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Suggest Treatment For Post-infectious Cough
Question: I recently had a cold. Each time after the cold, I continue to cough for several weeks. It is worse at night and I have trouble sleeping because of all of the coughing. Eventually it goes away.
I have hypertension so I take lisinopril HCTZ 20-12.5mg. No other medications. My mother passed away at age 66 from complications from emphysema, she was a life long smoker. I have never smoked. Could it be something genetic in my bronchial tubes? Any ideas on what to take to limit the coughing? Cough syrup does not seem to work. I have tried Delsym. Thanks. XXXXXXX
I have hypertension so I take lisinopril HCTZ 20-12.5mg. No other medications. My mother passed away at age 66 from complications from emphysema, she was a life long smoker. I have never smoked. Could it be something genetic in my bronchial tubes? Any ideas on what to take to limit the coughing? Cough syrup does not seem to work. I have tried Delsym. Thanks. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
post-infectious cough
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
what you're probably experiencing is the so-called "post-infectious cough". Post-infectious cough happens sometimes and individuals with chronic lung disorders (like COPD or asthma) are particularly prone to it. Treating it is challenging because there is nothing like "one treatment for all". Some patients benefit from bronchodilators (particularly ipratropium), while others may find relief in antibiotic treatment with macrolides (to cover certain pathogens like Bordetella pertussis).
Your doctor should first make sure it's not an undiagnosed COPD exacerbation which requires different treatment. So a diagnosis is required before deciding on treatment plans. If you don't have copious amounts of sputum then you can use more potent anti-cough drugs like codeine (a prescription is required for it though).
Your hypertension history does not seem relevant. Although lisinopril may cause cough, I don't believe it's related to your current problem.
I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!
post-infectious cough
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
what you're probably experiencing is the so-called "post-infectious cough". Post-infectious cough happens sometimes and individuals with chronic lung disorders (like COPD or asthma) are particularly prone to it. Treating it is challenging because there is nothing like "one treatment for all". Some patients benefit from bronchodilators (particularly ipratropium), while others may find relief in antibiotic treatment with macrolides (to cover certain pathogens like Bordetella pertussis).
Your doctor should first make sure it's not an undiagnosed COPD exacerbation which requires different treatment. So a diagnosis is required before deciding on treatment plans. If you don't have copious amounts of sputum then you can use more potent anti-cough drugs like codeine (a prescription is required for it though).
Your hypertension history does not seem relevant. Although lisinopril may cause cough, I don't believe it's related to your current problem.
I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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