Lingering cough remedies?

So I got this sore throat/cough thingy almost 2 weeks ago and can't kick it.  I've heard someone like this has been going around, would love to hear your solutions.  It gets worse at night.  Drinking some thyme tea at the moment.  Have been using mucinex as a cough suppressant.  Tried nyquil a few times to help sleep at night.  Using chloraseptic max for sore throat - doesn't seem to help much.    Ricola helps a little.


Don't know if it is still available, but years ago the best cough suppressant I ever had (when out of state) was a codine terpin hydrate combination.  Probably is considered restricted now.  It knocked out the cough when all other over the counter remedies failed.  Ask the pharmacist.


Sounds like that has been banned: https://www.peoplespharmacy.co...

This article also recommends thyme tea. 


When was your last pertussis vaccination?


Most adults who get whooping cough don't realize it because adults don't usually make the "whoop" sound since we have larger airways than children.  The current pertussis vaccine is effective for about 3-6 years (I ain't making this up, you can check the CDC website), so if you can't remember when you last had it, chances are it likely wore off.  If you've had a cough for two weeks it is a good idea to get checked out, if it is whooping cough, or some other easily transmitted disease, you'll need to stay away from young children and people with compromised immune systems.  If it's just the lingering symptoms from a previous cold (I've had that) it's annoying, but not contagious.  That can last 4-6 weeks.  

My ex had pertussis in his 20's, and we had no idea since all he had was a cough that wouldn't go away.  When the doctor diagnosed it as pertussis we were very surprised, we thought that was a kid's thing.

Even if you blow off the idea that it might be pertussis, you've still had a cough for two weeks, so it's time to see a doctor.  Viral infections are usually 7-10 days, bacterial ones last longer. 


Two weeks is nothing for a cough. It's like an hour in cough-years. Coughs can last a long time. Months. Have you seen a doctor to rule out anything serious? I'd go if the cough hasn't improved after three weeks. Go sooner if it worsens or if you cough up blood.


ok, saw my doc today - bronchitis.  He said it's been going around - even he's had it the last 4-6 weeks.


Is there anything you can do for Bronchitis? 


I believe it needs a prescription for antibiotics. 

maps said:

Is there anything you can do for Bronchitis? 




ElizMcCord said:

I believe it needs a prescription for antibiotics. 
maps said:

Is there anything you can do for Bronchitis? 

Depends on whether it's bacterial bronchitis or viral. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics because they can't determine whether it's one or the other.

In December/January, I was sick for over three weeks with bronchitis and a sinus infection. I took two rounds of antibiotics and still I was coughing for a couple of weeks more.


I got antibiotics - cefdinir.


A couple of things that have helped me in the past...

1. Try rubbing the bottoms of your feet with a couple drops of peppermint essential oil mixed in coconut oil then put on a pair of socks. Others have rubbed Vick's on their feet with similar success.  I know it sounds weird but it does soothe my coughs when I have them.

2. Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries can be helpful in breaking up any excess phlegm. Not sure exactly how it works but I suspect fruit acids, possibly for the same reason people put fruit acids on the skin for clarification.


for a severe cough--prescription for codeine (i had tussionex)..vicodin also works..i found out by accident when I couldn't get codeine since medicare doesn't pay for it..and ended up in so much pain it hurt to breathe...so now if i get a severe cough, i take 1/4 vicodin.  but if it is mild and tolerable..it is better to cough out the junk.

honey may help


@Jamie - consider taking a probiotic that contains Saccharomyces boulardii. It is in the expensive brand name Florastor, and it is also sold by other brands for a LOT less. CVS sells a generic equivalent, but they are often sold out. You can also find it on Amazon.

Pros of this particular probiotic include not needing refrigeration and it also is not able to be killed by the antibiotic you are taking since it is actually a yeast. (I can't explain why it has probiotic activity, but a Gastroenterologist told me to take it when on antibiotics.)

Feel better!



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