Dear Dr. Roach: I have a very itchy throat that makes me cough a lot. I tried taking over-the-counter allergy meds, but they’re no help. I tried gargling with warm saltwater with vinegar, and keeping my mouth and throat wet, but no help. Throat lozenges help only for a few minutes. It’s affecting my sleep at night as well as my work and mood. I’m a caregiver, and my employer thought I was sick and contagious. I’m tired of coughing. This has been going on for six months. Please help.
N.J.
There are many causes for chronic cough, a cough that lasts longer than eight weeks. The three most common are postnasal drip, asthma and esophageal reflux (GERD). You have tried a few things to treat allergic postnasal drip without success, so asthma and GERD probably are the most likely causes. Asthma may have only a cough, with no wheezing. Similarly, GERD might present with only a cough, without any heartburn sensation.
Rather than try over-the-counter remedies, I recommend that you see your doctor. Although omeprazole or another acid-suppressing medicine may solve your problem, six months is long enough that it is worthwhile to take a more careful look at possible causes. I don’t recommend nonprescription asthma remedies.
You might need extensive tests, such as a chest X-ray. It’s very uncommon to have a serious cause, but it’s not impossible.
Dear Dr. Roach: My husband consumes at least two to three six-packs of beer, maybe more, a day. He drinks from noon until about 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., or until I can get him to eat dinner. I try to tell him how he acts, but he thinks he’s fine because he drinks only beer. He ruins all relationships with the children and grandchildren. I love him but can’t stand his behaviour past noon.
Can you please explain what this much alcohol (beer) is doing to his health? I believe his brain is turning to mush. He gets extremely jealous and doesn’t make good sense in the afternoon. It is so embarrassing when we have drop-in company or when family visit. I’ve begged and pleaded so many times for him to stop, but he thinks he’s fine. Please tell me what to expect. He is 64 years old.
Anon.
If you do nothing, it’s very likely that the problem will continue on until the inevitable health crisis. Alcohol affects the brain, damages the liver, the pancreas and possibly the heart, just to name a few critical organs.
You have many resources to help you, including his doctor. Al-Anon is a useful support group to help family members of alcohol abusers. Find it at 250-383-4020 or bcyukon-al-anon.org.
