Chronic Cough (cont.)
How is chronic cough treated?
The treatment of cough is determined by the cause. However, patients may get
symptomatic relief from over-the-counter cough medicines containing guaifenesin
and/or dextromethorphan, drinking lots of water, inhaling steam, and using cough
lozenges. In severe cases a doctor may prescribe codeine, which is an effective
cough suppressant.
- Asthma: Inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled steroids are given to
decrease inflammation of the airways. In some cases, short-term oral steroids are
prescribed.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Treatment includes avoiding foods that increase
reflux, avoiding meals before lying down, elevating the head while sleeping, and
taking medication such as famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet), or
ranitidine (Zantac) to decrease stomach acidity.
- Sinus problems and postnasal drip: Use of decongestants such as
pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
may improve symptoms of post nasal drip. Inhaled nasal steroids are very
effective in treating allergic rhinitis (hay fever), a common cause of cough.
Additionally, other nasal inhalers like
ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) can
relieve post nasal drip. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the cause is
determined to be sinusitis.
- Infections: Bacterial pneumonia and bronchitis is typically treated with
antibiotics such as cephalosporins and azithromycin (Zithromax). If the
pneumonia is close to the chest wall inflammation of the surface of the lung can
cause pain, known as pleurisy and analgesics can be helpful. Cough suppressants
are used with caution in these situations because clearing the lung of the
infected mucus by coughing helps clear the infection.
Most bronchitis in adults
is from virus infection; therefore, treatment is much the same as that of the
common cold including rest, fluids, analgesics, and humidification. Some people
find expectorant cough medicines containing guaifenesin helpful in alleviating
their discomfort. Sometimes it is hard to differentiate a viral bronchitis from
a bacterial bronchitis, and antibiotics are prescribed. In some cases,
asthmatics can produce green mucus that looks infected. Your doctor can have the
mucus examined to determine if an infection is present.
- Medications: Patients taking blood pressure medicines called ace
inhibitors
(angiotensin converting enzyme) [for example, enalapril (Vasotec),
captopril (Capoten),
lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil), etc.]
should talk to their doctor about switching medications. They should not stop
their medicines on their own because a marked elevation in blood pressure can
result from discontinuation. A newer generation of ace inhibitor like medicines
called ARB's (Angiotensin receptor blockers),
[for example, valsartan (Diovan),
losartan (Cozaar), etc.] can be alternatives that have less potential to cause chronic coughing. There are a
host of other medicines available to manage blood pressure.
Next: Can chronic cough be prevented? »
- ACE Inhibitors - Read about ACE inhibitors like Altace, lisinopril, enalapril, ramparil, Zestril and more. Information includes side effects, drug interactions, and pregnancy safety information.
- Chest X-ray - A chest x-ray is a radiology test that involves exposing the chest briefly to radiation to produce an image of the chest and the internal organs of the chest. chest x-ray can be used to define abnormalities of the lungs such as excessive fluid, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, cysts, and cancers.
- Swine Flu - Get the facts on swine flu (swine influenza A H1N1 virus) history, symptoms, how this contagious infection is transmitted, prevention with a vaccine, diagnosis, treatment, news and research.
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