What would you do??

M

MCGrad2006

Guest
So the last few days I have had an extremely dry hacking cough (getting absolutely NOTHING up). I am WIPED out from coughing but I can't sleep at night. I have ZERO other symptoms, no fever, no sore throat, no runny nose. Last night I coughed from about 8 at night till about 1:30. Got five hours of sleep. So I did an albuterol puffer around 9 and then when I actually got to bed around 10:30 the coughing got worse (as it always does when I lay down) but because I had already done albuterol I couldn't do more. This left me coughing and gagging til 1:30. I JUST WANT TO SLEEP.

It's very humid here lately so I have a feeling that has something to do with it, but still...I don't know what to do. We are done school today so at least I can relax for a few days, but if I am coughing like this, I still won't be sleeping at night. Ironically, the cough is more at night or later in the day not during work hours. No air conditioning at school, but yes at home (which you would think in AC would be better).

My question to you all...would you call the doctor if that was your only symptom? I was sick a few weeks ago and on Zyvox, but it didn't seem to do the trick even then. My cough came right back...BUT I was going on Cayston (AZLI) right after Zyvox, so I figured I would be ok. I have now been on the Cayston over a week and the cough is obviously still with me. Do you have any suggestions as to HOW TO MAKE IT STOP? I understand the coughing when I am sick, but I feel like there is no explanation for this. What would your doctor say/prescribe you?

<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0"> <img src="i/expressions/coughing.gif" border="0">
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
So the last few days I have had an extremely dry hacking cough (getting absolutely NOTHING up). I am WIPED out from coughing but I can't sleep at night. I have ZERO other symptoms, no fever, no sore throat, no runny nose. Last night I coughed from about 8 at night till about 1:30. Got five hours of sleep. So I did an albuterol puffer around 9 and then when I actually got to bed around 10:30 the coughing got worse (as it always does when I lay down) but because I had already done albuterol I couldn't do more. This left me coughing and gagging til 1:30. I JUST WANT TO SLEEP.

It's very humid here lately so I have a feeling that has something to do with it, but still...I don't know what to do. We are done school today so at least I can relax for a few days, but if I am coughing like this, I still won't be sleeping at night. Ironically, the cough is more at night or later in the day not during work hours. No air conditioning at school, but yes at home (which you would think in AC would be better).

My question to you all...would you call the doctor if that was your only symptom? I was sick a few weeks ago and on Zyvox, but it didn't seem to do the trick even then. My cough came right back...BUT I was going on Cayston (AZLI) right after Zyvox, so I figured I would be ok. I have now been on the Cayston over a week and the cough is obviously still with me. Do you have any suggestions as to HOW TO MAKE IT STOP? I understand the coughing when I am sick, but I feel like there is no explanation for this. What would your doctor say/prescribe you?

<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0"> <img src="i/expressions/coughing.gif" border="0">
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
So the last few days I have had an extremely dry hacking cough (getting absolutely NOTHING up). I am WIPED out from coughing but I can't sleep at night. I have ZERO other symptoms, no fever, no sore throat, no runny nose. Last night I coughed from about 8 at night till about 1:30. Got five hours of sleep. So I did an albuterol puffer around 9 and then when I actually got to bed around 10:30 the coughing got worse (as it always does when I lay down) but because I had already done albuterol I couldn't do more. This left me coughing and gagging til 1:30. I JUST WANT TO SLEEP.
<br />
<br />It's very humid here lately so I have a feeling that has something to do with it, but still...I don't know what to do. We are done school today so at least I can relax for a few days, but if I am coughing like this, I still won't be sleeping at night. Ironically, the cough is more at night or later in the day not during work hours. No air conditioning at school, but yes at home (which you would think in AC would be better).
<br />
<br />My question to you all...would you call the doctor if that was your only symptom? I was sick a few weeks ago and on Zyvox, but it didn't seem to do the trick even then. My cough came right back...BUT I was going on Cayston (AZLI) right after Zyvox, so I figured I would be ok. I have now been on the Cayston over a week and the cough is obviously still with me. Do you have any suggestions as to HOW TO MAKE IT STOP? I understand the coughing when I am sick, but I feel like there is no explanation for this. What would your doctor say/prescribe you?
<br />
<br /><img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0"> <img src="i/expressions/coughing.gif" border="0">
 

Jana

New member
Sorry to hear you're having such a hard time, Caitlin.

Have you ever tried those Sudafed menthol plug-ins? I think they are still out there, although they may be marketed under a different name now. Basically, it's like an air freshener but is medicated. That works better for me than anything when I cough at night.

