above and may be managed in a few ways (ranitidine in some cases, gaviscon with others)

Others things that could cause it would also need to be ruled out, for example, asthma or nasal problems

Maybe your partner would give the GP a go. Unless they thought it was something like reflux oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus due to reflux) then a camera would not be required and even then, it may be that they try treatment first?

Good luck to you both

x