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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Suggested Medication For Horrible Cough And Retching At Night?

I have violent coughing attacks, mostly at night. They cause me to dry heave and feel as if I will vomit. Usually I just vomit up the water I drink to try and stop the cough. My face gets very red also. It starts with a tickling sensation in my middle to lower throat/chest area. This has been going on now for six months. I am desperate for sleep. I am on Prevacid for reflux. I was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and am on medication for that. Also on 40mg Prozac per day. I am exhausted from lack of sleep due to this horrible cough and retching. Any ideas what could be going on? (Also had an endoscopy a few months ago and it showed no problems.) This has drastically reduced my quality of life. I m exhausted and too embarrassed to go anywhere.
Mon, 13 Feb 2017
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ENT Specialist 's  Response
Hi,thank you for posting your query on health care magic.

Gastro-esophageal reflux,Post-nasal drip and Allergy are the most common causes of cough in a supine position.

Gastro-esophageal reflux-Acid in the stomach might reflux upwards and irritate your airways leading to cough.In such cases you might have other symptoms like Burning pain in your throat or chest,Fullness in your stomach,Indigestion,etc.If you are suffering from such symptoms,then it would be advisable to take Antacid( like Rantac) along with few life-style measures like Avoid spicy,oily and citrus food,Drink lots of water,Avoid taking heavy dinner,Keep a gap of minimum 2-3 hours between taking food and sleeping.

Post-nasal Drip-due to cold-it might irritate the airways leading to cough.In such a case ,you might be suffering from other symptoms like Discharge from nose,Nasal blockage ,etc.If you are suffering from such symptoms,then you may take Oral decongestant(like Phenylephrine) if you are not hypertensive,Nasal decongestant drop like containing Xylometazoline and Oral Antihistamininc like Cetrizine.Also do steam inhalation,Avoid cold food and dust.Drink lots of warm fluids as they help in breakage of mucus secretions collected due to cold.

Allergy might be a cause for cough in supine position.Allergy might be due to house-dust,pollen,certain medicines,etc.In such a case ,take Antihistamine like Cetrizine.Keep your bedding clean.Avoid known Allergens.

A variant of asthma known as night asthma may occur in supine position.It is associated with other symptoms like difficulty in breathing and wheezing sound from your airways.

Few other serious conditions might cause cough in supine position like Congestive heart disease,Edema/infection in lungs.

If you suffer from symptoms like high grade fever,wheezing sound in your airway,Severe breathing problem,Chest pain,etc then it would be advisable to consult a physician doctor.He/she might do Chest ausculation and a chest X ray to find out the cause.

Hope this answers your question.I would be happy to answer if you have any follow-up questions.Take care.
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What Is The Suggested Medication For Horrible Cough And Retching At Night?

Hi,thank you for posting your query on health care magic. Gastro-esophageal reflux,Post-nasal drip and Allergy are the most common causes of cough in a supine position. Gastro-esophageal reflux-Acid in the stomach might reflux upwards and irritate your airways leading to cough.In such cases you might have other symptoms like Burning pain in your throat or chest,Fullness in your stomach,Indigestion,etc.If you are suffering from such symptoms,then it would be advisable to take Antacid( like Rantac) along with few life-style measures like Avoid spicy,oily and citrus food,Drink lots of water,Avoid taking heavy dinner,Keep a gap of minimum 2-3 hours between taking food and sleeping. Post-nasal Drip-due to cold-it might irritate the airways leading to cough.In such a case ,you might be suffering from other symptoms like Discharge from nose,Nasal blockage ,etc.If you are suffering from such symptoms,then you may take Oral decongestant(like Phenylephrine) if you are not hypertensive,Nasal decongestant drop like containing Xylometazoline and Oral Antihistamininc like Cetrizine.Also do steam inhalation,Avoid cold food and dust.Drink lots of warm fluids as they help in breakage of mucus secretions collected due to cold. Allergy might be a cause for cough in supine position.Allergy might be due to house-dust,pollen,certain medicines,etc.In such a case ,take Antihistamine like Cetrizine.Keep your bedding clean.Avoid known Allergens. A variant of asthma known as night asthma may occur in supine position.It is associated with other symptoms like difficulty in breathing and wheezing sound from your airways. Few other serious conditions might cause cough in supine position like Congestive heart disease,Edema/infection in lungs. If you suffer from symptoms like high grade fever,wheezing sound in your airway,Severe breathing problem,Chest pain,etc then it would be advisable to consult a physician doctor.He/she might do Chest ausculation and a chest X ray to find out the cause. Hope this answers your question.I would be happy to answer if you have any follow-up questions.Take care.