Persistent Coughing and Dizziness: Symptoms in Seniors

After coughing for nearly two weeks, I started experiencing dizziness and excessive sleepiness?

Hello doctor, my mother is 65 years old.
About 10 days ago, she started experiencing a scratchy throat and visited an ENT specialist, who prescribed some bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications.
However, she is still coughing, her energy has decreased, and she has been very drowsy.
Initially, I thought it might be due to the medication, but she stopped taking it last night, and today she is still sleeping a lot.
Whenever she goes outside, she feels dizzy, and after waking up for two hours to have lunch, she goes back to sleep, saying she feels dizzy when awake and needs to lie down.
Is this a concern? Could it be that she has exhausted too much energy from coughing? What should she eat to feel better?

Ms. Zhou, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/05

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Dear Ms.
Chou,
Hello.
For older patients who experience excessive sleepiness, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation for safety.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi
Director, Department of Otolaryngology
Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2015/07/05

More Info

Persistent coughing and dizziness in seniors can be concerning symptoms that warrant careful evaluation. In your mother's case, the combination of a persistent cough, increased fatigue, and dizziness could indicate several underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Firstly, it's important to consider the potential causes of her symptoms. A persistent cough can arise from various conditions, including respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or even gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Given that your mother has been experiencing throat irritation and has been prescribed bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications, it suggests that her healthcare provider is considering a respiratory issue, possibly related to bronchial inflammation or constriction.

The fact that she has become increasingly lethargic and is experiencing dizziness raises additional concerns. Dizziness can be caused by several factors, including dehydration, low blood pressure, anemia, or even side effects from medications. Since she has been taking medications for her cough, it is essential to evaluate whether these medications could be contributing to her dizziness or fatigue. Some bronchodilators can cause side effects such as increased heart rate or jitteriness, which might lead to feelings of dizziness, especially in older adults.

Moreover, the combination of persistent cough and dizziness could also suggest a more serious underlying condition, such as pneumonia or heart failure. In older adults, pneumonia can present atypically, and symptoms may include a persistent cough, fatigue, and confusion or dizziness. Heart failure can also manifest with respiratory symptoms and fatigue, particularly if fluid builds up in the lungs.

Given your mother's symptoms, it is crucial to monitor her closely. If her dizziness persists or worsens, or if she experiences any other concerning symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or confusion, it would be advisable to seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, if her cough does not improve or if she develops a fever, further evaluation may be necessary to rule out infections or other serious conditions.

In terms of management, ensuring that your mother stays well-hydrated is essential, as dehydration can exacerbate dizziness and fatigue. Encouraging her to rest and avoid strenuous activities while she recovers is also important. If she is experiencing difficulty with her appetite, consider offering small, nutritious meals or snacks to help maintain her energy levels.

Lastly, it may be beneficial to follow up with her healthcare provider to reassess her condition, especially since she has not improved after stopping her medications. A thorough examination, possibly including imaging studies or blood tests, may be warranted to determine the underlying cause of her symptoms and to adjust her treatment plan accordingly.

In summary, persistent coughing and dizziness in seniors can indicate various health issues, and it is essential to approach these symptoms with caution. Close monitoring, proper hydration, and timely medical evaluation are key to ensuring your mother's health and well-being.

Similar Q&A

Managing Persistent Cough and Dizziness: ENT Insights

Doctor: Hello, my mother has been coughing persistently and has a lot of phlegm. At night, she feels dizzy and restless. How should we handle this? Thank you very much for your response.

Dr. Hu Kexin reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, persistent cough and dizziness can both be evaluated by an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist). These symptoms may be separate conditions, or they could be caused by a cold that simultaneously triggers both cough and dizziness. The exact cause s...

Managing Persistent Cough in Elderly Patients After Stroke: Expert Advice

Hello Doctor: My elder at home is 79 years old and has been on medication since suffering a stroke two years ago, including Liziana and Strocain. However, he has been experiencing a persistent cough since the stroke. The doctor prescribed cough suppressants and expectorants, but ...

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear j-bear 22: Elderly individuals who have had a stroke may experience impaired central control of cough and sputum clearance, making them more susceptible to sputum accumulation, which can irritate the bronchi and trigger coughing. In such cases, medication can provide only te...

Persistent Coughing: Understanding Chronic Cough in Older Adults

Hello, my father is in his fifties and has been a teacher for over twenty years. Recently, he caught a cold and has been coughing continuously since then. He has seen both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine; the traditional doctor advised against consuming tonics, ...

Dr. Jiang Zhenyuan reply Pulmonology
A persistent cough definitely requires further evaluation by a specialist. I recommend starting with a pulmonologist. There are many potential causes for a chronic cough, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung infections (such as pneumonia and tuberc...

Understanding Persistent Dizziness, Nausea, and Head Pain in Seniors

Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my grandmother. She often experiences dizziness, and a few days ago while cooking in the kitchen, she suddenly felt lightheaded. Sometimes at night, she feels a tightness in her stomach and wants to vomit. My grandmother needs to take sleep...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, your grandmother has many symptoms. First, we should consider Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), characterized by brief episodes of dizziness related to changes in head position, such as bending over, tilting back, lying down, getting u...