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Will Ramipril Aggravate Coughing When Recovering From Pneumonia?
Question: I had pneumonia In December, and was put on a course of antibiotics which didn't completely work so I was proscribed a further course. Since then I have had three bugs, all of which include coughing and wretching without any sickness coming up. My flem is white and I have a runny nose. In myself I feel ok but the coughing and wretching makes me feel poorly
My questions are:
1. Could the coughing be aggravated by the ramipril I take as my cough has continued off and on for over 6 months. I have been taking ramipril for about 5 years. Should I come off this drug and try losartan?
2. What can I do to stop the wretching as it feels like my throat goes into spasm
3. Should I see a specialist for my throat, as everytime I get a bug I end up coughing and wretching
My questions are:
1. Could the coughing be aggravated by the ramipril I take as my cough has continued off and on for over 6 months. I have been taking ramipril for about 5 years. Should I come off this drug and try losartan?
2. What can I do to stop the wretching as it feels like my throat goes into spasm
3. Should I see a specialist for my throat, as everytime I get a bug I end up coughing and wretching
Brief Answer:
This is suggestive of acid reflux!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this repeated cough that you have reported. I have reviewed your information fully and would now respond to your worries.
1. I will not recommend that you get off ramipril. Though cough is a recognized side effect of this medication, it often starts with drug initiation. Having been on it for 5years before the onset of symptoms, I will not want to think it is related to this unless every other possible cause has been evaluated and roles out.
2. The possible cause of this cough is stomach content returning to the throat. The irritation caused by this acid containing fluid provokes the cough and spasms. I would also think that you may often feel the sensation of a foreign body in your throat. For this, I will recommend Omeprazole in addition to lifestyle modifications which include avoiding smoking, tobacco, chocolates, alcohol. Also, avoid going to bed or leaning forward too soon after eating. Also, avoid late night meals.
3. If omeprazole and the above measures don’t help. I will recommend you see a gastroenterologist for a more detailed assessment.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
This is suggestive of acid reflux!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this repeated cough that you have reported. I have reviewed your information fully and would now respond to your worries.
1. I will not recommend that you get off ramipril. Though cough is a recognized side effect of this medication, it often starts with drug initiation. Having been on it for 5years before the onset of symptoms, I will not want to think it is related to this unless every other possible cause has been evaluated and roles out.
2. The possible cause of this cough is stomach content returning to the throat. The irritation caused by this acid containing fluid provokes the cough and spasms. I would also think that you may often feel the sensation of a foreign body in your throat. For this, I will recommend Omeprazole in addition to lifestyle modifications which include avoiding smoking, tobacco, chocolates, alcohol. Also, avoid going to bed or leaning forward too soon after eating. Also, avoid late night meals.
3. If omeprazole and the above measures don’t help. I will recommend you see a gastroenterologist for a more detailed assessment.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
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
Answered by
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