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Is Persistent Cough Suggestive Of COPD?
Question: I believe I may have COPD, even though technically I should not be at risk for it. Can I share my symptoms and get an opinion? I have been coughing for the last six months...non stop. In the beginning it was a very dry cough. Over the last month it has become productive. I do cough up mucus, however I rarely have to blow my nose. I have coughing "fits" that are just awful. I cough to the point of gagging, it hurts between my shoulder blades. Over the last couple of months, it has gotten to where when I yawn or cough, I can take in a deep breath to do the yawn or cough but I can't "push" it out. It's very hard to explain. I am awakened at least once per night, often two or three times, due to coughing fits. When I'm not having a "fit", I walk around all day just coughing. At times, I can go from my bed to my bathroom or walk up the stairs to my room and my heart is racing. It's like I've run a marathon. My GP has diagnosed it twice...first as acid reflux. The meds did nothing. Then as allergies. Again, the meds have done nothing. I have not missed a singe dose of anything, and I am still coughing. It is affecting my home life, my work life, every aspect of my life! This has been going on since Feb. or March of this year. Could I have COPD?
Sorry, I should mention that I have never smoked.
Sorry, I should mention that I have never smoked.
Brief Answer:
A clinical examination is required to make a diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have very carefully gone through the details provided and understand your concerns. You could have COPD but it is hard to comment definitively without listening to the lungs, checking the chest X ray and going through a pulmonary function test report. The possibility of reflux is also definitely there and it is hard to comment without clinically examining you. In that case, even on taking medicines you might not get relief.
However, irrespective of the cause, I would suggest you to take steam inhalation a few times a day. Water in the form of vapour will reach deep inside and will dilute the mucus which has become very dry. Diluting the mucus will reduce the requirement to forcibly cough out the otherwise non-productive respiratory secretions. Thus it should provide relief. Taking some antiallergic off and on, should help.
If you have reflux, I would suggest taking small and frequent meals rather than taking large meals at long intervals. Regular exercise and morning walk is essential. High fibre diet and fibresupplements should help. Chewing non-sugary chewing gums should also be useful.
If you have any other query, feel free to communicate back and I would be happy to help.
Regards
A clinical examination is required to make a diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have very carefully gone through the details provided and understand your concerns. You could have COPD but it is hard to comment definitively without listening to the lungs, checking the chest X ray and going through a pulmonary function test report. The possibility of reflux is also definitely there and it is hard to comment without clinically examining you. In that case, even on taking medicines you might not get relief.
However, irrespective of the cause, I would suggest you to take steam inhalation a few times a day. Water in the form of vapour will reach deep inside and will dilute the mucus which has become very dry. Diluting the mucus will reduce the requirement to forcibly cough out the otherwise non-productive respiratory secretions. Thus it should provide relief. Taking some antiallergic off and on, should help.
If you have reflux, I would suggest taking small and frequent meals rather than taking large meals at long intervals. Regular exercise and morning walk is essential. High fibre diet and fibresupplements should help. Chewing non-sugary chewing gums should also be useful.
If you have any other query, feel free to communicate back and I would be happy to help.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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