He cant stop coughing.

Posted by mirsy @mirsy, Feb 9 8:42pm

My husband cant get rid of this cough and it is really draining him. He has tried nebulizing w sodium and then wearing the vest. Lately he has tried Qvar but not Albuterol. Has anyone had luck w Albuterol stopping the cough, what about an antibiotic? He has also tried Robitussin DM and keeps coughing - he cant relax and it is embarrassing. Thank you all so much for your input. Miriam

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mirsy | @mirsy | Feb 11 10:04pm

In reply to @bayarea58 "@nadia25 is your husband seeing an NTM specialist?" + (show)

No, just a Pulmonologist and Cardiologist.

bayarea58 | @bayarea58 | Feb 11 10:42pm

In reply to @mirsy "Thanks for your reply - his cough is both dry at times and productive at times...." + (show)

No, not for me, but there is another similar bronchodilator that is supposed to have less side effects I think it’s called Levalbuterol. Maybe others can comment.

bayarea58 | @bayarea58 | Feb 11 10:45pm

In reply to @mirsy "No, just a Pulmonologist and Cardiologist." + (show)

If your husband’s quality of life is not what he would like, and it sounds like it is not, I would suggest seeking out a NTM specialist.

1fancydancear | @1fancydancear | Feb 11 11:13pm

In reply to @mirsy "Thanks for your reply - his cough is both dry at times and productive at times...." + (show)

It does make me jittery, but I don't care as long as I can breathe. I don't have to use it much except for emergencies. If I keep my asthma in control, I cough a lot less. When I was little I was a wheezer but as I got older my asthma became a cough.

mirsy | @mirsy | Feb 11 11:26pm

In reply to @bayarea58 "No, not for me, but there is another similar bronchodilator that is supposed to have less..." + (show)

He was in the hospital for 4 nites last week and on his discharge papers it states "Medications You may be given if Needed -Levalbuterol (XopenexHFA)" Every 8 hrs as needed (1 dose remaining) PFT Lab - so it sounds like they gave it to him but never told us. I will try and call hospital tomorrow and get more info on this. Thanks so much for your help!

mirsy | @mirsy | Feb 11 11:27pm

In reply to @bayarea58 "If your husband’s quality of life is not what he would like, and it sounds like..." + (show)

What exactly is an NTM specialist?

nadia25 | @nadia25 | Feb 12 6:42am

In reply to @positivethinking "I’m so sorry to hear that. Has he been to National Jewish Health for evaluation?" + (show)

Yes he’s has, 3 years ago

nadia25 | @nadia25 | Feb 12 6:43am

In reply to @bayarea58 "@nadia25 is your husband seeing an NTM specialist?" + (show)

Yes, he sees a Dr Edwardo Freitas in north platte NE he is infectious disease Dr

mirsy | @mirsy | Feb 12 1:12pm

In reply to @1fancydancear "It does make me jittery, but I don't care as long as I can breathe. I..." + (show)

Do u use it alone or with a spacer or nebulizer?

bayarea58 | @bayarea58 | Feb 12 2:00pm

In reply to @mirsy "Do u use it alone or with a spacer or nebulizer?" + (show)

I suggest always using a spacer if you are using an inhaler, you will get more of the medication in that way. People here use both forms, inhaler/spacer and nebulizer. I was told by a respiratory therapist and a pharmacist that the two forms are equally effective.