You know, what you're describing happened to me a couple of times in the last year--just a constant, dry painful cough. I assumed it was viral, but 3 times, I think, it took a fast turn for the worse, and I ended up suddenly rather sick. The first time I ended up with pneumonia, in fact. It was rather frustrating to me as it was not at all my typical onset. Hopefully that won't be the case with you, but I would definitely keep a close eye on it and call the doctor if it continues.

Feel better soon!
 

Jana

New member
Sorry to hear you're having such a hard time, Caitlin.

Have you ever tried those Sudafed menthol plug-ins? I think they are still out there, although they may be marketed under a different name now. Basically, it's like an air freshener but is medicated. That works better for me than anything when I cough at night.

You know, what you're describing happened to me a couple of times in the last year--just a constant, dry painful cough. I assumed it was viral, but 3 times, I think, it took a fast turn for the worse, and I ended up suddenly rather sick. The first time I ended up with pneumonia, in fact. It was rather frustrating to me as it was not at all my typical onset. Hopefully that won't be the case with you, but I would definitely keep a close eye on it and call the doctor if it continues.

Feel better soon!
 

Jana

New member
Sorry to hear you're having such a hard time, Caitlin.
<br />
<br />Have you ever tried those Sudafed menthol plug-ins? I think they are still out there, although they may be marketed under a different name now. Basically, it's like an air freshener but is medicated. That works better for me than anything when I cough at night.
<br />
<br />You know, what you're describing happened to me a couple of times in the last year--just a constant, dry painful cough. I assumed it was viral, but 3 times, I think, it took a fast turn for the worse, and I ended up suddenly rather sick. The first time I ended up with pneumonia, in fact. It was rather frustrating to me as it was not at all my typical onset. Hopefully that won't be the case with you, but I would definitely keep a close eye on it and call the doctor if it continues.
<br />
<br />Feel better soon!
 

point

New member
Hi Caitlin,

Sorry to hear that you aren't feeling well. I am not sure what is going on with you, but I can tell you how I'd handle it for myself.

I would start drinking a ridiculous amount of water. I would increase my physiotherapy to hopefully loosen whatever is 'tickling' my chest. I would take a cough suppressant at night in order to get sleep (though I know some CFers are told never to take it). I would try to take naps during the day, if possible. I would try to sleep w/ multiple pillows behind me to keep my body more upright at night. For me personally, if I get an extraordinary amount of sleep, lots of water, and generally make my days more low key.... I slowly kick the cough. I would also possibly use a humidifier, but you said it is already humid where you live so that probably won't help you right now.

Hang in there. It wouldn't hurt to call your dr. just to give them the laundry list of your symptoms. <img src="i/expressions/hugging.gif" border="0">
 

point

New member
Hi Caitlin,

Sorry to hear that you aren't feeling well. I am not sure what is going on with you, but I can tell you how I'd handle it for myself.

I would start drinking a ridiculous amount of water. I would increase my physiotherapy to hopefully loosen whatever is 'tickling' my chest. I would take a cough suppressant at night in order to get sleep (though I know some CFers are told never to take it). I would try to take naps during the day, if possible. I would try to sleep w/ multiple pillows behind me to keep my body more upright at night. For me personally, if I get an extraordinary amount of sleep, lots of water, and generally make my days more low key.... I slowly kick the cough. I would also possibly use a humidifier, but you said it is already humid where you live so that probably won't help you right now.

Hang in there. It wouldn't hurt to call your dr. just to give them the laundry list of your symptoms. <img src="i/expressions/hugging.gif" border="0">
 

point

New member
Hi Caitlin,
<br />
<br />Sorry to hear that you aren't feeling well. I am not sure what is going on with you, but I can tell you how I'd handle it for myself.
<br />
<br />I would start drinking a ridiculous amount of water. I would increase my physiotherapy to hopefully loosen whatever is 'tickling' my chest. I would take a cough suppressant at night in order to get sleep (though I know some CFers are told never to take it). I would try to take naps during the day, if possible. I would try to sleep w/ multiple pillows behind me to keep my body more upright at night. For me personally, if I get an extraordinary amount of sleep, lots of water, and generally make my days more low key.... I slowly kick the cough. I would also possibly use a humidifier, but you said it is already humid where you live so that probably won't help you right now.
<br />
<br />Hang in there. It wouldn't hurt to call your dr. just to give them the laundry list of your symptoms. <img src="i/expressions/hugging.gif" border="0">
 

cf4life

New member
As mentioned previously drink lots of water. Personally, I'd also take a beach day. Lay in the sun, breathe the humid salt air, and sip on ice water pretending it was a pina colada. :)

If you are using AC it makes things drier inside, so a humidifier might be worth a try in your bed room at night.
 

cf4life

New member
As mentioned previously drink lots of water. Personally, I'd also take a beach day. Lay in the sun, breathe the humid salt air, and sip on ice water pretending it was a pina colada. :)

If you are using AC it makes things drier inside, so a humidifier might be worth a try in your bed room at night.
 

cf4life

New member
As mentioned previously drink lots of water. Personally, I'd also take a beach day. Lay in the sun, breathe the humid salt air, and sip on ice water pretending it was a pina colada. :)
<br />
<br />If you are using AC it makes things drier inside, so a humidifier might be worth a try in your bed room at night.
 

