I have a persistent, dry cough. I know exactly when it started. July 2013, when Mrs L and I had a respiratory infection. Since that time, I’ve suffered a persistent dry cough and it’s bloody annoying. Eventually I went to see the GP.
Tests ensued, ruling out asthma and a chest X-Ray to rule out any nasties. So about a year ago, they deduced that it was caused by GERD and put me on omeprazole. Given that I do suffer from acid reflux, the omeprazole helped with the other symptoms, but the cough persisted. So I contacted the GP again.
There is another possibility, eosinophilic bronchitis. Given my tendency for hay-fever, an allergic reaction would make sense – along with a possible weakness caused by the infection seven years ago. So, fine, we are trialling a steroid inhaler and early indications are that we are onto something as this week has been much improved.
However…
It’s been a year since the chest X-Ray, so they put in a request for me to have another one. I asked if I would be required to wear a face mask. It being a hospital and the NHS is the epicentre of the hysterical coronapanic. The GP couldn’t say. As I had to nip out to collect my usual prescription that the chemist had forgotten about, I popped across to the local hospital as it is a short walk away. Yup, you need a face mask to even go into the building. I came home. The X-Ray can wait. I’m not playing this game.
Are you taking Ibuprofen? It’s reputed to cause stomach problems but I don’t get them. I find if I take it for more than about three weeks I get a dry cough. Lay off it for a while and I can use it for another three weeks.
No. I use paracetamol if I need analgesics.
Unlikely to be the same problem I know, but I had a persistent cough prior to being diagnosed as a diabetic. Once the diabetes was being treated the cough cleared up.
I’ve had so many blood tests recently, I’m sure they would have picked up any problems. But so far, the inhaler seems to be doing the trick.
If you are looking to boost incomes post lockdown I hear there is a healthy trade in used inhalers for public transport?
Without meaning to advertise, but unable to refrain from naming the product, I suffered from a persistent dry cough towards the end of last year and beginning of this. A lozenge called “Bronchostop”, which apparently, is plant based (extract of Thyme) was recommended. The lozenges are soft and, when placed between my gum and cheek, would slowly melt. Over a period of time (no pun intended) it eased the cough until my immune system sorted it out. May be worth a try.
By the way, am on Lanzoprazole for acid reflux (hiatus hernia, but that is too much information).