talkhealth forums

I am writing with regard to my health as I am prone to getting coughs/chest infections and to be honest I am getting fed up of this. Also when I cough I have to wear sanitary pads as I wet myself and I have not worn sanitary pads for periods for over twelve years. When I cough in bed my lower back gets sore and I am worried that I could have problems with my back later in life as it could weaken.
I had muscle spasms for a week and could hardly get out of bed and when going to the toilet first thing, had trouble in wiping myself. The pain in my back can be very sore and also my mobility is restricted and I just want to stop getting the bad back. I would like to not get a cough but that is not going to happen and I get a bad tickly hacking cough which is annoying to others. I also felt very hot and did sweat especially at night and I am not prone to sweating. I also lost my appetite and when I did eat, I could hardly eat anything and got bloated quite quickly. It ruined my Christmas and New Year. I still have a sore throat and ears but my cough has reduced, this cannot keep happening. I really need some help as my doctor is not helping

Dear Harrison1,

Thank you for taking the time to post. I am sorry to hear of your concerns about your back and I also understand how frustrating it must be to have these recurrent infections.

It does sound like you've suffered with a bad cough and cold over Christmas. Do you take any medicines at all, or suffer from respiratory conditions? Have you managed to have your annual flu vaccination this season? The flu jab really is the best way to protect yourself from severe flu illness over winter. If your GP has finished their clinics, your local pharmacy may still be providing the jab. It is definitely worth getting but you must remember to have it every year for it to be effective.

There are things you can do at home to help yourself remain well. The NHS has published some great advice on their Live well website. http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth ... risks.aspx This page gives advice on how you can help soothe your throat and help coughs get better

Another website on NHS choices also gives information about how you can boost your immune system, energy levels and generally stay well in the Winter months. Take a look here for more information: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth ... inter.aspx

I appreciate you are concerned about your back. Light massage and heat packs can help reduce your back pain. In terms of looking after your back for the future, core strengthening exercises can help with your posture and prevent back problems. Again, NHS choices has some great exercise webpages, including their strength and flex plan http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/strength-and ... casts.aspx

I hope this advice is useful to you,

Justine

Hello Justine

Thanks for replying. I will look at these websites you suggested.

I do have an annual flu jab.

I do not know why I get bad coughs or chest infections, I am just unlucky.

I just wish that I did not and feel that I should go for further tests to see if there is any underlying reason

Dear Harrison1,

I hope that you do find the websites useful.

I think your suggestion of speaking with the GP to identify any underlying reason is a good idea and I'm sure the GP will be able to give you any further advice.

Kindest regards,

Justine