Not sure why, but yes I feel its due to the meds. As for the cough drops I have been using Riccola, original for years and the only ones that helped me somewhat to allow us to get some sleep late night or early morning. This page has been a godsend as I knew nothing of the questions to ask and am one of the unlucky ones to have severe (my opinion) side effects. Good Luck and sending blessings to each of us...

Good morning Helen, I did a little research, and it appears that the Arikayce may be the culprit, as cough and bronchospasm are both listed as common side effects. That is what I suspected, because many of the people here asking about cough while on antibiotics were also taking it.

I wonder what your doc has to say? Arikayce used to be the "big gun" for treatment resistant NTM, now it seems more like part of the treatment standard. Maybe if you are now getting negative cultures, you could ask to discontinue it?

Or, for those of you who are on your first-ever round of treatment could ask if it could be suspended until you see if the Big 3 alone are sufficient? I totally understand docs wanting to give you the best possible chance of success against this nasty infection, but maybe the 3 antibiotics plus 7% saline and good airway clearance would be a less difficult first effort?

Just my observation as one who suffered through the Big 3, but is now doing OK.
Sue