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Suggest Treatment For Severe Cough When Diagnosed With COPD

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Posted on Mon, 6 Mar 2017
Question: My husband is 78 years old. He has had congestion for a week and a half. He has taken claritan D 12 hour and dextromethorphan 12 hour cough relief. He hasn't taken it the last 2 days because he coughs and it keeps him up at night. He did sleep in a recliner for relief. He is diabetic and has COPD.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consideration

Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.

I am sorry to hear that your husband is dealing with significant congestion and coughing. I have a couple of things that you might have him try to see if this might help.

If he has significant nasal congestion he may benefit from a nasal Cortizone spray. These are available over-the-counter at the pharmacy. Common name brands include Flonase or Nasonex. to try this for a week or two to see if this gradually help improve his symptoms.

If he is having significant breathing difficulty or wheezing this may be related to his COPD. In that case you might need a prescription for steroid medicine such as prednisone. In that case he would need to see his doctor for a comprehensive examination and discussion.

in addition it is important that he maintains good hydration and gets plenty of rest. This is important to allow the immune system to work at its highest efficiency.

Thank you again for sending the question. I hope he feels better soon.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamag
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (22 hours later)
Should he take the claritan D 12 hr? It makes him cough more at night.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
It would be ok to stop the Claritin if it is not helping.

He could maybe try mucinex instead.

Dr Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Robert Galamaga

Oncologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 2635 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Cough When Diagnosed With COPD

Brief Answer: Consideration Detailed Answer: hello and thank you for sending the question. I am sorry to hear that your husband is dealing with significant congestion and coughing. I have a couple of things that you might have him try to see if this might help. If he has significant nasal congestion he may benefit from a nasal Cortizone spray. These are available over-the-counter at the pharmacy. Common name brands include Flonase or Nasonex. to try this for a week or two to see if this gradually help improve his symptoms. If he is having significant breathing difficulty or wheezing this may be related to his COPD. In that case you might need a prescription for steroid medicine such as prednisone. In that case he would need to see his doctor for a comprehensive examination and discussion. in addition it is important that he maintains good hydration and gets plenty of rest. This is important to allow the immune system to work at its highest efficiency. Thank you again for sending the question. I hope he feels better soon. Sincerely, Dr. Galamag