Coughing So Hard You Throw Up?

 

 

Have you been coughing so hard from an asthma attack that you threw up? Or almost threw up?

That happened to me yesterday.  

I have NO idea what caused it, but tree and grass pollen are out, so I don't know if that made my lungs cranky. 

I was coughing so hard that I had tears running down my face. And I could barely keep my hands still to fill up my medicine cup and turn on the nebulizer for a breathing treatment.  

When I cough that hard, it is impossible for me to use an inhaler. I literally cannot inhale deep enough to use an inhaler.  

I need to just sit there on the couch while I breath in the mist from my nebulizer.  

Paroxysmal cough  

What is paroxysmal cough?  

Cleveland Clinic says: 

"Paroxysmal cough is an uncontrollable coughing fit. It’s often violent and keeps you from getting a breath. You might gag, vomit or even pass out." 

I panicked last night when I had a paroxysmal cough. I was home alone and kept telling myself to stay calm, stay calm, stay calm. I was wearing my Apple Watch that will call an ambulance if I fall and pass out. 

But I was hard to pull out the supplies for my nebulizer so I could give myself a breathing treatment because I was coughing so hard, gagging, and trying to not throw up. 

What a scary experience!  

Cleveland Clinic lists a few things that can help, such as cough drops/lozenges, decongestants (if you have post nasal drip), expectorant (to help cough out whatever is bothering your lungs), or a cough suppressant

I have post nasal drip thanks to tree and grass pollen, so I'll grab some lozenges for my irritated throat. Maybe that will prevent it from happening again.   

They also recommend staying hydrated, using a humidifier, or breathing in steam from a hot shower. For me, humid air is an asthma trigger - so I will skip that step.

I'm surprised they didn't recommend using an inhaler or having a breathing treatment! That's teh only thing that saved me.  

If you have asthma and a paroxysmal cough, talk to your doctor and see what she wants you to do.  

I don't get a paroxysmal cough very often, but when I do - it's awful! 

Has anyone else had this happen to them? Be careful! 

Hugs, 

Andrea