HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Frequent Coughing During Night With Valve Blockage?

Posted on Sat, 14 Jun 2014

Question: Hello, my son is 10 year old premature birth at 36 weeks. Was born with a PFO which closed, but he has a sub aortic membrane and now they have found blockage at the valve also. He also has mild non allergic asthma but is allergic to Hay and Ky bluegrass. He has always had this problem with coughing. I mean he will cough for 2+ hours straight. When he coughs his ears get very red and the doctors keep putting him on prednisone, antibiotics, solu-medrol nebulized inhaler, pro-air, benzonotate and now they have given him narcotic pain med to stop the coughing at night so we can get him to school since he has missed almost 30 days due to his coughing spells. They start with a runny nose and are precipitated by sickness. He has bronchomalacia, tracheomalacia and laryngomalacia. But what could be causing all this coughing? Our home is in an uproar because no one is sleeping. We have propped his bed six inches. Also these attacks only happen at night. He had a severe pneumonia this year. He usually gets it every year, and in the last 2 months has had 2 ear infections which have just begun. We are taking him to an ENT next week but I hate the idea of narcotic medicine to stop this and to get him to sleep because once he is asleep the coughing stops and not a peep. I also hate all the steroids. This last round he has had 2 antibiotics and 2 rounds of prednisone. The round before he did 3 different antibiotics and prednisone. He is also taking singulair for allergy.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Because of congenital heart diseases....

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

I am sorry for the situation you boy is in.

Regarding the frequent coughing during night, it is related to the congenital anomalies he is suffering (PFO, hopefully closed; sub aortic membrane and blockage of the valve). These problems would have caused pulmonary hypertension, and subsequently, make him prone to frequent respiratory infections.

At this point, I recommend regular vaccination (especially when it comes to flu vaccine), and regular follow ups with cardiologist.

To my opinion, they might have asked to run HEART CATHETERIZATION procedure as it is the only, determinative procedure for future surgery.

With regards to surgery, it is great that all the surgeons at XXXXXXX Childrens would evaluate his health condition to determine the final conclusions. The more the specialists that would check your boy, the best decisions would be made.

If I was his caring doctor would ask for other specialists (especially heart surgeons) opinion and discuss his case with them to get the best results. Please try to understand that all this is necessary for your boy's goodness.

Depending on his conditions, specific treatment would be prescribed. Please try to be calm and wait for good results to come.

All the best!
Dr.Benard
I'll welcome any other specific question you might have!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (9 hours later)

Thank you so much for your help and if I have any more questions I will call upon you as I value your informative nature.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Happy to continue assisting you and your son....

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

I'll welcome any question you might have!

Looking forward to hearing from you with updates!
Dr.Benard

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar