Persistent Dry Cough and New Hives: Seeking Advice
For the past ten to fourteen days, I’ve been struggling with an irritating dry cough that appears to be worsening. Additionally, over the last several nights, I’ve developed strange hives and itchiness on my knees, the backs of my hands, and my feet, which is disrupting my sleep. I’m in need of some guidance, as I’m feeling quite overwhelmed. Here are some details regarding my situation and symptoms: • I am a new mother, four months postpartum with my first child, and my delivery was relatively straightforward (I had a vaginal birth at 42 weeks). • Currently, I’m pumping breast milk and supplementing with formula for my baby, but I haven’t taken any medications or herbal remedies to alleviate my symptoms. • I don’t smoke and have never used illicit drugs. • I had asthma as a child around the age of twelve and used an inhaler but haven’t required it since. • Before giving birth, I was an avid runner and am now attempting to return to that routine. However, my cough doesn’t seem to be triggered by running. • There have been no recent alterations to my diet, laundry detergents, or personal care products. I’ve been healthy overall and I’m not currently using any form of birth control. • I suspect my cough may have originated from a brief period of insufficient hydration, so I made sure to drink plenty of water and replenish electrolytes. I’ve also stayed consistent with my vitamins, yet the cough remains unchanged. It’s a dry cough, fluctuating in severity throughout the day, but I’m not coughing up blood. • I’m not experiencing body aches, sore throat, fever, chills, or other symptoms typically associated with colds or flu. • I have not received any vaccinations lately. • I interact with horses weekly, so I am exposed to a dusty environment, but I don’t suspect that my symptoms are related to this. • I reside in the southern United States, and I don’t believe I have flea, mosquito, or bedbug infestations in my home. The hives don’t resemble bites from these pests. • I have been experiencing significant stress due to work and family matters; however, I thought I was coping well by discussing my concerns with my husband. • Thankfully, my husband and child seem to be unaffected by my condition. I would greatly appreciate any insights on what might be causing these issues and what steps I should take next. I’m feeling worn out from the lack of quality sleep and am uncertain if I should consult a doctor in person or if there are any medications I can safely consider while continuing to breastfeed my child. I’m feeling quite distressed. Thank you!
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 8:40:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed when dealing with persistent symptoms like a dry cough and hives, especially as a new mother. Your concerns about how these symptoms might affect your wellbeing and your ability to care for your child are valid. Let's break down your situation and focus on some practical steps to help you manage these issues.
Main Points:
- Persistent dry cough and new hives can have different causes.
- Consider environmental factors, stress, and potential allergies.
- Focus on identifying triggers and managing symptoms with safe remedies while breastfeeding.
Explanation:
The dry cough you’ve been experiencing for 10 to 14 days, especially that worsens, may be related to several factors. Given your recent interactions with horses and exposure to dusty environments, it's possible that these could be contributing to respiratory irritation or an allergic reaction. Hives typically indicate an allergic response, which could be triggered by something new or even stress in some cases.
Since you have a history of asthma, it could be worth considering if there is any connection to your respiratory symptoms. Although you are not experiencing any major respiratory distress at this time, keeping a watchful eye is essential.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a daily diary of your cough and hives, noting any patterns or possible triggers, including food, activities, or stress levels that may coincide with these symptoms. This approach can help identify what might be exacerbating your situation.
-
Hydration & Humidity: Continue ensuring you are well-hydrated, as dehydration can contribute to a dry cough. Additionally, consider using a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air, which can soothe your throat and airways.
-
Avoid Irritants: Try to minimize exposure to potential irritants such as dust, strong perfumes, or detergents. Given your environment with horses, wearing a mask when interacting with them may help reduce respiratory symptoms.
-
Skin Care for Hives: For the hives, consider using over-the-counter antihistamines, like cetirizine or loratadine, which are generally safe during breastfeeding. Apply cold compresses to the affected areas to alleviate itching and discomfort.
-
Stress Management: Since you mentioned feeling stressed, continue to communicate with your husband about your feelings. Integrating relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or short walks, can also help reduce stress levels.
-
Consult a Healthcare Professional: If symptoms persist for more than a week or worsen, or if the hives spread, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider. They can provide a more tailored assessment and safe treatment options.
Taking these actionable steps can help alleviate your current symptoms while providing you with the clarity needed on what next actions to undertake. Remember, your wellbeing is vital, both for yourself and your child. Please feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need additional support.
