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Suggest Treatment For Dry Cough In An Elderly Person

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Posted on Mon, 7 Aug 2017
Question: Hi,
Could I have allergies (75). Probably for over a year. I have a fairly dry cough (very little sputum), mostly when I lie down & especially at night. I have been using 25mg of antihistamine & a decongestant (2 tabs); sometimes very close together.
I smoke a pack a day, since I was 15, but do not cough after lighting up. My internist said it could be when I lie down, the fluid in the lungs shift. The antihistamines & decongestants sometimes help for a short time. Then I might use a cough med with dextromethorphan (30mg) & antihistamine (12.5mg). Then I might use plain honey. Frankly, Hall's menthol cough drops seem to work best.
Doc suggested Zyrtec D. I have been using it for about a week now. Doesn't seem to do any better. Being outside doesn't seem to make a difference. Live in XXXXXXX Beach, VA.
I would certainly appreciate any info you might be able to share. Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
examine your lung status

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome in HCM

I can understand your concern

I have gone carefully through your concern

According to the history you provide if you were my patient i would recommend you to explore the lungs and the allergies too with the following :

Specific IgE
Pneumoalergens
Chest X Ray
Spirometry with bronchodilatators

And as a current smoker you should be examined too.This is to be sure that your lungs are in good condition.

Don't t take antihistaminics any more without knowing the cause of the cough.

When you have the results we can discuss again

Please discuss with your doctor for the above

Regards

Dr.Jolanda
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Jolanda (3 days later)
Hell with it. Filled out all the questions, wanted to go back & everything deleted! Thanks for prior info.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
examine your lung status

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome in HCM

I can understand your concern

I have gone carefully through your concern

According to the history you provide if you were my patient i would recommend you to explore the lungs and the allergies too with the following :

Specific IgE
Pneumoalergens
Chest X Ray
Spirometry with bronchodilatators

And as a current smoker you should be examined too.This is to be sure that your lungs are in good condition.

Don't t take antihistaminics any more without knowing the cause of the cough.

When you have the results we can discuss again

Please discuss with your doctor for the above

Regards

Dr.Jolanda
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Jolanda

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 2904 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Dry Cough In An Elderly Person

Brief Answer: examine your lung status Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome in HCM I can understand your concern I have gone carefully through your concern According to the history you provide if you were my patient i would recommend you to explore the lungs and the allergies too with the following : Specific IgE Pneumoalergens Chest X Ray Spirometry with bronchodilatators And as a current smoker you should be examined too.This is to be sure that your lungs are in good condition. Don't t take antihistaminics any more without knowing the cause of the cough. When you have the results we can discuss again Please discuss with your doctor for the above Regards Dr.Jolanda