Some New Orleans residents are calling it the "Katrina Cough" ? a general upper respiratory irritation afflicting people returning to their hurricane-ravaged city. What's causing the cough is a bit of mystery and no one is sure how widespread it is. But doctors says the trend is not a good sign, especially for people who already suffer from respiratory ailments like asthma, bronchitis and allergies. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=1282590

Some New Orleans residents are calling it the "Katrina Cough" ? a general upper respiratory irritation afflicting people returning to their hurricane-ravaged city +++++++ I have had a cough for weeks now, I am a smoker :( but this is different. I think it is a combination of sheet rock, insulation and mold.

I would have to also agree that Mold, sheet rock and Insulation are some of the factors but lets not forget the bacteria that was in the water that flooded the city. It is a possability that the bacteria stayed behind. Who really knows what they are breathing in down there but I do know that yes only time will tell. It sounds like to me that some of the doctors down there are dumbfounded. There really is no way right now of telling what is causing the respratory ailments but I think with a little bit more time they will know for sure. I do know that those of you down there breathing in all this stuff should be concerned of developing more serious illnesses later. Inhaling Fiber Glass can cause Mesotheleoma, a rare but deadly form of Malignent lung Cancer.

Time will tell what causes these coughs, but NavyVet is on the right track I think.

I had it for over a week before I found out the best way to take care of it from WLOX TV. Antihistimines, nose spray, and cough syrup. I started the three of them and got rid of the cough in three days.

I had it for over a week before I found out the best way to take care of it from WLOX TV. Antihistimines, nose spray, and cough syrup. I started the three of them and got rid of the cough in three days. I sure hope other people that read this forum don't take your advice and should go to their doctor before self medicating and experimenting with OTC drugs, which can be much worse for you then your cough....~Raddy~