Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Are Frequent Dry Cough, Runny Nose And Watery Eyes That Have Lasted On And Off For Months Due To Something Serious?
Question: Hi! I am female and 61. I have developed a frequent dry cough within the last month. I seem to get coughing attacks every couple of hrs. Drinking water helps at the time of coughing. I feel totally spent after cough and just sit for a couple of minutes to recover. My eyes start to water and nose starts to run. Over Christmas this last year, I had the flu was really ill including a very intense cough. I've had an occasional cough ever since, but now it is quite frequent happening throughout the day.
I should add that at times, I feel like I'm allergic to everything indoors and I can't help but think that this cough is related to that. Air conditioning makes me ill and I work in a place with sawdust and fabric that sometimes sheds, but I also cough at home.
I have some cough syrup left over from the flu, but it has codeine in it and I'd rather not take that. Over counter cough syrup works as well. But this is getting to be too annoying. I have no other symptoms so I don't think this is serious.
Thanks
I should add that at times, I feel like I'm allergic to everything indoors and I can't help but think that this cough is related to that. Air conditioning makes me ill and I work in a place with sawdust and fabric that sometimes sheds, but I also cough at home.
I have some cough syrup left over from the flu, but it has codeine in it and I'd rather not take that. Over counter cough syrup works as well. But this is getting to be too annoying. I have no other symptoms so I don't think this is serious.
Thanks
Brief Answer:
The possibility of allergic bronchitis is more likely.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
By your history and description, a possibility of allergic bronchitis is more likely.
So in my opinion, you should definitely consult a Pulmonologist and get a clinical examination of the respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) done.
PFT will not only diagnose bronchitis but it will also tell you about the severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only.
Please avoid using Codeine as it has a high chance of dependence and tolerance. You will need antihistamine and anti-allergic drugs (montelukast and Levocetirizine or Fexofenadine).
If PFT is showing obstructive defect then you will also need inhaled bronchodilators (Formoterol or Salmeterol) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (Budesonide or Fluticasone). All these are prescription based medications.
Don't worry, you will be alright with all these.
It is better not to take codeine containing syrup for so long.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
The possibility of allergic bronchitis is more likely.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
By your history and description, a possibility of allergic bronchitis is more likely.
So in my opinion, you should definitely consult a Pulmonologist and get a clinical examination of the respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) done.
PFT will not only diagnose bronchitis but it will also tell you about the severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only.
Please avoid using Codeine as it has a high chance of dependence and tolerance. You will need antihistamine and anti-allergic drugs (montelukast and Levocetirizine or Fexofenadine).
If PFT is showing obstructive defect then you will also need inhaled bronchodilators (Formoterol or Salmeterol) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (Budesonide or Fluticasone). All these are prescription based medications.
Don't worry, you will be alright with all these.
It is better not to take codeine containing syrup for so long.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