Related Questions
Concerns About Potential Brain Damage at 16
To begin, I’d like to clarify that I’m currently located in Europe, where I observe that many individuals in my environment engage in more extreme behaviors than I do, even as I strive to partake in social activities without crossing the line into recklessness. My journey with alcohol commenced at the age of 14, albeit in a very mild manner. By the time I turned 15, I started drinking more regularly, making sure to space out my experiences approximately weekly to monthly, totaling around ten instances of intoxication. Notably, I noticed I had an adverse physical reaction to alcohol—specifically, skin flush the following day—which prompted me to transition to cannabis as it felt easier on my body. I limited my cannabis use to weekends while adhering to similar spacing, with one exception. At 16, I found myself smoking almost every day for a week after a particular incident, but I was able to regain control thereafter. When I was 15, I also experimented with psilocybin mushrooms on two occasions, which proved to be positive experiences and made me realize I needed to cut back on alcohol consumption. Recently, I had a successful experience with 150 micrograms of LSD after careful preparation. This evening, I intend to consume half an edible instead of resorting to drinking or smoking, aiming to increase my intervals between substances to once a month at a minimum while maintaining a healthy lifestyle as an athlete. Despite my efforts, my naturally anxious disposition makes me concerned about anything that may cause irreversible damage to my brain, including, for instance, excessive screen time. I would greatly value insights from professionals regarding these worries. For context: I’m 16 years old, assigned female at birth but have been on testosterone for seven months, standing at 5'4" and weighing 125 pounds.
Concerns about HSV Transmission During Nasal Suctioning for My Baby
Recently, I experienced my first cold sore at the age of 29, appearing at the edge of my lower lip. With a three-month-old infant, I have been particularly cautious, believing that the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is transmitted solely through direct contact. I made sure to avoid kissing my baby and kept my distance. On her three-month birthday, she woke in the early morning with significant nasal congestion. Feeling exhausted, I instinctively reached for the Frida nasal suction, my usual go-to in such situations. While using the device, I made sure my cold sore was not in contact with it. Typically, I only use the suction in her nostrils, afterward blowing air onto my hand to check for any mucus and then continuing the process. However, as I performed this task, I began to question whether I was potentially spreading the virus; my research revealed that HSV can indeed be transmitted through saliva. Although most of my usage was suctioning, I realized I had occasionally blown into the tube to assess its effectiveness before resuming suction. Naturally, I'm feeling anxious and regretful for not thoroughly considering the risks involved. Additionally, I learned that my illness may have contributed to my cold sore, and now I suspect my baby may also be coming down with something—her first cold has me quite worried. I took precautions by wearing a mask, and throughout the week, she seemed unaffected. Being a breastfeeding mother, I hope she has received ample antibodies to help her. I would greatly appreciate any insights on whether I need to be alarmed or if there are specific signs I should monitor. Thank you for your assistance!
Dismissed as a Patient After 26 Years
For the past 26 years, I’ve been a patient at the same medical office, practically since the moment I entered this world (or rather, since I began my existence). Admittedly, I did transition from a pediatrician to a general practitioner when I turned 18, but I’ve mainly seen the same doctors throughout my life, including a general physician and a sports medicine specialist. During this extensive period, I have only missed a couple of appointments—perhaps just two in total—which seems quite reasonable considering I’ve had numerous check-ups and consultations due to various health issues, largely stemming from accidents and injuries. It’s not uncommon for someone like me, who tends to be accident-prone, to have over a hundred visits in nearly three decades. However, I recently discovered that I’ve reportedly missed three appointments in the span of six months. This unexpected revelation is frustrating, as those missed appointments occurred while I was recovering from orthopedic surgery following a significant work-related accident—I tumbled two stories off a ladder, highlighting my tendency for mishaps. The appointments I failed to attend were routine check-ups with my general practitioner, my sports medicine doctor, and a blood test. Unfortunately, they all coincidentally fell around the same period just after my surgery. I learned about the need for the surgery only a few weeks ahead of these scheduled appointments, and post-surgery, mobility was a challenge. I had asked my husband to cancel them on my behalf, but he neglected to do so—an oversight we share. While I take some responsibility for not ensuring the calls were made, I was heavily medicated with prescribed pain relief at the time. Despite my generally good attendance record, this series of missed appointments led to my dismissal as a patient. Today, when I contacted the office to request a refill for a chronic medication unrelated to the surgery, I was informed that I can no longer receive care there, as I was discharged as a patient back in early January. This came as a shock, especially since they had filled a different prescription for me just weeks ago without any issues. It raises the question: how can they discharge me and then assist with a prescription shortly before? I’ve been on the same medication for over seven years, and I am not asking for anything out of the ordinary. If they want to sever ties after 26 years, I’m willing to find another provider, but it feels absurd to deny me vital medication after such a long-standing relationship. Is this a common practice? When I explained my situation—politely and respectfully—the response was still a firm refusal to refill my prescription. My discussions were limited to administrative personnel, leaving me at a loss about my next steps. I’ve always been a reliable patient, with the exception of these recent three appointments occurring immediately after the surgery. The urgency of my medical needs can’t be understated: I am in need of key prescriptions and follow-up care due to significant health concerns from my recent injury, numerous corticosteroid injections, and a positive result from a cancer screening test. Although statistics suggest the probability of a false positive at my age, it still necessitates thorough follow-up, especially given my family's history of this condition. For the past week, I’ve reached out daily, always with courtesy, yet I’ve received no resolution, just the run-around among various office staff. They mentioned they sent me a letter to inform me of my dismissal, yet I never received a call, email, or any subsequent communication. One single letter does not suffice to terminate a patient’s long-term relationship with their medical practice, especially when it involves critical prescriptions and post-surgery care. Is this standard protocol? I cannot stress enough that I am not embellishing my situation. With an almost flawless attendance record and a recent misstep due to surgical recovery, being abruptly cut off feels excessive. I truly appreciate my general practitioner, need my medication, and face a myriad of concerns—from continuity of care to other pressing health issues—which makes this entire experience deeply troubling and perplexing.
