Can't stop coughing!

[counterofbeans]

I've had a heavy chest cold for a couple of weeks now. Initially was very "productive" (yuck), elevated pulse etc.

That's finished now but I still can't stop coughing. Dry, irritating cough that nothing seems to touch (medicine, lozenges, hot / cold drinks etc.). It's a nightmare at night and I'm only getting a couple of hours sleep.

Wife thinks I should see the doctor but I think it's too late for that, no point getting an anti-biotic now the infection has (I think) largely gone.

Is there anything I can take to help this?

Thanks....

[Orchid1]

Probably a post viral cough. I always get it after a bad cold or chest infection. I hate to break it to you but they can last up to 8 weeks.

[counterofbeans]

Orchid1 said:

Probably a post viral cough. I always get it after a bad cold or chest infection. I hate to break it to you but they can last up to 8 weeks.

Does anything work for you or do you just put up with it?

[Orchid1]

The only thing that really helps is a codeine based cough suppressant but not by a lot although you may be different. I normally just have to put up with it.

[C0ffin D0dger]

Get down the doctors just to be sure. Might just be an infection that needs some antibiotics to shift, however...

Had similar about a 1.5 years ago, turns out I've got Sarcoidosis but whilst I don't want to worry you whilst figuring out it was this that was wrong with me lung cancer, lymphoma, and weirdly Tuberculosis (even though I've been vaccinated) were in the frame and consequently I spent several months scared witless about it all.

Do you smoke? If so then think seriously about quitting.

[counterofbeans]

C0ffin D0dger said:

Get down the doctors just to be sure. Might just be an infection that needs some antibiotics to shift, however...

Had similar about a 1.5 years ago, turns out I've got Sarcoidosis but whilst I don't want to worry you whilst figuring out it was this that was wrong with me lung cancer, lymphoma, and weirdly Tuberculosis (even though I've been vaccinated) were in the frame and consequently I spent several months scared witless about it all.

Do you smoke? If so then think seriously about quitting.

Infection has largely gone i think.

Never smoked in my life thankfully...

[C0ffin D0dger]

Oh and the things that helped me get some sleep, and I wasn't getting a lot, initially was a codeine based cough syrup, then I got put on Amitriptyline mainly to help with the anxiety but it also knocks you out at night, and then finally once they'd figured out what the problem was steroids which have pretty much cleared up all the symptoms.

Hopefully you won't need the latter

[Riley Blue]

The problem I found with Amitriptyline is that it can knock you out for much of the next day too if taken at bedtime. I switched taking it around 7:00pm and feel much better the next morning now.

[omgus]

If it lasts more than 3 weeks see the damn doctor.

I tore a membrane in my lung that lead to pneumonia and then a partial lung collapse when i was 22 because "it was only a cough" and i ignored it.

After 3 weeks you are allowed to go and check that there isn't something worse coming.

[hairyben]

Sounds like what I've got, couple of weeks now and like you say has diminished to just irritated dry coughing often having a fit at night.

Really unusual for me to have something go on this long, was beginning to get concerned.