expectorant only! (allergy, symptoms, treat, clinic)

[tasmtairy]

Originally Posted by Deserterer

I went to the doctor. I have RSV. She said to use OTC expectorant and gave me a prescription suppressant to use only if I want to (I doubt I will). I've already cleared more crud in a few hours than I did all weekend. I can almost breathe

I'm so glad you went to the doctor and found out what it was. RSV is raging right now. I'm glad your getting some relief!

[pathrunner]

Originally Posted by Deserterer

Researching it I found that they no longer recommend prednisone in these situations unless there is underlying respiratory conditions. A recent study showed it isn't effective in otherwise healthy patients. I have exercise-induced asthma only, which might not qualify me, but I took a little anyway. If it doesn't help I won't take any more.


https://www.phc.ox.ac.uk/news/steroi...c-lung-disease

That's good. I have underlying conditions, but I've noticed that the past few times I took Levaquin, the doctor did not prescribe Prednisone to go with it, which is fine by me. The less the better!

I hope you're feeling better now! RSV sounds intense.

Personally I can't stand Mucinex. The first time I took it I thought I would lose my mind. But that's because I have a chronic condition and have no trouble getting stuff out. In fact, I have trouble with the fact that my body is always trying to get it out, so no need for it really...

[Wile E. Coyote]

Originally Posted by Lodestar 77

Back in the day Vicks Formula 44E was an excellent expectorant. My husband swore by it, and he was in the medical field. I am going to see if they still make it........

ETA: this also contains a cough suppressent so not what you are looking for. Hoping you get better very soon!

Yeah, I have been having that problem lately and I have been using Vicks ointment on my neck and chest and it helps me sleep way more comfortably.

[Wile E. Coyote]

Originally Posted by Deserterer

I seriously considered going to the ER, which would have been my only option on a SUNDAY NIGHT!!!! I very nearly suffocated last night and had to try and sleep sitting up which is pretty much impossible.


Now, being Monday morning I can go to urgent care.

I think next time do not overthink it and just go to the ER if you can't breath. Breathing is pretty important they tell me. Also, do you perhaps have any untreated Asthma?

My allergist used to give me Prescription Guaifenesin before you could get it over the counter. I buy a few boxes of the blue and green boxes to have on hand at all times (Costco which you can also order online). I would keep some of this and also I buy the big containers of Vicks ointment on hand. Actually smathering that across your neck and chest helps too. Helps me sleep.

Maybe I have had RSV lately. I don't know; it's been "different" for two-three weeks.

[pathrunner]

It all depends upon whether an ER is close enough to drive safely in the middle of the night, and whether it will cost a fortune to visit. I was once charged $1K to get diagnosed with pneumonia at an inopportune time (a child's graduation out of state right before the event). I didn't have a car there, had to be driven, blah blah blah... if I need the ER now, it's close and doesn't cost (doubly insured). I wouldn't go unless I absolutely had to. Almost went a few days after a hip replacement last year, but things settled down. Sometimes you have to watch and listen to your body, which only you know best.

[Wile E. Coyote]

Originally Posted by pathrunner

It all depends upon whether an ER is close enough to drive safely in the middle of the night, and whether it will cost a fortune to visit. I was once charged $1K to get diagnosed with pneumonia at an inopportune time (a child's graduation out of state right before the event). I didn't have a car, had to be driven, blah blah blah... if I need the ER now, it's close and doesn't cost (doubly insured). I wouldn't go unless I absolutely had to. Almost went a few days after a hip replacement last year, but things settled down. Sometimes you have to watch and listen to your body, which only you know best.

Breathing is an issue worth going to an ER for. Period. End of story.

[pathrunner]

Another issue that is lung-related is if you have a really bad infection and there's a big knife like pain near your heart. Like someone stuck a sword in your chest. Some people have told me that what a heart attack feels like. Had to shallow breathe for several hours in the ER before they finally decided to admit me. Not fun.

[Lillie767]

Originally Posted by Deserterer

Do you have something constructive to contribute?

Moving would be constructive. When you live in an area with limited stores and availability, you have to consider alternatives.

I honestly don't care whether you move or not, but it is an alternative to b******g about your neighborhood and then sassing me when I offer a solution.

[ocnjgirl]

Originally Posted by Deserterer

I have the worst chest congestion I've had in many years. It was productive at first, now it isn't, but the congestion remains. I never use OTC meds but since it has become quite uncomfortable I drove down to the store only to find...they have dozens of cough meds but they all contain expectorant AND cough suppressant (and usually other crap I don't want too). Why? WTH? I don't want my cough suppressed, I want it to produce so I can clear out my drowning lungs! Jiminy Crickets I'm dying and I left with nothing but honey, which I guess is also an expectorant AND A SUPPRESSANT!



I don't understand why there are no OTC expectorants without suppressants. The two work against each other. if you suppress cough, you can't expel the crap that the expectorant is supposed to loosen. What am I missing?

CVS has it: https://www.cvs.com/shop/cvs-health-...-prodid-477056 If your local one doesn't you can get it shipped. If you join their care pass program (costs $5.00 a month, but you get a $10 GC every month so you really make $5 a month for joining it) you get free shipping on all items, and 20% off all CVS health items, which would include this product.

[Deserterer]

Originally Posted by DubbleT

Yeah, I did read the whole thread, my reply is more for other people reading the same thread. Nice snark though. Won't apologize for reminding people that it's usually a good idea to be prepared for things like the cold and flu season, power outages, and you know stuff like that.

No its good you reminded everyone. Adults need reminders like that.