Question: : I started taking lisinopril for high blood pressure in December. Soon after, I developed a nagging dry cough that wouldn't stop. I have thrown up because the coughing was so bad. I also have had blood tests and chest X-rays. They all came back negative.
In desperation, I went to an ear, nose and throat specialist, who told me this kind of cough is common in people my age (50) due to postnasal drip. He knew I was on lisinopril but gave me an antihistamine and cough suppressant. They didn't help.
I learned on your Web site that lisinopril can cause a chronic cough. I have not gotten a good night's sleep in five months, and I am furious that none of the doctors I've seen suggested changing this drug. Can I control my blood pressure without medicine?
Answer:: Don't stop the lisinopril on your own, but do discuss this issue with your physician and request a different medication. ACE inhibitor hypertension drugs like lisinopril can cause a very persistent cough in susceptible people.
Many nondrug approaches can help lower blood pressure. Adopting one or more might allow you to get by on a lower dose of medication or eventually to phase off it, with your doctor's help. Weight loss, exercise, slower breathing and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (especially beets and spinach) can all be helpful.
Question: : Several weeks ago, you had a question from someone about using poison-ivy extract to get rid of warts. You suggested that this is a bad idea and not very safe.
I am a retired dermatologist and disagree with your opinion. It is much better to have poison-ivy dermatitis than a mosaic plantar wart. Poison ivy is a nuisance that clears in a week or two and is nicely controlled. Very severe cases are uncommon, but even those are no match for a mosaic plantar wart. Having one on the sole of your foot would be like walking on a 50-cent piece in your shoe.
If I can relieve a patient by scratching in a drop of poison-ivy extract and exciting an immune response to the wart, I have done a great favor for that patient.
Answer: : We discouraged the use of poison ivy as a home remedy for warts because it requires great caution. A dermatologist who can apply an extract under controlled conditions would be much less likely to create a serious complication for a highly susceptible patient.
Thank you for sharing your expertise. We still think using poison ivy against warts is best left to professionals.
