asthma cough - Asthma Message Board

kyliemarie · 02-23-2003, 08:14 PM

I'm 40 yrs old and just have been diagnosed with asthma. I went to the doctor because I had a cough that wouldn't go away after a cold. I'm been coughing for 3 months now and don't get any relief from meds. I'm on Advir, maxair, claritin, and sigulair. I sleep fine at night and don't cough, which I think is weird. I keeping going to the doctor and they put me on antibiotics for a sinus infection and prednisone for inflammation. The cough is usually dry, but has been productive at times. I'm a non-smoker and feel fine most of the time. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

wrin · 02-24-2003, 12:40 PM

go for PFTs and don't delay. Maybe go for a methacholine challenge -- there's a chance this is not asthma. Many drugs that are quickly and easily doled out for asthma do absolutely nothing for other conditions, even related lung conditions like chronic bronchitis.

kyliemarie · 02-24-2003, 04:24 PM

Thanks wrin, I did go tot the doctor today and requested a chest x-ray because they hadn't done that yet. I did have A-typical pneumonia. I hope the doxycycline works. I guess I don't feel real confident in the physician because he said if the cough doesn't go away we'll check out reflux???I hope I get better...Thanks!

sue430 · 02-24-2003, 04:58 PM

Hi Kyliemarie, I was also diagnosed at about 40 after coughing for months & months. I too never had a problem coughing at night, I always do better if I don't move or talk or breathe too deeply. Has your dr tried you on oral steroids yet? That is the only thing that will resolve my cough when it gets that bad. Maybe if the cough doesn't resolve after the pneumonia clears up, you might try that.
Good Luck!!

wrin · 02-24-2003, 06:04 PM

I hate oral steroids, and I hate how easily some docs prescribe them -- I hate the fact even more that they work so incredibly well, because of the Cushingoid side effects they produce.

The reflux thing makes perfect sense -- especially if your symptoms happen when you lie down, or shortly after you eat. I mean, think about it -- aerosolized hydrochloric acid, going into your delicate, delicate lungs!? Aiee, it makes me cringe, just to think about it, and *I* am not airway smooth muscle.