Chronic cough

Does anyone have chronic cough with UC? I think I do. I got a chest cold a few years back and had a cough linger for almost a year. The doctor never found anything concerning. I coughed up a lot of mucus and I suspected UC since before getting this I never had a cough linger before. Now 3 years later when I get pregnant my mysterious cough is back. I will be fine then I feel that irritation in my lungs and before long I am coughing up mucus. My GI did not think UC caused any type of cough but he also said he never heard of 5 asa's causing hairloss when it was written on the insert as a side effect.

If you have had this with UC did inhaled steroids help?

What is wierd is it does not matter how good or bad my UC is going, the cough stays pretty much the same.

I dont see how UC would relate to cough. Pretty weird. Did any of you see a specialist? Ie. not just your GI but a lung doctor! Pulmonologists I think they call em :p

I don't, and I have UC AND asthma. It's not related to UC, but you might have an allergy, reactive lung/airway syndrome, underlying asthma, virus, or a side effect to certain medications (especially blood pressure meds), and REFLUX/GERD, post nasal drip...etc.  If you had a cold recently, it can trigger a cough to continue.  Hormones, as well can trigger them, especially if pregnant, and in saying you're pregnant, that can exacerbate reflux.

yes, a steroid inhaler can help if there's definite inflammation....but yours might be caused by reflux, and that might be the answer for you.

My husband's had a cough that develops every so often and can last for months. It's most times triggered by change in weather, washing the vehicles in a hand car-wash, cutting wood...etc. Not allergies, but definite reaction.

You should get checked out by a respirologist or an ENT...both can investigate to see if you have inflammation or excessive phlegm or mucus around the larynx.  There's a specific pattern if it's reflux.  If your larynx is inflamed, you might have a slight infection and that can be cleared with antibiotics.

If your inflammation in the upper lungs and you're coughing from that and not the lower throat area, the inhaler can help, as could possibly using singulair .

not everything can be blamed on UC, but tendencies for problems/sensitivities, etc can come along with anything.

Get checked out for a definitive diagnosis...although it can take a while if there's nothing obviousl..

q

I am on a steroid enema since 5 asa medications do not agree with me.

Whether it's caused by reflux or allergies or cold air, what you are describing sounds like a mild case of asthma. It is often difficult to diagnose in adults and your DR might just brush it off. Inhaled steroids (I use pulmicort, made by the same folks who make entocort) and it is very effective with little to none systemic absorption.

I researched the subject a little bit before and found this:

http://www.uptodate.com/contents/pulmonary-complications-of-inflammatory-bowel-disease

The innerworkings of our amazing bodies are still beyond our understanding, a connection between both is a possibility. However, I agree that other causes need to be ruled out before attributing to UC, specially when medications that supress the immune system are involved.

I was on Remicade too, but no other meds now except for Asacol. I know I need to get a physical before year end, so I'll bring this up to my doc. I just don't want to pay for another med, darn it!!

quincy.... I don't have a paid subscription, nor am I promoting getting one. I am only accessing the information available for free to patients and read the abstracts of articles referenced that were relevant to me. I think most of us have already invested financially more than we would like to in this illness, but to some a paid subscription may be worth it.

http://www.uptodate.com/home/subscription-options

Persistent cough is related to uc. My GI DR always asks how my cough is. I have it for a few weeks and then off a few weeks. Usually worsens as my uc does.

Hi i have the same problem it comes and goes caused by inflammation in your body.

Diet is the key pills are a band aid (most doctors are idiots in regards to UC i would put it at 95%)

Rules that work for UC people

No booze ( i drink wine and its a big no no)
No sugar drinks
No Coffee ;(
No dairy
No red meat (pork beef) yes i eat bacon but its evil as well ;(
Avoid refined grains (body thinks is sugar)
Avoid foods with sulfates added (grapes with sulfur spray etc that crap is BAD for you)
For some reason i do not do well with citrus
Pretty much no factory food

What to eat
Pretty much go vegan
Oatmeal is also good for your gut. The fiber in oatmeal will help you.
Meats for me are fish/seafood and eggs
What i also make sometimes in the AM vega greens protein with frozen berry's banana

Pick up the book for idiots guide for inflammation cook book

i've once read that chronic cough can be a sign of parasites

My story

I always had a funny stomach as a kid. In 2013 I had a bad recluse spider bite and was put on antibiotics that was the start of HELL.

I was really sick for 10 months idiot doctors went through several of them.
After being diagnosed I was taking 8 pills a day 5-ASA over time reduced down to 4 a day.

Who wants to take pills read lots of studies and books.
Moved to the east coast, a nurse practitioner there said do you want to get off those pills as they are not good for you. Changed my diet and went from 4 a day down to 1-2 a week. Weekends are my cheat days that's why i would take them.

When my diet goes back to eating garbage holidays, vacation etc. I need my pills again.

To answer your question i am not 100% vegan but eat seafood.

I could not find the study but close enough

http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2013/12/10/250007042/chowing-down-on-meat-and-dairy-alters-gut-bacteria-a-lot-and-quickly

I also found a really good study on the fiber in oatmeal and remission google it.

Your gut takes a long time to heal