Dear Smile E.
How do I stop this coughing? It sounds horrible, it is not moving anything, and I’m exhausted.
Signed,
Coughing Crazy
Dear Coughing Crazy,
Stoping a cough in primary ciliary dyskinesia is counterproductive in PCD care. The whole aim in our treating techniques for PCD is to get the patient to cough. This is because part of the body’s natural airway defense is broken, the cilia. We need to move the naturally reoccurring daily mucus every single day without fail by using manual techniques since the cilia are not doing their job. If not we risk additional infections and illness. In PCD a good healthy productive cough is essential to staying healthy.
That being said if your cough isn’t productive then it’s time to ring your team as more aggressive airway clearance techniques and or antibiotics are needed. While it’s important that we cough, it’s equally important that we get rest. During times of nonproductive coughing there may come a time your team prescribes other medications to allow you to sleep better. What those methods are, are up to your medical team who understands your unique health needs.
In the meantime there are a few things you can do. First increase your fluids, as sometimes a nonproductive cough is due to dehydration and dehydrated airway mucus. Second try drinking warm liquids like decaffeinated teas or hot soups as the warmth will help open the airways. Third try sleeping in an elevated sleeping position and change your frequently to prevent mucus pooling in the airways. Fourth as last get lots of extra rest every chance you can. I do hope that you are feeling better soon!
Yours Truly,
Smile E. Turtle
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