Persistent cough

**Emma09** · August 5th, 2013, 10:01 PM

DD has a very persistent cough, it's been hanging around on and off for most of winter.
We have been to the DR numerous times- recommends panadol.
Today, DR gave a prescription for ventolin once a day.
I tried to give the ventolin with a spacer- she couldn't suck hard enough.
Anyhoo- any natural recommendations for a persistent cough?
I do humidifier and Vicks every night.

**Emma09** · August 5th, 2013, 10:37 PM

Bump- any ideas?

**Miss.September** · August 5th, 2013, 10:40 PM

Is it bothering her? or just a hang around sort of thing?

DD1 and my niece have had shocking coughs for most of winter. They sound terrible, but they aren't bothered by them and other than the initial cold that started them, they've been okay (well, niece has been okay, DD1 has gotten every cold under the sun this year).

DH has been coughing for a good two months. Just dry, annoying persistent. Stepdad is the same. Funny, he bought ventolin today too. Everyone I talk to is experiencing the same thing so it might be a case of just riding it out, especially if you've had numerous trips to the GP.

My cold and cough started a week ago........I've got a long way to go!

**Emma09** · August 5th, 2013, 10:42 PM

Thanks!
It is preventing her from sleeping.
Tonight she vomited from coughing so much :-(

**Miss.September** · August 5th, 2013, 10:50 PM

Poor possum :-(

Both DD2 and myself have had that happen in the past week but that was also during the worst of our colds. I've given DD2 a pillow and I'm propped up on three and it is helping a little. I also read that using Vicks Vapourub on the neck - so on the outside front of the throat (I'm sure there's a proper name, just too tired to figure it out!!!!) helps ease the airways too. I tried that on me the other night but I think I was too far gone for it to make a difference.

**MissM** · August 6th, 2013, 02:48 PM

What do you mean she couldn't suck hard enough? My dr has advised us (& pharmacy) you spray the ventolin once, take 4 breaths. How many puffs were you told to go up to? You may need to use 2-3 puffs & use it every 4 hours to help. I personally would only use it 4 hourly if coughing fits are happening.

ETA:- my husband has just had a month off with pneumonia. Take care!

**Emma09** · August 6th, 2013, 02:51 PM

We were advises to spray once into the spacer and take 4 breaths from it.
I meant that she couldn't suck on the spacer hard enough to open it up.
The DR advised to use once a day- so ill try again tonight.

**MissM** · August 6th, 2013, 02:52 PM

How old is she? Do you have the mask for the spacer?

**Emma09** · August 6th, 2013, 02:54 PM

She is 3.
We do have the mask- she didn't want a bar of it!

**MissM** · August 6th, 2013, 02:57 PM

Poor love. Using the spacer on my LO was hard. Thankfully now she happily uses the nebuliser! This is going to sound cruel but its the best thing. Wrap her in a towel to restrain her arms & legs. If she screams its better for her because her lungs are opening up. Pharmacy lady told me to do this & it was a massive help!

ETA: then give her lots of warm loving cuddles