rgrin Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 I had something like the flu, achy, 101-103 fever, tired, coughing, and a bit of drainage. It lasted 4 days. Now, I've just got a dry, unproductive cough that I can't kick. I went to the doctor a week ago and he gave me a prescription for Tessalon Perles, but it didn't do any good. Now our PayFlex account is having a fit over a dentist appointment and will not pay anything. We can't afford for me to go back to the doctor, but I'm still coughing like a feind. My son has a nebulizer for occasional asthma issues. Is there something I can put in there to help my cough until we can get this money thing worked out? Update in post #11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freckles Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 It depends on what type of cough you have. Dry, wet, productive? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgrin Posted January 4, 2013 Author Share Posted January 4, 2013 Dry, unproductive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wapiti Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Is the cough from your lungs or from sinus congestion dripping into your throat? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freckles Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 I wouldn't put anything other than albuterol in a nebulizer, but that's me. If you have a dry cough here are a few old fashioned suggestions. Hot steamy shower breath through a hot/warm washcloth while trying to go to sleep sitting up honey and lemon hot tea vicks on your feet and cover with socks OTC cough syrup sucking on peppermints/hard candy I hope you feel better soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgrin Posted January 4, 2013 Author Share Posted January 4, 2013 I wouldn't put anything other than albuterol in a nebulizer, but that's me. If you have a dry cough here are a few old fashioned suggestions. Hot steamy shower breath through a hot/warm washcloth while trying to go to sleep sitting up honey and lemon hot tea vicks on your feet and cover with socks OTC cough syrup sucking on peppermints/hard candy I hope you feel better soon. I've been doing most of these for a week, plus sleeping with the humidifier. I haven't tried the hot/warm washcloth, though. I'd bet that would help throughout the day, not just before sleeping. Is the cough from your lungs or from sinus congestion dripping into your throat? Cough from lungs, no congestion or drainage for several days now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Sterile saline solution is available OTC (but kept behind the counter at my pharmacy). It's used to dilute albuterol and may be helpful for a cough. I'd call the doctor back, even if you can't afford it and tell him what he prescribed isn't working. If what you have does turn out to be asthma, it's going to cost far more to treat later when it's worsened than to treat early. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebacabunch Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Honestly, a nebulizer treatment will leave your lungs feeling heavy no matter what you put in them. Have you tried mucinex? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in NH Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 For a dry/unproductive cough we use dextromethorphan and guaifenesin. One is an expectorant to loosen the chest, the other is a suppressant to quell the urge to cough. But not in a nebulizer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jelbe5 Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 A previous asthma/allergist I had suggested a drop or two of eucalyptus mixed with water in the neb. I have never tried this, but it made sense to me (think of Vic's Vapor Rub). But I would use a different mouthpiece/kit than the one for the asthma medicine. Could you possibly have Whooping Cough? It is a dry, non-productive cough that goes on for weeks. It does look like a regular cold at the beginning. If you have it, not much can be done for it. The fact it has gone on for so long in spite of medications makes me wonder. Hope you feel better soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgrin Posted January 4, 2013 Author Share Posted January 4, 2013 My dad insisted I go back to the doctor, and lent me some money to cover the bill and prescriptions. According to the x-rays, I've got an early stage pneumonia. They gave me a prescription for a z-pack and hydrocodone cough syrup so that I can get some rest. Here's to meds that work and helpful, insistent parents! :cheers2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy in FL. Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 Hooray for dad! Hope you're on the track to recovery now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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