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Suggest Treatment For Severe Coughing Fits And Tickling Feeling In Throat
My wife is 75 years old. For the past couple of years she has had a cough that makes her nearly pass out. Sometimes this starts while eating but most of the time not. It also happens while sleeping at night. She does not sleep well at all. She has been to allergy doctors, fam doctor and any doctor that treats respreatory problems. All they tell her is that it is a cough and use over the counter meds. She also says that it feels like a tickle in her throat. She spits up flem and then nothing. This morning she tells me that she is so sick of this that she wanted to die. I love her too much for that to happen. Please, we need help.
Wed, 31 May 2023
Hello,
Since your wife is suffering from severe cough since a long time you are suggested to get her clinically examined by an ENT, she required to do blood tests and imaging tests done to detect any sinus problem, URTIs, allergy, common cold, etc. She should get X-ray PNS done to detect any deviated nasal septum that is causing her symptoms. She will be accordingly given conservative treatment or suggested surgery if required.
In the meantime, she can take antihistamine at bed time to reduce the symptoms of allergy. She can take decongestants and mucolytics for relieve. Taking steam inhalation once daily will be helpful. She should keep herself well hydrated. Dryness of the throat mucosa will trigger cough.
She should take sips of water whole day and prefer to take liquid and semi solid diet over fried oily or dry food as she may hurt her throat mucosa that will trigger cough. She should stay away from addictions if any, like smoking, drugs, alcohol, etc. If obese, she should get connected to a Physical therapist so that she maintains healthy weight.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
Since your wife is suffering from severe cough since a long time you are suggested to get her clinically examined by an ENT, she required to do blood tests and imaging tests done to detect any sinus problem, URTIs, allergy, common cold, etc. She should get X-ray PNS done to detect any deviated nasal septum that is causing her symptoms. She will be accordingly given conservative treatment or suggested surgery if required.
In the meantime, she can take antihistamine at bed time to reduce the symptoms of allergy. She can take decongestants and mucolytics for relieve. Taking steam inhalation once daily will be helpful. She should keep herself well hydrated. Dryness of the throat mucosa will trigger cough.
She should take sips of water whole day and prefer to take liquid and semi solid diet over fried oily or dry food as she may hurt her throat mucosa that will trigger cough. She should stay away from addictions if any, like smoking, drugs, alcohol, etc. If obese, she should get connected to a Physical therapist so that she maintains healthy weight.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Hi,
It sounds like she has been seeking medical attention for this issue, but has not yet found relief. A few potential causes of chronic cough include allergies, asthma, acid reflux, and certain medications. It may be helpful for your wife to keep a diary of her symptoms and when they occur to identify any triggers or patterns. Additionally, certain tests such as pulmonary function tests, chest X-rays, and allergy tests may be useful in identifying the underlying cause.
In terms of treatment, it depends on the underlying cause. If allergies or asthma are the cause, medications such as antihistamines, inhalers, and corticosteroids may be helpful. If acid reflux is the cause, changes in diet and medication to reduce stomach acid may be recommended. A different medication may be prescribed if the cough is due to a medication.
Some lifestyle changes may be helpful in reducing coughing fits. For example, avoiding irritants such as smoke, dust, and pollution, drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, and using a humidifier to keep the air moist.
It's important to continue working with your wife's healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of her cough and develop a treatment plan that works for her. In the meantime, over-the-counter cough suppressants may provide some relief from the coughing and discomfort.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
It sounds like she has been seeking medical attention for this issue, but has not yet found relief. A few potential causes of chronic cough include allergies, asthma, acid reflux, and certain medications. It may be helpful for your wife to keep a diary of her symptoms and when they occur to identify any triggers or patterns. Additionally, certain tests such as pulmonary function tests, chest X-rays, and allergy tests may be useful in identifying the underlying cause.
In terms of treatment, it depends on the underlying cause. If allergies or asthma are the cause, medications such as antihistamines, inhalers, and corticosteroids may be helpful. If acid reflux is the cause, changes in diet and medication to reduce stomach acid may be recommended. A different medication may be prescribed if the cough is due to a medication.
Some lifestyle changes may be helpful in reducing coughing fits. For example, avoiding irritants such as smoke, dust, and pollution, drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, and using a humidifier to keep the air moist.
It's important to continue working with your wife's healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of her cough and develop a treatment plan that works for her. In the meantime, over-the-counter cough suppressants may provide some relief from the coughing and discomfort.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
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