1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

Benzonotate for coughing

Posted by brian93 @brian93, Apr 10 12:52pm

I have bronchiectasis and I know I'm not supposed to take cough suppressants, but when I get a cold or some minor respiratory issue, I cough 24/7. My throat hurts, my ears, my whole body, and I can't get out of bed. And I'm exhausted. My PCP gave me benzonotate and I took one at 2:00pm. My cough didn't go away for another 4 hours, but once it did I got through the whole night and most of the next day without coughing. How does taking a cough suppressant harm our lungs or interfere with airway clearance? When I have days or weeks when I'm coughing 24/7, I really need some relief.

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Beejenigma | @beejenigma | Apr 14 8:12pm
In reply to @blm1007blm1007 "Hi, I should have clarified....this is what I was fully referring to. Thanks. "Yes, drinking water..." + (show)
@blm1007blm1007

Hi, I should have clarified....this is what I was fully referring to. Thanks.
"Yes, drinking water causes urination, and in some cases, it can lead to a decrease in blood sodium levels, a condition called hyponatremia. While drinking water is essential for overall health, consuming too much can overwhelm the kidneys' ability to excrete excess fluid, potentially diluting sodium levels in the blood"
Is this what we are both referring to?
Thanks.
Barbara

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Yes, we are discussing sodium and water with kidney disease.

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EJR | @ejr | 2 days ago
In reply to @brian93 "My question that I posted was about Benzonenotate and every answer I'm receiving is about saline...." + (show)
@brian93

My question that I posted was about Benzonenotate and every answer I'm receiving is about saline. Does anyone have any advice about the benzonotate cough medicine?

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To answer the question you asked, my pulmonologist allows me to take Benzonatate for cough relief during exacerbations (like a recent Serratia Marcecsens infection). I have BE and lab confirmed Mycobacterium Abscessus based on Bronchoscopy lavage.

The idea was to provide symptom relief to permit sleep and reduce serious coughing spasms during day.

I used it daily for a few weeks until the Serratia infection cleared up then discontinued. I would use it again in the future if the situation warranted it.

I now do airway clearance daily including nebulizing 7% saline and using an Aerobika. This is to manage the BE and reduce chances of new infections.

So that's my answer to your question. My pulmonologist allows Benzonatate even though we all know I need to cough regularly for clearance but I also needed sleep and relief from spasmodic cough attacks. My ID and PCP supported the idea of Benzonatate when needed.

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1 reply
brian93 | @brian93 | 2 days ago
In reply to @ejr "To answer the question you asked, my pulmonologist allows me to take Benzonatate for cough relief..." + (show)
@ejr

To answer the question you asked, my pulmonologist allows me to take Benzonatate for cough relief during exacerbations (like a recent Serratia Marcecsens infection). I have BE and lab confirmed Mycobacterium Abscessus based on Bronchoscopy lavage.

The idea was to provide symptom relief to permit sleep and reduce serious coughing spasms during day.

I used it daily for a few weeks until the Serratia infection cleared up then discontinued. I would use it again in the future if the situation warranted it.

I now do airway clearance daily including nebulizing 7% saline and using an Aerobika. This is to manage the BE and reduce chances of new infections.

So that's my answer to your question. My pulmonologist allows Benzonatate even though we all know I need to cough regularly for clearance but I also needed sleep and relief from spasmodic cough attacks. My ID and PCP supported the idea of Benzonatate when needed.

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Thank you.

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