DEAR DR. GOTT: I am 68-year-old woman who suffers from high blood pressure and diabetes. I take a 25 mg Carvedilol tablet as well as a 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide pill; each twice a day. I am continually stricken with severe spasms in my rib cage area, not to mention a dry hacking cough that just won’t go away. My physician as well as several pharmacists are perplexed since my potassium levels are normal. Your advice is greatly needed and appreciated.
DEAR READER: Chronic cough can have many causes from acid reflux to a medication side effect to lung tumors with more benign causes being the most common. In your case, I believe the most likely culprit is one or more of your medications. Your rib cage muscle spasms may be the result of a vitamin or mineral imbalance or simply the result of constantly coughing.
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