I have polycystic kidney disease which limits what I can take. I have a dry/chesty cough that makes me retch every time I cough. What remedy can I take?

I am sorry to hear that you have been unwell with the cough.

There seems to be a virus doing the rounds these past few weeks giving a persistent cough with the symptoms you describe. I would suggest that you try the herbs Mullein and Marshmallow. These will not affect the polycystic kidney disease you tell me you have.

You may also wish to consider cutting out all forms of cow’s milk and dairy produce until your cough resolves. As you may know, this class of foods tends to encourage the production of mucus in your body and this will not be helping your cough.

Dr. Jen Tan