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What Causes Excessive Salivation And Constant Dry Cough?
Question: Thank you so much for your previous help...you were right on! But I do have a lingering problem that I would like your advice on...
I have accessive and over abundant salivation. I am constantly trying to swallow it down. This has been going on for several weeks and is very annoying. I have also, for even longer, had a constant dry cough in the back of my throat. I have had recent chest x-rays and all is clear there. Are these two maladies related? Should I be concerned? What can I do?
I have accessive and over abundant salivation. I am constantly trying to swallow it down. This has been going on for several weeks and is very annoying. I have also, for even longer, had a constant dry cough in the back of my throat. I have had recent chest x-rays and all is clear there. Are these two maladies related? Should I be concerned? What can I do?
Brief Answer:
Both are drug related.
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for your query.I am very thankful for having given me an opportunity to address your query.
I completely understand that you have been taking Lisinopril since many years without cough and I am really glad to know that.Hypersalivation and cough are probably due to losartan since a minority of individuals on losartan experience both.
However Lisinopril can cause dry brassy cough even after taking for several years and there have been such instances in the past in my practice.The fact that your lung X-ray is clear is probably suggestive that the medication is responsible for cough which is one of its well known side effect.I would still recommend to switch to a safer, good and one of the current standard of care for control of blood pressure such as Telmisartan (doesnot cause cough) in consultation with your physician.It will take a minimum of 2-4 weeks for the cough to subside after the switch.
I would probably observe for a month for improvement of both cougha and salivation after switching to Telmisartan and evaluate further if required.
Please feel free to keep me posted for further queries you may have.
Best,
Dr.Praveen
Both are drug related.
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for your query.I am very thankful for having given me an opportunity to address your query.
I completely understand that you have been taking Lisinopril since many years without cough and I am really glad to know that.Hypersalivation and cough are probably due to losartan since a minority of individuals on losartan experience both.
However Lisinopril can cause dry brassy cough even after taking for several years and there have been such instances in the past in my practice.The fact that your lung X-ray is clear is probably suggestive that the medication is responsible for cough which is one of its well known side effect.I would still recommend to switch to a safer, good and one of the current standard of care for control of blood pressure such as Telmisartan (doesnot cause cough) in consultation with your physician.It will take a minimum of 2-4 weeks for the cough to subside after the switch.
I would probably observe for a month for improvement of both cougha and salivation after switching to Telmisartan and evaluate further if required.
Please feel free to keep me posted for further queries you may have.
Best,
Dr.Praveen
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. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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