Question
Back in Dec. 2006 I was diagnosed with an upper respitory infection and sinusitis. I was tteated with antibiotics, Mucinex DM, and Hycotuss with Codiene clear cough syrup i got rid of most of the symptoms but the dry hacking cough with some shortness of breath lasted until Jan. Now I finally felt better but the cough is coming back. I am on Methotrexate and Plaquinel, Relaphen, Colchine for Sjogrens Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteo Arthritis. I also have asthma. I can’t shake this cough. I called my PCP, he gave me Phenegren with Codeine. IT did not help, it actually made the cough worse. I have been told that some people who take Methotrexate can have lung problems. Could this be what is happening to me? I am not sure what else to do. I have coughing spasms all day and night. Sometimes they are so bad I can not make it to the bathroom fast enough. I would appreciate any info you can share with me.
Answer
A dry persistent cough can be a symptom of inflammation in the lung. Methotrexate can cause this, but generally it doesn’t get better unless the drug is stopped. Inflammation in the lung from RA or Sjogren’s can also cause a chronic cough. You should discuss with your doctor a referral to a pulmonary specialist for further evaluation.
