Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Suggest Remedy For Terrible Cough In An Elderly Person
My mother has had a terrible cough for over 8 weeks, She is 91 and in a rehab facility after a heart attack in November. She has been on prilosec for years for her acid reflux,Now she is unable to even talk without coughing . Nothing seems to heal the cough, including breathing treatments, cough medicine etc. I believe she may have a cough response to her GERD and no one there thinks it is true since she is on prilosec. I was wondering how to start the conversation with her physician. She is giving up hope to get better, has lost her appetite because of this constant coughing. What kind of doctor should we take her to? By the way her lungs are perfectly clear.
posted on
Tue, 5 Jan 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 19 Jan 2016
Answered on
Wed, 20 Jan 2016
Last reviewed on
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Her medication should be reviewed to make sure that none of her meds are contributing to the problems eg ACE inhibitors cause persistent coughing.
The other most common causes of a persistent cough are : post nasal drip, GERD and asthma.
It is definitely possible , since she is known to have GERD , that this is contributing to her coughing.
Post nasal drip is the most common out of the three, so should also be considered. Some persons are not aware of the drip and only present with symptoms such as the cough.
Can consider adding medication for post nasal drip to the reflux medication to see if this has an effect.
You can take her to see an ENT doctor to see if post nasal drip may be a factor.
I hope this helps
Her medication should be reviewed to make sure that none of her meds are contributing to the problems eg ACE inhibitors cause persistent coughing.
The other most common causes of a persistent cough are : post nasal drip, GERD and asthma.
It is definitely possible , since she is known to have GERD , that this is contributing to her coughing.
Post nasal drip is the most common out of the three, so should also be considered. Some persons are not aware of the drip and only present with symptoms such as the cough.
Can consider adding medication for post nasal drip to the reflux medication to see if this has an effect.
You can take her to see an ENT doctor to see if post nasal drip may be a factor.
I hope this helps
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....