How can I stop coughing?

**kokopup** · 11-02-2009, 11:21 PM

Nomilynn
On the weekend, I was eating soup and I aspirated some of the liquid and a tiny peice of noodle.

If you actually aspirated liquid and noodle your cough refflex is working trying to clear your lungs. Until your body absorbs or rejects this foreign matter you need to be coughing. Your cough reflex was design for just this purpose. I have aspirated food twice in the last year and ended up with pneumonia both times. I have a compromised cough reflex.

**Marigold2** · 11-03-2009, 08:57 AM

Karen's advice is very good, I would try some tea as well.

**lvpets2002** · 11-03-2009, 09:42 AM

Simple method of eating fresh white bread from a loaf..Maybe with some butter.. This will help soothe the lining of your throat & on down..

**Karen** · 11-03-2009, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by lvpets2002

Simple method of eating fresh white bread from a loaf..Maybe with some butter.. This will help soothe the lining of your throat & on down..

Actually, don't add the butter. Dairy products promote mucus production, which is why I said "no milk in the tea," as you don't need more mucus when things are already upset!

**Nomilynn** · 11-03-2009, 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by kokopup

If you actually aspirated liquid and noodle your cough refflex is working trying to clear your lungs. Until your body absorbs or rejects this foreign matter you need to be coughing. Your cough reflex was design for just this purpose. I have aspirated food twice in the last year and ended up with pneumonia both times. I have a compromised cough reflex.

This is what I am concerned about. How long should it take for the coughing to stop? When should I see a doctor?

**cassiesmom** · 11-03-2009, 07:42 PM

Nomilynn, how's the cough today - is it any better than yesterday? If it's not better tomorrow I think I'd have the doctor's office on the phone.

My wonder drug for coughs is Tessalon pearls. There is a generic for them, too (benzonatate softgels). It's an anesthetic for your upper airway. I found about them when I had bronchitis - I was taking Phenergan with codeine for my cough and the codeine made me sick to my stomach, so I went back to the doctor and she gave me a prescription for Tessalon.

**Nomilynn** · 11-03-2009, 08:14 PM

I went to the clinic this afternoon and they have given me a referral to get a chest xray. The cough is no better today - I'm still coughing like crazy. Hopefully it will go away soon!

**sirrahbed** · 11-03-2009, 10:50 PM

I am glad to read that you went to the clinic and will have a chest x-ray - I was concerned about aspiration bronchitis/pneumonia when I read about this. Tke care.

**Karen** · 11-04-2009, 01:32 AM

Originally Posted by sirrahbed

I am glad to read that you went to the clinic and will have a chest x-ray - I was concerned about aspiration bronchitis/pneumonia when I read about this. Tke care.

I concur, glad you're getting it looked into, this has gone on far too long! I hope you are able to get some real rest, at last.