Desperate for sleep - can’t stop coughing

[Morag72]

Hi - please help - I’m desperate. Had a shitty Xmas. Felt really unwell on Xmas day in the early evening. Went to A&E on Boxing Day and was admitted and diagnosed with pneumonia. Was put on fluids and IV antibiotics. Got home this evening and just cannot stop coughing for a second. Desperate for sleep.

Do you have any codeine in the house ? That can help suppress a cough

Are you sleeping propped up or not on your back. I've just recovered myself from it. Ended up prescribed a temporary inhaler and at worst I was slept side up on the sofa with my head on the arm rest and a prop system of pillows tucked I to make a pyramid. Sofa is actually an extremely comfort sofabed but flatness did me no use at all

It won't help now, but I find a Lemsip before bed helps with coughing.

Oh poor you. I don’t know about meds but a few things that can help (you’re probably doing already…)

prop up on lots of pillows

breathe in through your nose not mouth

if a phlegmy cough - do heavy breathing for a while to deliberately bring on coughing and have a clear out.

Is someone with you at home?

Antihistamine has helped my DC, prescribed by the GO to dry up some of the mucus he said. It’s made a huge difference.

Do you have a humidifier you can run? Try a spoonful of honey. Tomorrow call your GP and ask for a prescription cough suppressant.

That sounds horrible, poor you. I don't know much about pneumonia but hope you can speak to GP later on today and also hope it clears quickly

After 4 days on antiBs the coughing should be more under control than that. I'd be asking for more NHS help.

Turmeric, ginger and honey drink. Sounds grim but can help soothe.

Turmeric is good for chests and coughs.

If you don't have any try hot water, a teaspoon of honey and squeeze of lemon juice. It really works.

Poor you. I hope you feel better soon