Gransnet forums

Health

Post viral cough?

(36 Posts)
DatDat Wed 29-Feb-12 18:48:05

An upper respiratory virus has been doing the rounds in my family and I myself had it last week. Although it has pretty much gone now and I am feeling a lot better, I am left with a nagging cough which I am reliably informed by my GP is called a "Post viral cough." Sometimes it makes me cough so hard that I end seeing stars and nearly choking, and although the sensation to cough is always there, when I do cough it never actually feels any better. The GP said that it would go by itself in time, however it is driving me mad, so if anyone out there has any tips about how to get rid of a post viral cough then I would be very grateful.

Juliette Sun 01-Mar-15 07:18:42

Manuka honey 12+ at least. Two teaspoons at bed time and a teaspoon as and when required during the day. Better than any medicine.

harrigran Sun 01-Mar-15 11:35:31

If cough persists get it checked out, SIL had cough for a month or two and he has been diagnosed with Asthma. Once he got the right inhaler he felt better.

nigglynellie Sun 01-Mar-15 11:47:09

Olbas oil is brilliant, OH puts a couple of drops on his pillow most nights which seems to do the trick for a blocked nose. For a cough, for me, there is nothing better than a mixture of honey and lemon as prescribed by my long dead Grandma! Two teaspoonfuls as often as you feel is necessary. The honey is so soothing and the lemon full of (probably) much needed vitamin C.

FlicketyB Sun 01-Mar-15 11:54:31

You may have whooping cough. I had a virus then a respiratory problem with coughing that didn't respond to treatment and then turned extreme. I would have coughing fits that lasted minutes and left me dizzy and needing to sit down and recover.

I didn't whoop and I wasn't sick, although I came very close to both. GPs often do not think of whooping cough as a possible cause for a bad cough, especially in adults.

Teetime Sun 01-Mar-15 12:09:51

I've got it too and an everlasting sore throat - it will go in time- I think the best you can do is relieve the symptoms with whatever comforts you- I shall give it some wine this afternoon. I hope you all feel better son flowers

annodomini Sun 01-Mar-15 13:01:12

I had that cough following the dose of flu. It just went on and on and at times I couldn't catch my breath, which was alarming. Finally I gave up and reluctantly saw the GP who diagnosed a chest infection and provided a week's supply of antibiotics which worked. If it does go on too long, for goodness' sake see your doctor!

annodomini Sun 01-Mar-15 13:07:56

PS I haven't put Olbas Oil on my pillow since it got rubbed into my eye which was not pleasant! Beware!

granjura Sun 01-Mar-15 13:18:02

People on some beta-blockers also tend to have coughs which are endless.

Inhalations with Olbas oil really help- but I would never put it on pillow, as Anno says it really does burn.

OH has had a bad cold for near on 4 weeks now- and am sending him to the doctor in handcuffs if I have to on Monday. I was so pleased I'd escaped- but I cam down with it 2 days ago, just in time for my BD yesterday- grrrr. More sinuses than cough though. I really do hate it.

janerowena Sun 01-Mar-15 16:34:32

Mine started after flu, now it's sinuses and mucousy coughs. Delightful. It is getting better, but slowly.

galen yes, I know, I always said it was rubbish. I've just had another dollop of greek yoghourt, purely on a medical trial basis of course. Nothing at all to do with missing it while on my diet. I shall be interested though, because DBH has always strongly contested that conclusion, as a singer. He said he can't sing as well, if he has eaten cheese or had a milky drink.

JessM Tue 03-Mar-15 16:35:32

Inhaling the fumes of coal tar - a bi-product of coal has to be my nomination for the remedy most likely to do harm. Can you imagine getting kids to inhale such an unpleasant pollutant? Very relieved it is no longer sold. (Yes I know it was also used in skin preparations.... but breathing it IN?! Amazing what people were allowed to flog as medicines in the past. )

I think i had whooping cough a couple of years ago. Picked up a persistent cough in Australia, passed it to my son who had terrible whooping cough while I came home and coughed for weeks.