Suggest Treatment For Persistent Nasal Congestion And Cough

Posted on Tue, 13 Dec 2016

Question: I have had nasal congestion and coughing for 5 weeks, nights and mornings are the hardest, in the daytime I can function and go to work but don't feel well. I went to an ENT a few days ago, he says my tonsils are very large (one is a 3 and the other a 4) not for sure what that means, however, he said that would make it more difficult to cough up drainage. He scheduled me for a sleep study but did not tell me what to do about this drainage and coughing. Also my mouth is so dry I am up and down a good part of the night, drinking water and going to the bathroom. I put a humidifier in my bedroom, gargle morning and night with biotene, and I drink lots of water and other liquids throughout the day, avoid caffine and nothing seems to help. I am 61 year female with CLL, but am not being treated for it at this time.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
anti histamine, oral and topical decongestant, singulair , ketotifen

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

The nasal congestion and drainage would likely be causing the coughing since post nasal drip is the most common cause of persistent cough.

The other common causes are reflux and asthma.

In many cases, it occurs in response to an allergen which could be any food, drink, medication, pollen, animal dander, dust etc
I had one patient with persistent drainage whose allergy blood tests showed that she reacted to banana, so it can be anything.

Treatment would generally consist of : (1)antihistamine,decongestant combination which is over the counter
A topical decongesant can be added to this eg normal saline or otrivine. Otrivine can only be used for a few days- 3 to 4 usually

These meds unfortunately can take up to 2 weeks , in some cases to be effective

(2)avoid the allergen if known

(34)since the symptoms have been going on for a while and you may have already been using allergy medication then medications such as singulair or ketotifien which work at different points in the allergy pathway maybe helpful add ons to the other meds.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (5 hours later)

I will try the antihistamine and decongestant you recommended. Thank you. What about the dry mouth I explained in the first question? It is so bad it wakes me up at night I feel like I have cotton stuffed in my throat and can barely breathe.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
because of the mouth breathing

Detailed Answer:
HI

sorry about the delayed reply

The dry mouth is likely occur because the nose is blocked and you have to be mouth breathing.

If we can relieve the congestion with both the topical and oral decongestants this may help.
Some persons also sprinkle medications like olbas oil drops around the pillow and bed to help with night time congestion and use rubs such as vicks.

A combination may help breath easier

Please feel free to ask anything else

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar