has any one with pd have a chronic persistent dry cough ? i've had it for 5 months and despite treatment for acid reflux,de-congestant,etc i just can't get rid of it.i've heard that it could be linked to pd,but i have not seen a posting on this sympton.if you have a similar problem,how are you dealing with it ?

Hello Myway, I think that you may find some info if you search under"clearing throat", although I am unsure if this is the same as your persistent cough.If it is then, yes it is a recognised PD symptom. To do with weakened laryngeal and other muscles. Speech therapy can help (referral via OT,adult services or GP) via exercises. Dark grape juice & pineapple juice have also been recommended - I have no idea why

hello a... that sounds interesting,i will watch it for a while and will certainly try the black grape juice...fermented of course.i did hear that chocolate helps too,so here goes,thanks for your reply

hi i have a similar problem of excess saliva, forever clearing my throat and nose, gets a habit after a while ending up with a dry throat problem. we have checked with the doctor he seems to think the excess saliva is a side effect of the sinemet medication and ofcourse when im "off" my meds its harder to clear because of lack of muscle strength in the throat
Hugh aka Welshbearuk

Hi myway

My o/h has a persistent cough and the thickness in his throat.

His throat gets a little sore at times too, plus he mentions now and then that his chest feels tight.

Probably for all the reasons Ab desribes.

hello myway...I'm here in the US, so my time is mostly off from the time others post...but, I had the persistant cough too. About 3 yrs ago, I had it for 6 weeks. It was constant. Could not get rid of it. Finally went to the doctor, and after he examined me, he told me that it was most likely asthma. I had not realized that asthma would do that. It does if its severe. I have an inhaler, which when used 2x a day, got rid of the cough within several days. Then I used it for months after, and then only when I had a bit of trouble with breathing. You might want to look into the possibility that you've developed asthma for some reason. My cough was extremely annoying to myself, and everyone around me, so I was very happy to get rid of it! Hope this works for you ...

I have had a dry cough on a off for months - its not that bad, just annoying. It tends to be worse this time of the year when we have our woodburner alight and there is associated ash dust. The cold weather recently has aggravated it as well. I will certainly try the chocolate .
Have a nice day everyone
Janey

hi Janeys,

it does sound like you have asthma,too. that is what happens to me if it gets cold, and we put the heat on...any woodburning makes it hard to breathe, and my coughing will start up again. so,you might want to get checked by your gp, as if it is asthma it will continue to get worse with time.

good luck....

the symptons of this most annoying cough are worse in the evening after dinner.i feel the dry itchy feeling at the bottom of my throat,and i just cant have a satisfactory cough to clear it.i do notice that since i have curtailed the use of nasal spray for blocked nose,that the cough is becoming less frequent,but i can't sleep with one of my nostrils blocked...catch 22 really.

since about august of this year i started taking 100/25 mgs madopa,and 24mgs requip xl which have revolutionised my ongoing parkinson's,in that i have become almost 'normal',so maybe this cough is a side affect of this medication,who knows but like they say, there are no free lunches,and at least i now have a quality of life which i regard as miraculous compared to what i've put up for the last 6 years...

Hello Noname,

Yes, I am aware that I have a tendency to asthma. In my pre PD days I did triathlon and in certain wether conditions I had to use a 'puffer' when I was running. I also wheeze when I am in close proximity to cats. Its not that bad and I am reluctant to take any more medication. The woodburner is soooooo nice this weather though!!
Janey