Ridiculous Cough

[Scarlett]

This is the 5th day of an exhausting cough which is making me throw up. I get an INTENSE itch in my throat and find myself making the most awful barking and hacking noises to try and 'scratch' it. It's so violent it sets off my gag reflex. It's keeping my flatmate awake, and I can't sleep as it sets itself off the moment I lie on my back or even slightly recline. It is completely dry and non-productive. I have asthma and inhalers do nothing. I had a temperature of 38.5 this morning which is now normal at 37. It's not getting any better/ My throat is raw from coughing and even drinking water hurts. My stomach muscles are also painful from the force.Any ideas what I can do to try and break it?!

[Georgiesmum]

Ive just had this. Theres a lot of this going around. Mine started with a n evil throat and Ive had all the symptoms you describe.

[anneasquith]

You must be exhausted. Visit the chemist tomorrow, pharmacist will give you advice .

[Georgiesmum]

Mine lasted seven days before I got my voice back again. Keep drinking plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest and it will soon go.

[Mamyalynne]

Sympathise totally Scarlett, I am on day 11 - as someone who rarely gets coughs and colds this has floored me.
Have even apologised to neighbours, one of whom thought I was phoning to complain about her coughing.

[tonyav]

I had the flu jab about a month ago and I haven't felt right since, and just to cap it all since the weekend I have been coughing and sneezing.

Scarlett, you need to see a doc I think.

[Scarlett]

Hmm, I have avoided the flu jab ever since I got very very ill after one in 2010. Not had one since then. My first and last.

[tonyav]

I think that I'll be avoiding them from now on to, Scarlett.

[bunkmoreland]

I've been having this coughing explosion too,but,I put it down to the fact that I've been eating more cheese than usual. I'ts easy to say I know,but try relaxing your shoulder muscles and breathing very slowly.

[pixie374]

I never get colds or coughs, but about 3 weeks ago, I started off with a really dry sore throat, then a temperature and then a cough... and I know several people that have. I think it is just time you need, some viruses can take a few weeks to completely disappear.

[ummmm]

My son is on day 4 or 5. It's the dryness and tickle that is driving him mad.

[Adam2205]

Try gargling with salt and soda throughout the day.

[LadyCG]

Hot lemon and honey is the best thing to soothe the irritation. Otherwise its a virus that will naturally run its course.

Sympathies to all affected :-(

[waterboatman]

Lady CG is right.

[Vagus]

Maybe whooping cough? It’s more common in adults than you might think. The symptoms are similar to children who have it but not as severe.

[woofgang]

Scarlett I think its time to see the doc if you are coughing so badly that you are being sick, especially as you have asthma. I would never tell anyone what to do about the flu jab but I had as bad reaction last year and it wasn't nearly as bad as real flu

[smurfchops]

Try spraying with Covonia Spray or even gargling a little TCP neat. (Yes neat). Good luck, I know how you feel. It will go in its own time but this in my experience seems to ease the tickle.

[ubasses]

Tip given to me by GP was to gargle with soluble paracetamol, then swallow. Alleviates the symptoms for a while.

[Cloverjo]

I found drinking milk helped a little, even though I hate milk.

[Cloverjo]

Just seen in Related Questions you had the same problem a couple of years ago. Can you remember what you did back then to ease it?

[Patsy33]

Codeine is best for the throat, it relaxes it.