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I Have Been Taking Atenolol For About 25 Years, 4 Years Ago I Was Diagnosed With Mild "asthma", At That Time "prescribed" "symbicort" I Have Developed A "cough". Which Has Progressively Gotten Worse, Could This Be Caused From The "Atenolol"?

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Posted on Fri, 17 Feb 2023
Question: I have been taking Atenolol for about 25 years, 4 years ago I was diagnosed with mild "asthma", at that time "prescribed" "symbicort"> I have developed a "cough". which has progressively gotten worse, to the point now it prevents me from having a decent nights sleep. I have been told it is from "acid" reflux, I am following doctors suggestions ,, to no avail. I am 81 and in pretty decent condition other than this "chronic cough" which I find has changed my lifestyle. I have been to 7 different doctors, including GP's ,Pulmonologist, Ent, Allergist. My "confidence" is slipping. Could this be caused from the "Atenolol"? I have had, and have no major heart condition.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
different possible causes

Detailed Answer:
HI,

Chronic coughing can be annoying and difficult to take.

There are different possible causes but according to the current medical literature, the most common reasons for chronic cough are- (1) post nasal drip- now known as upper airway syndrome. This is actually the most common reason.

It may occur on its own or with other conditions. It is also worse at night or early morning.
20% of person with post nasal drip are not aware of the drip itself and only present with the complications such as cough.

Treated with nasal sprays such as nasonex, rhinocort, flonase etc and antihistamine/decongestant combination. weeks for a response.


(2)GERD- reflux is another cause and you indicated that you are currently being treated for this with no improvement

(3)asthma- with a history of asthma, your doctor would have probably considered this as a possible source of the cough.

(4)non asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis-this is inflammation of the airways that is related to the presence of eosinophils ( a type of white blood cell). It is treated with a course of steroids (inhaled). Oral is used if the person does not respond to the inhaled steroids

This is the cause of chronic cough in approximately 10% to 30% of persons. A test of the sputum would find a lot of the eosinophils.

There are medications that cause a chronic cough but atenolol does not commonly cause chronic cough, though it can based on how it works.

You can consider speaking to your doctor re the atenolol and also consider the nose spray and antihistamine/decongestant

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Forgot to mention, I am doing the "Nasacort", and have used the "Ipratoprium", Nasacort hasn't helped, maybe some, I quit the Ipratoprium, I will try that again. The night is the worst. Thank you so much for the info.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
no problem

Detailed Answer:
NO problem

you can try the it again and consider combining it with a different nasal spray since the nasacort did nothing for you.
Also consider a decongestant as well though you do not have nasal symptoms, the decongestant would reduce the secretions to the back of the throat, if there are any.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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I Have Been Taking Atenolol For About 25 Years, 4 Years Ago I Was Diagnosed With Mild "asthma", At That Time "prescribed" "symbicort" I Have Developed A "cough". Which Has Progressively Gotten Worse, Could This Be Caused From The "Atenolol"?

Brief Answer: different possible causes Detailed Answer: HI, Chronic coughing can be annoying and difficult to take. There are different possible causes but according to the current medical literature, the most common reasons for chronic cough are- (1) post nasal drip- now known as upper airway syndrome. This is actually the most common reason. It may occur on its own or with other conditions. It is also worse at night or early morning. 20% of person with post nasal drip are not aware of the drip itself and only present with the complications such as cough. Treated with nasal sprays such as nasonex, rhinocort, flonase etc and antihistamine/decongestant combination. weeks for a response. (2)GERD- reflux is another cause and you indicated that you are currently being treated for this with no improvement (3)asthma- with a history of asthma, your doctor would have probably considered this as a possible source of the cough. (4)non asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis-this is inflammation of the airways that is related to the presence of eosinophils ( a type of white blood cell). It is treated with a course of steroids (inhaled). Oral is used if the person does not respond to the inhaled steroids This is the cause of chronic cough in approximately 10% to 30% of persons. A test of the sputum would find a lot of the eosinophils. There are medications that cause a chronic cough but atenolol does not commonly cause chronic cough, though it can based on how it works. You can consider speaking to your doctor re the atenolol and also consider the nose spray and antihistamine/decongestant I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions Thanks.