Uncertainty Surrounding My Health Incident
I am a 15-year-old girl currently battling a cold, and I also have a confirmed diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Additionally, I suspect I may have POTS, although that's not officially confirmed. Earlier today, I got up to visit the bathroom, which requires navigating around twenty steps from the living room. As I stood up, I noticed my vision starting to blur, but that’s a familiar sensation for me, so I didn’t think anything was amiss. Upon reaching the bathroom, my eyesight faded to complete darkness. Losing my sight entirely isn’t unusual for me, and while frustrating, I merely found it bothersome rather than alarming. Once inside, I turned on the light, and although I couldn’t see it illuminating the room, I heard the click of the switch, indicating it was on. I then attempted to locate the sliding door to close it. However, I misjudged the doorway completely on my first try. I felt it was odd, yet I dismissed it and tried again, but I encountered the same issue. After my second attempt, I experienced significant trembling in my limbs, so intense that I realized I was on the verge of falling. To prevent that, I quickly lowered myself to the floor, remaining blind to my surroundings. After about five seconds, my vision began to return, and I noticed my legs were still shaking. A few seconds later, the shaking subsided, and I regained control over my body. I stood up right after, feeling relatively assured that it wouldn’t happen again, but I opted to sit for safety's sake. This event occurred just a couple of hours ago, and thankfully, it hasn't recurred. Although my vision tends to dim when I stand, that is a typical occurrence for me, and I’ve since retained partial sight. I did not lose consciousness during the incident and have clear memories of the entire experience, without confusion or disorientation afterward. Notably, epilepsy runs in my family; my aunt has it, and my mother’s cousin experienced several seizures a few months back, although he hasn’t had any recently. Personally, I have never fainted, though I’ve come close multiple times. It’s important to mention that I’ve never experienced a seizure before, and I remain uncertain whether what transpired was a seizure or something different altogether.
Severe Pain and Dryness in Hands and Toes: A Continuing Struggle
Subject: Ongoing Hand and Foot Discomfort – Seeking Insight Greetings, medical professionals, For the past several months, I have been dealing with distressing symptoms affecting my hands and feet, and I'm eager for some clarity. I have appointments lined up with an allergist and a dermatologist, but I won’t be able to see them for a few months. My previous tests for autoimmune conditions came back negative, though my ESR levels were elevated. Currently, I’m suffering from significant pain in my toes, resembling joint discomfort. Additionally, both my hands and feet appear swollen, especially with pressure applied. Some fingers have remained swollen for several weeks. According to my recent lab results: - A Complete Blood Count (CBC) revealed chronic anemia, although it has improved since the last test. - A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) indicated slightly elevated liver enzymes, with plans to recheck in three months. - However, my Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) indicated normal kidney function, while ESR results suggest mild inflammation. - Further laboratory results are pending. Moreover, I have noticed extreme dryness in my hands, characterized by peeling and cracking skin. Random bumps have developed on my knuckles, and the itchiness has become unbearable. The sequence of symptoms seems to transition from intense itching to swelling and redness, ultimately leading to dryness, which has persisted since November. I received a seven-day course of steroids for my asthma, which initially facilitated improvement but the symptoms returned, even exacerbated, once the treatment ended. Currently, the issues have spread to my feet, with severe pain specifically in my big toes and discomfort in all of my fingers. My left index finger has been particularly troubling; it became swollen and limited in movement after I attempted to point at something. This relentless cycle of pain has been incredibly draining. Even light pressure causes discomfort due to the pain within my skin and bones. I've experimented with prescription steroid creams, cortisone treatments, and various over-the-counter ointments, but none have provided relief. Since mid-December, breathing has also posed challenges for me. Although I have a rescue inhaler, I haven’t been able to utilize my maintenance inhaler as I am currently nursing, due to potential transfer into breast milk. Additionally, I should mention that the previously mentioned index finger has shown signs of nail pitting near the cuticle, which has also become inflamed, dry, and itchy, alongside my other cuticles. This is quite unusual for me, as I have never experienced dry hands before this episode. I have not introduced any new soaps or cleaning agents into my routine. Any insights or recommendations regarding these symptoms would be greatly appreciated as I navigate this challenging time.