Lance2020x

New member
This happened to me recently and I decided it was some strange bug.
You can never go wrong calling your doctor... so if that's what you are feeling go for it. For me personally if I get sick and I feel it's a bug I can shake, I say "If I'm not feeling better by x day this/next week, then I'll call the doctors".
Then I drink buttloads of water and tea, have some airborne in the morning, and try to sleep as much as humanly possible. Usually that kicks it :)
 

Lance2020x

New member
This happened to me recently and I decided it was some strange bug.
You can never go wrong calling your doctor... so if that's what you are feeling go for it. For me personally if I get sick and I feel it's a bug I can shake, I say "If I'm not feeling better by x day this/next week, then I'll call the doctors".
Then I drink buttloads of water and tea, have some airborne in the morning, and try to sleep as much as humanly possible. Usually that kicks it :)
 

Lance2020x

New member
This happened to me recently and I decided it was some strange bug.
<br />You can never go wrong calling your doctor... so if that's what you are feeling go for it. For me personally if I get sick and I feel it's a bug I can shake, I say "If I'm not feeling better by x day this/next week, then I'll call the doctors".
<br />Then I drink buttloads of water and tea, have some airborne in the morning, and try to sleep as much as humanly possible. Usually that kicks it :)
 
P

pencf

Guest
Caitlin,

Mom guess here. Could it be the Caston? Otherwise, it sounds like what I call the "tickle" cough, my daughter with CF (15) gets it and it is most often postnasal drip caused by allergies.
Is this your first cycle of Caston since FDA approved or had you been in the clinical trial? Since it is a new drug and was approved so quickly, I would think there are still side effects that aren't documented. I would call doctor or Nurse PA to discuss the symptoms and the RELIEF they can give you!
Let us know what happens!
 
P

pencf

Guest
Caitlin,

Mom guess here. Could it be the Caston? Otherwise, it sounds like what I call the "tickle" cough, my daughter with CF (15) gets it and it is most often postnasal drip caused by allergies.
Is this your first cycle of Caston since FDA approved or had you been in the clinical trial? Since it is a new drug and was approved so quickly, I would think there are still side effects that aren't documented. I would call doctor or Nurse PA to discuss the symptoms and the RELIEF they can give you!
Let us know what happens!
 
P

pencf

Guest
Caitlin,
<br />
<br />Mom guess here. Could it be the Caston? Otherwise, it sounds like what I call the "tickle" cough, my daughter with CF (15) gets it and it is most often postnasal drip caused by allergies.
<br />Is this your first cycle of Caston since FDA approved or had you been in the clinical trial? Since it is a new drug and was approved so quickly, I would think there are still side effects that aren't documented. I would call doctor or Nurse PA to discuss the symptoms and the RELIEF they can give you!
<br />Let us know what happens!
 

CFkitty

New member
Is there a chance you have GERD? I have a pretty severe case of it. At one point, I had been coughing non-stop, for a good six months. I had taken everything to treat it - antibiotics, steroids, inhalers, antihistamines, cough suppressants, etc. Finally I found some research that linked a dry cough (in absence of airway problems) with GERD. I had already been diagnosed and on medication, but my doctor changed me from Prevacid to Prilosec (the best at the time) and the cough disappeared.

I now take Nexium twice a day and I still get some breakthrough GERD symptoms (burping, acid in my throat, dry cough, nausea), but they are much less frequent (and usually related to taking ibuprofen).
 

CFkitty

New member
Is there a chance you have GERD? I have a pretty severe case of it. At one point, I had been coughing non-stop, for a good six months. I had taken everything to treat it - antibiotics, steroids, inhalers, antihistamines, cough suppressants, etc. Finally I found some research that linked a dry cough (in absence of airway problems) with GERD. I had already been diagnosed and on medication, but my doctor changed me from Prevacid to Prilosec (the best at the time) and the cough disappeared.

I now take Nexium twice a day and I still get some breakthrough GERD symptoms (burping, acid in my throat, dry cough, nausea), but they are much less frequent (and usually related to taking ibuprofen).
 
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