Throat clearing cough for more than a month?

[Maruni]

Hi all,

Last month DC were unwell with high fevers- eldest ended up with a chest infection and youngest had tonsillitis. Was expecting the bug to pass on to me- but instead I’ve got an annoying throat clearing cough for more than a month.

No sore throat, no fever, no runny nose, no excessive sneezing, etc. I haven’t really fell ill but instead I can’t stop coughing, it feels like something is stuck in my throat and chest- I have tried the home remedies and last week went to see the GP who prescribed Amoxicillin. Finished the course today and it hasn’t improved at all. In fact the coughing is getting worse at night, the middle of my chest/breastbone hurts and I’m wheezing. I’m also 4 months pregnant and have health anxiety.

Anyone else got this and what’s the next step? GP did say to come back in if no improvements with the antibiotics so will try to get an appointment tomorrow but interested to see if anyone else is in the same situation!

That annoying gruff throat, frog in your throat kind of cough was the longest running covid symptom for me. Could you have had Covid?

Hope it clears up soon for you op

I had flu in the third week of December; my main symptom was a cough (Covid tests clear). I am still clearing my throat! My GP says it will probably stop by the end of March.....

Thank you so much for your replies- sorry to hear you’ve had similar and hope things get better soon.

I’ve ordered some Covid tests online so will see what they say. This morning my breastbone really hurts- it feels like I’ve swallowed a cup of Vicks and it’s all stuck there. I know it sounds wimpy but I’ve never had a cough/catarrh/post nasal drip last this long!

I’m the same, having to cough and clear my throat all the time. Had blood tests, all tests ok . It’s tiring and feels never ending

Just seen a different GP who has said because of the pregnancy there isn’t much else they can do, apparently I can’t have a chest X-ray because of the radiation nor can I try any other antibiotic. I’ve been told to continue with the steam inhalation and home remedies- it’s just getting me down now and I can feel the health anxiety thoughts creeping in…

Exactly a month ago I felt ill, fast forward and I have had the cough, it's awful. I've tried everything I can think of, but haven't seen the GP; just think they'll tell me it's the same old 100 day cough.

I find it difficult to workout when it feels like the chest/throat needs clearing. Not much help but I feel your pain, hope it eases for you soon.

Thank you @KungFuSock yes my mum has had similar, coughing for almost 3 months and doctors said the same thing 100 day cough doing the rounds.

That's interesting, I had covid at the start of October and have had the cough ever since- had steroids, 2 lots of antibiotics, was diagnosed with pleurisy at one point but that's gone now leaving the cough

I had this after a horrible cold type virus in December. I used some beconase last week as last resort and I've totally cleared it in 3 doses. May be a fluke but I feel better!

Thanks @socks1107 can you use Beconase in pregnancy?

I have had pretty much this since the last week of November. Went to the doctors today who says it's more than likely viral, my airways are bruised and inflamed from the persistent coughing. She's ordered blood tests and a chest xray due to the fact it's been going on for going on 8 weeks.

If it goes over five weeks that's when they order chest X-rays to rule things out.

It's absolutely brutal whatever it is. My husband has it but also has got a hive like rash too. He has only had it a week though. (Though she's acting like it will be the end of him!)

I'd advise you go and get a doctor's opinion.

Apologies I wrote last message before I read all of yours! Hopefully it's the viral infection that's going around and it goes quickly x

It may be that you have strained muscles with coughing. Also if pregnant it may be pushing up on your lungs. Vitamin D and C are really good for lung health - not sure what you are allowed when pregnant. Also walking is good as it gets the air circulating around the lungs. Lots of water too.

This is going to sound a bit random OP but I wonder if you are suffering some acid reflux, which can cause the symptoms you describe (including the wheezing, weirdly). You could try taking some gaviscon before bed and see if it helps. It won't do any harm.

Hey! I have health anxiety too so thought I wouldn't read and run. I had a cough for weeks on end and my GP sent me for an x ray. I didn't think it was necessary but I went and there was nothing there and cough then cleared.

Your pregnancy is probably playing a part in the pressure on your lungs

DH and I have both had this. Had a very mild cold in November, definitely not covid in my case as I tested. Both left with an annoying little cough. Not bad just not going away. DH has an xray next week. I went to GP as my chest hurt and my asthma was flaring up but they said my chest wasn't infected.

Reflux can cause a cough that seems stuck in your throat. Can you get some otc meds (omeprazole, no idea if safe to take in pregnancy) and see if that eases it?

These symptoms are very similar to mine. I have acid reflux. It's a horrible feeling

Post nasal drip?

Sorry everyone- somehow missed these replies. Thank you all for your input and sorry to those of you who have been through similar.

I have tried a steam inhalation cup thingy with Vicks and also the nasal saline rinse- not sure if I did it right but I did feel a bit better after it. I thought the cough was going away, but yesterday it seems to be back with full force and I’m starting to worth it might affect the baby as I’m feeling a bit breathless.

Seriously, try some gaviscon, especially before bed.