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What Causes Convulsions When I Cough?
Question: I HAVE HAD A COUGH FOR OVER A MONTH AND NOW WHEN I COUGH HARD I HAVE CONVULSIONS. I FIND I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED AS I MUST BLANK OUT.
Brief Answer:
Need some details to guide you better
Detailed Answer:
Hello
My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There could be a number of conditions for these symptoms. I would be in a better position to guide you if you answer following questions please:
1. Is there any history of fever, sore throat or shortness of breath?
2. Have you ever recorded BP at the time of severe cough?
3. Is there any past or family history of seizures?
4. Do you have hypertension, diabetes or any other illness?
5. Do you smoke?
6. What is your current height & weight?
7. Are you on any kind of medication?
8. Did you undergo any investigation like CBC or chest X-ray? If yes, then please share reports.
9. Is there fecal or urinary incontinence after the convulsions?
10. Has anyone in the family observed that your eyes roll upward at the time of convulsions?
I will be looking forward for the answers to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.
Thank You
Need some details to guide you better
Detailed Answer:
Hello
My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There could be a number of conditions for these symptoms. I would be in a better position to guide you if you answer following questions please:
1. Is there any history of fever, sore throat or shortness of breath?
2. Have you ever recorded BP at the time of severe cough?
3. Is there any past or family history of seizures?
4. Do you have hypertension, diabetes or any other illness?
5. Do you smoke?
6. What is your current height & weight?
7. Are you on any kind of medication?
8. Did you undergo any investigation like CBC or chest X-ray? If yes, then please share reports.
9. Is there fecal or urinary incontinence after the convulsions?
10. Has anyone in the family observed that your eyes roll upward at the time of convulsions?
I will be looking forward for the answers to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
Hello,
Below are answers to your questions.
1. I did not get a fever or sore throat but some shortness of breath.
2. No, have not recorded BP.
3. No family history of seizures.
4. No I have not been diagnosed with any illness.
5. Yes I did smoke about 7 cigarettes a day. Have not smoked for the last two weeks as it make me cough instantly.
6. 164cm and 90kg
7. Only the medication given to me for the cough. I have finished the antibiotics and only have the inhaler (Seretide) and nasonex left to use.
8. No I haven't under gone any investigation yet.
9. No there is no incontinence.
10. I have not asked. I do have very sore eye sockets and unable to look into bright lights. My eyes hurt when I move my eyeballs.
I hope the above information is helpful.
Thank you.
Below are answers to your questions.
1. I did not get a fever or sore throat but some shortness of breath.
2. No, have not recorded BP.
3. No family history of seizures.
4. No I have not been diagnosed with any illness.
5. Yes I did smoke about 7 cigarettes a day. Have not smoked for the last two weeks as it make me cough instantly.
6. 164cm and 90kg
7. Only the medication given to me for the cough. I have finished the antibiotics and only have the inhaler (Seretide) and nasonex left to use.
8. No I haven't under gone any investigation yet.
9. No there is no incontinence.
10. I have not asked. I do have very sore eye sockets and unable to look into bright lights. My eyes hurt when I move my eyeballs.
I hope the above information is helpful.
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Could be tussive syncope
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank you for getting back with the answers. I have gone through them. Chances are unlikely that you have epileptic attacks(convulsions) as such, because there is no previous or family history. Similarly, typical signs of epilepsy are also not present. I would suggest you to once consult a neurologist who will perform EEG to rule out any such pathology.
You could be suffering from "tussive Syncope".It is found in obese smokers. When a person coughs, intrathoracic pressure rises and obstructs venous outflow, which results in an acute decrease of cardiac output and blood pressure. As a result, the cerebral flow also decreases, which finally causes loss of consciousness and/or convulsion(because of brain stimulation).
Our basic goal is now to prevent cough. Now to do that we need to take care of the factors that can cause it. I would recommend you following things:
> try to avoid smoke to the best of your ability. It is the main thing you need to do and don’t allow others to smoke around you.
> Diphenhydramine + Dextromethorphan thrice a day for 7 days. It is an OTC suspension. If this does not help then you can consult local doctor who can prescribe you strong antitussive medicine with a combination of codeine.
> Food that reduces cough include:
- Honey
- garlic: It contains allicin and other Organosulfur compounds that help to fortify the immune system. Add a small amount of chopped garlic to a glass of hot water, stir it vigorously, and then allow it to sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. Drink this liquid while it is still warm to soothe your sore throat and get rid of your cough.
> AVOID:
- canned and processed foods
- ice creams
- carbonated drinks
- sour foods like vinegar and pickles
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
Could be tussive syncope
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank you for getting back with the answers. I have gone through them. Chances are unlikely that you have epileptic attacks(convulsions) as such, because there is no previous or family history. Similarly, typical signs of epilepsy are also not present. I would suggest you to once consult a neurologist who will perform EEG to rule out any such pathology.
You could be suffering from "tussive Syncope".It is found in obese smokers. When a person coughs, intrathoracic pressure rises and obstructs venous outflow, which results in an acute decrease of cardiac output and blood pressure. As a result, the cerebral flow also decreases, which finally causes loss of consciousness and/or convulsion(because of brain stimulation).
Our basic goal is now to prevent cough. Now to do that we need to take care of the factors that can cause it. I would recommend you following things:
> try to avoid smoke to the best of your ability. It is the main thing you need to do and don’t allow others to smoke around you.
> Diphenhydramine + Dextromethorphan thrice a day for 7 days. It is an OTC suspension. If this does not help then you can consult local doctor who can prescribe you strong antitussive medicine with a combination of codeine.
> Food that reduces cough include:
- Honey
- garlic: It contains allicin and other Organosulfur compounds that help to fortify the immune system. Add a small amount of chopped garlic to a glass of hot water, stir it vigorously, and then allow it to sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. Drink this liquid while it is still warm to soothe your sore throat and get rid of your cough.
> AVOID:
- canned and processed foods
- ice creams
- carbonated drinks
- sour foods like vinegar and pickles
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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