My mother is in her early 70's. She has been having continual coughing problems for a long time. Almost to the point that it sounds like she might cough up a lung. I know this can't be good for her but her doctor has never done anything about it. The only way to calm it is to drink something hot. She lives in a retirement community, by herself with the exception of her cat. I feel helpless and don't know what to tell her or do for her. She cuts herself off from doing much because she is so embarrassed. I know this must be hard on her heart, as she is overweight.
She does peridically take mucinex because she will get flem that is coughed up ... but not all the time ... its more of a tickle in her throat that won't go away.
I would appreciate any help or incite to finding a cure for this ... or even a website that might hace information.
Thank you in advance.
Thank you so much everyone for your great input. I have relayed these thoughts and ideas to my mom. She is in agreement about getting a second opinion. However, she is not sure because she is on medicare of finding a good doctor in her vicinity (McKinney). I am going to try and help her and see that she lets this doctor know all her symptoms, as she sometimes doesn't speak up and let them know everything. Again, I appreciate you all so much ... you are a wonderful group of ladies. Blessings, C.
Could be so many things-some serious, some just annoying-allergies, reflux, asthma, etc. I agree about finding a doctor who will at least TRY to get to the bottom of it. But it could just be a harmless chronic condition like David Finfrock, the Channel 5 weatherman, kind of an asthma like spasm that just really doesn't have a "cure".
You need to get another doctor's opinion. You said she has been coughing for a long time. Not sure how long that is, but pertussis (whooping cough) is on the rise, especially among older people whose vaccine was long ago and their immunity has worn off. My husband had it a couple of years ago and his cough lasted almost 6 months. Adults usually don't make the "whooping" sound when they cough, but he did cough often and hard enough sometimes that he almost vomited. If it is pertussis, it is way too late to take an antibiotic for it, but it sounds like whatever the cause, she needs to see another doctor. It could be adult onset asthma. You said a hot drink helps sometimes. I get an exercised induced cough when it is cold outside and drinking something hot helps me. My doctor said it is a mild form of asthma. The warmth helps my airway to "calm down". Good luck.
Maybe it's allergies from the cat. I would definitely insist to her dr. that the get to the bottom of this or find another dr.
Is she on any blood pressure medication ? If so, I know that there are some b.p. meds that can cause a cough. With me, I did fine with mine until I got a little cold. After that I couldn't quit the "tickle" in my throat cough. Once my doc changed my meds, the cough quit. She might check into that. I'm also with the other posts - get a 2nd opinion.
C.,
I think she needs to see a different doctor. Persistent cough is not normal and needs to be checked out. Good luck!
C.
Hello C.,
It's too bad her doctor has not taken seriously her coughing spells. those can be zap your energy so fast. have you noticed when is she most likely to cough? it could be allergies. hopefully not to her cat. what type of cleaners do the use where she lives? do they use 'air fresheners', candles, etc. have her tested for allergies. also see if she could have 'sensitivity' to certain foods, etc. if your mom is a tea drinker, get her some anise tea and have her drink a cup a day for a few days and see if that helps. a couple of years ago my mother in law had this awful cough and she coudn't sleep. I 'made' a tea that really helped her: anise seed + thyme + ginger + chamomile. it doesn't have to be too strong. she drank 1 - 2 cups in the evening and was able to sleep at night. Good luck! there are also essential oils you can use to help with the cough. Here is what I've been using w/ my kids (and myself) for the past couple of years (it worked better than codeine!)
on a tissue put 4 drops peppermint oil 1 drop basil oil 1 drop rosemary oil and put it on the bedstand next to the bed. if too strong, put it a bit further away.
~C.~
