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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Cough In An Elderly Person
Question: My husband 94 years, healthy for his age, has constant phlegmy cough. Is there a cure?
Brief Answer:
post nasal drip is the most common cause of chronic cough
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The most common causes for persistent/chronic cough are: (1)post nasal drip (2) GERD- reflux (3) asthma
Post nasal drip is the most common of these 3. Some persons may not be aware of the drip of mucus to the back of the throat and present with the signs/symptoms of the drip such as cough.
Post nasal drip is treated with the use of decongestants/anti histamine combination. Topical nose sprays would also be helpful as well eg nasocort, nasonex, flonase, rhinocort
If he has reflux symptoms such as burning discomfort in the chest, acid taste in the mouth, bloating, nausea then he may need to consider reflux medication
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
post nasal drip is the most common cause of chronic cough
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The most common causes for persistent/chronic cough are: (1)post nasal drip (2) GERD- reflux (3) asthma
Post nasal drip is the most common of these 3. Some persons may not be aware of the drip of mucus to the back of the throat and present with the signs/symptoms of the drip such as cough.
Post nasal drip is treated with the use of decongestants/anti histamine combination. Topical nose sprays would also be helpful as well eg nasocort, nasonex, flonase, rhinocort
If he has reflux symptoms such as burning discomfort in the chest, acid taste in the mouth, bloating, nausea then he may need to consider reflux medication
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Since he already uses your suggestions I have to accept that we are stuck with the problem. Thankyou.
Brief Answer:
then consider NAEB or asthma if using medication consistently
Detailed Answer:
HI
If he is already consistently using medications for post nasal drip (the nasal sprays , decongestants and antihistamines) and reflux medication then other less common causes would need to be considered eg asthma or a condition called non asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis (NAEB).
NAEB is the cause in 13 to 33% of persons with persistent coughing.
It is diagnosed easily with a sputum sample showing increased amounts of a type of white blood cells called eosinophils.
Treated by using steroid inhalors (like used in asthma), response is within 4 weeks
then consider NAEB or asthma if using medication consistently
Detailed Answer:
HI
If he is already consistently using medications for post nasal drip (the nasal sprays , decongestants and antihistamines) and reflux medication then other less common causes would need to be considered eg asthma or a condition called non asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis (NAEB).
NAEB is the cause in 13 to 33% of persons with persistent coughing.
It is diagnosed easily with a sputum sample showing increased amounts of a type of white blood cells called eosinophils.
Treated by using steroid inhalors (like used in asthma), response is within 4 weeks
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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