What Causes Severe Cough At Night When Diagnosed With COPD?

Posted on Mon, 26 Dec 2016

Question: I started having cough at night 2 or 3 nights per month. Dr told me to take allegra and also pft. also put me on asthmanax inhaler 2 puffs day. sent me to pulmonologist who said I had copd. put me on stronger inhaler and 6 months later had another pft. went up 10 pts to 80% which he said was mild. i have never used rescue inhaler in 2 years. dr said from my smoking. i quit 32 yrs ago and smoked pack a week. my dad was a 2 packer and lots family and relatives and work people years ago smoked. i guess i am having hard time with this diagnosis.

Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It could be due to GERD

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Thank you for posting your question on Health Care Magic.
The diagnosis of COPD is entirely a different entity and I would advice you to continue with your inhaler.
However the primary problem which is troubling you now is your nocturnal cough.
This happens due to severe GERD which is exacerbated on lying down.
The fact that it happens around 2 to 3 nights only and not always goes with this.
You could stop allegra .
The drug of choice would be pantoprazole 40 mg daily half an hour before food.
Hope this helps
Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Rahul Tawde (1 hour later)

I have no coughing at night since started Allegra. No wheezing. No trouble breathing. No sympyoms but diagnosed w COPD

Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It could be small bronchi obstruction

Detailed Answer:
Hello again, so the major concern for you is the diagnosis is it ?
Don't worry it could be small obstruction which may be insignificant.
If you are not having any symptoms now don't consider it significant, but continue using the inhaler it will help prevent acute exacerbations.
Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Rahul Tawde (13 hours later)

Thanks so much. My dad died of copd and the only info
I'm getting is on line and it's pretty scary. I will take your advice. Best wishes for you too !

Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Don't worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello again, thank you for your wishes and don't worry.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad