Cough medication not helping? Update

[marmalade]

Whenever I get a bad cough that I just can't shake, the one thing that works phenomenal for me is shoving a cool mist humidifier directly in my face and breathing it in. I have never found a cough medicine that works.

 

[MOpGrad2013]

Whenever I get a bad cough that I just can't shake, the one thing that works phenomenal for me is shoving a cool mist humidifier directly in my face and breathing it in. I have never found a cough medicine that works.

Great advice.

The big thing about cough medications is they are usually a cough suppressant and congestion combo. The ingredient that takes care of the congestion (breaking up the mucus) is designed to make you cough so you can get it out.

Mucinex, Robitussin...same active ingredient. Take it and it will work to make your cough more productive. But if you don't have enough breakage and getting out, it will just keep you coughing.

After this was explained to us by the pharmacist, I try to find single active ingredient medications that work on the most annoying symptoms. Don't make your own concoction! I also stop by the pharmacist and show my choices. They will advise on any reactions.

Also, increase the water intake. It will thin what is causing the cough irritation.

 

[pweyl36]

I do have asthma, so I was given an inhaler, which I'm waiting to have filled since its the same one I have from my allergist. I also take singular for asthma. The amount of hacking is about the same as before the medication, so I don't think its an allergic reaction. It works by numbing the lungs/throat, which I can feel going on.

I guess if I'm not feeling better by tomorrow night (3 days of the augmention ), I'll call back.

Antibiotics dont work as soon as you take them you must finish them. They are still working in your system two wks after that. We tell our pt if you feel worse then call. The coughing can be your sinius draining try zrytec it seems
to help me and I was Coughing day and night last week.

 

[Callie]

Yes, I'm on an antibiotic. The cough just hasn't gotten any better with the medication. The worst is at night, when I'm laying in bed.

 

[mom2rtk]

Yes, I'm on an antibiotic. The cough just hasn't gotten any better with the medication. The worst is at night, when I'm laying in bed.

My long battle with the cough was worst at night too. Try to sleep with your head elevated, dose up on Mucinex, drink lots of water, and get as much rest as possible. Then speed forward a few weeks in your time machine.

I feel for you. It just seemed endless when I was in the middle of it.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

How (exactly) are you taking the benzotate?

I was thinking the same thing as the OP said it helped her sore throat. After working in a pharmacy and after having this medication quite a few times I was concerned.

Both the doctor's and pharmacist will give stern directions on taking this medication.

 

[CF'er]

My coughing is always worse the warner/hotter I am. I sleep with my head elevated. Also if it is croupy think about what we do for our kids.... humidifier and a walk out in the cooler air. Best of luck shaking this.

 

[glaserjm]

I am just coming to the end (fingers crossed) of the worst cough of my life. The only things that helped were honey, warm saltwater gargle and constant liquid consumption.

Good luck...it's such a nasty one this year!!

 

[yoopermom]

You might want to try different kinds of fluids (different temps, different consistencies) to see if any help more than others.

I used to get bronchitis 2-3X/yr and finally broke down and went to the pulmonologist last year after the last bout. I have fibro, use a CPAP, and if I can't stop coughing/can't sleep I'm a total and complete wreck. He had no magic bullets, but at least I'm established with him if I have another bout this year (should probably say when, not if...).

Good luck to you, and hope you finally get some good sleep soon...

Terri

 

[disfan07]

Coughs usually are worse at night...especially with asthma. Do you have reflux? Because a bad cough at night could also be that. I know when I'm sick, my reflux gets worse and my mess don't really work so my cough gets worse as well.

Honestly, as an asthmatic, my pulmonologist does not prescribe me cough medicine. He WANTS me to cough as much as possible. Anytime I've been on a cough medicine I've ended up with bronchitis or pneumonia.

One of the best things is usually just either a very warm/hot shower or just sitting in the bathroom with hot water running in the bathtub to get the steam and heat from it....usually helps me at least a little bit with the congestion and cough. However, I will admit it doesn't seem to be working for me this time around.

I'm on antibiotics, prednisone, pulmicort (inhaled budesonide), xoponex, Zyrtec, singular, Prilosec, Zantac, and Benadryl and I still can't get rid of my cough. I've given up trying at this point.

I am sleeping either with 3-4 pillows or on the recliner right now so my head is elevated. That seems to be helping the best. If you haven't elevated your head at night OP, I would definitely try that.

Good luck OP. I completely understand how your feeling with this dang cough!

 

[CF'er]

Something else you might try is sinus irrigation. I have also found that part of my cough comes from irritation from nasal secretions. Get that under control and that helps cough too.