One thing it could be is Acid Reflux Disease. Doctors are finding out that some chronic coughs are actually caused by the stomach acid coming up and getting into the broncial area. There is seldom, if ever, any pain with this. Needless to say that antibiotics wouldn't help this at all. You might try one of the OTC medication like Pepcid or Prilosec for a couple of weeks to see if you are helped any. Even a Tum or two before bedtime might help if this is what it is.

Often times the dry cough and post nasal drip issues are directly related to the Gerd. I do use a wedge pillow at times however I tend to slide down it during the night and end up flat. I have been doing a tremendous amount of research on Gerd and the use of proton pump inhibitors and other antacids. I am trying to wean myself off of them and after learning a lot about it, I am having great success. The most amazing thing is that now at the first sign of reflux I go immediately and take 1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar in 8oz of water and it is done! I was amazed but it works every time for me and my husband. We use the raw apple cider vinegar which will say with "the mother" on the label, that is the most natural type. Give it a try. We are now reflux - Gerd free and I have been on ppi drugs continuously since they first came on the market. I am thrilled to be off of all those so is my husband.

Hi Anne, speaking from experience over the last 5 years as Power of Attorney(POA) both financially and medically and now executor for my Mom's estate - YOU CAN DECLINE. Let your sister know she can put anything she wants on paper - you still have the legal right to decline. My great aunt who I have been POA for (it's a major, major headache)passed away last Dec. I am declining acting as executor. I've had enough. Everyone else just sits at home waiting for cheques from my Mom's estate - ask them a question (siblings) and they really don't care unless it's something of value to them. I tell ya true colors of character come out at this time. You have made it clear you are not accepting this role to your sister. The one thing I will say is I have been advised by a lawyer that whenever my great aunt's will is located (we only have an amendment to it), if it is the last one that is in conjunction with the amendment listing myself and sister as executors - I have to 'decline' before it goes to court for certification (probate). I don't know the laws in your area, they may differ. You don't have to accept this. You can send a registered letter to everyone stating you are not accepting further responsibility for her. Sometimes you have to look after yourself. Believe me I know. Maybe your sister will get the point if you send a registered letter - if you know her lawyer, you can send them one as well to place on her file. Just my 2 cents worth. I am sorry she has brought the flu to your home - keep spraying and take care of yourself. Unfortunately I have had to 'let go/dis-own' 2 sisters because of the way they have treated my home over the years as their drop in hotel, drop in day care. Enough is enough ... too bad ... they are no longer welcome to the point where I wrote and advised them both if they ever showed up again I will call the police to have them removed. Another story. But you get my drift. Do take care - your health is precious. You've done what you can I'm sure but let the others step in. Best of luck to you, Peggy

viral or not, you can treat the symptoms? Why wouldn't someone do that? Because most of the OTC cold meds don't really do much if at all. It's over-medicating that is pointless.The exception would be to take specific one ingredient relief for various symptoms. Aspirin or the like for fever/pain. Guaifenesin to break up mucus. (it will work on thick mucus anywhere, not just lungs, your body doesn't care). I don't see how Airborn is still on the market. I guess only because it really can't be regulated like real drugs since the scammers market it as a supplement. Hiowever it's real danger is it's vitamin A content. Take too much of that snake oil and you can exchange your cold for something far more detrimental. From WEB MD Vitamin A is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth or given as a shot into the muscle in amounts less than 10,000 units daily. Vitamin A is POSSBILY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in high doses. Some scientific research suggests that higher doses might increase the risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture, particularly in older people. Adults who eat low-fat dairy products, which are fortified with vitamin A, and a lot of fruits and vegetables usually do not need vitamin A supplements or multivitamins that contain vitamin A. Long-term use of large amounts of vitamin A might cause serious side effects including fatigue, irritability, mental changes, anorexia, stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, mild fever, excessive sweating, and many other side effects. In women who have passed menopause, taking too much vitamin A can increase the risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture. There is growing concern that taking high doses of antioxidant supplements such as vitamin A might do more harm than good. Some research shows that taking high doses of vitamin A supplements might increase the chance of death from all causes and possibly other serious side effects.