Cough remedies

[jessifleur]

Ok so having scrolled down this forum and seen cancer survivors groups and chronic pain management support networks, I realise my complaint is a teensy bit pathetic but I'm putting it out there in case anyone has advice.
I've had a bad cough for over a week now - it's like two coughs for the price of one: tickly throat cough and phlegmy chesty cough (lucky me!) I can't sleep for more than about 20 mins to half an hour at a time without waking up in a coughing fit so I'm knackered and at nearly 8 months pregnant I'm a grumpy cow as it is! My non-existent stomach muscles, head and throat ache from prolonged coughing. Is there anything I can take to get rid of it/ soothe it? I'm trying so hard not to take medication during pregnancy but I might just give in after another night of coughing non-stop!
Thanks in advance xxx

I'd have suggestions if it weren't for the pregnancy!

That said I know codeine is safe to take in pregnancy so for a tickly/irritated cough maybe a codeine-based cough syrup to suppress the cough at night and maybe allow you a bit of sleep.

If you've got a lot of phlegm, though, you basically need to be coughing to get rid of it. If the phlegm persists over the next few days I'd be inclined to get your GP to have a listen just to make sure you don't need an antibiotic (many of which are perfectly fine to take in pregnancy).

Hope you feel better soon .

Thank you for your advice Marina, it was really thorough and helpful. After another night of no sleep I'm off to the pharmacy today

When I've a cough, I've found it's better to sleep propped up in bed, tissues at hand, able to have a cough at any time then doze off again. Would this be possible for a few days?