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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Cough

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Posted on Fri, 2 Jan 2015
Question: Hi, my name is XXXXXXX and I have a question. My mom has been coughing a lot recently and the doctors say it's allergies. But despite all the allergy medicines she's received, the cough still persists. What do I do?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Will need a few more details. Could you answer these questions for me?

Detailed Answer:
Hello there, welcome to HCM forum.
Thanks for writing to us.
There are so many conditions that can cause persistent cough. To narrow down the diagnostic possibilities, kindly give me a few more details.

1)For how long she is suffering from cough?
2)whether the cough is productive or not? If productive, what is nature and color of sputum?
3)is she having hemoptysis/blood stained sputum?
4)when is the cough more severe? Day or night?
5)Any other symptoms associated-fever,anorexia, lassitude, recent weight loss,wheezing etc.?
6)any significant past history or family history like tuberculosis?

Waiting for your reply.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Muhammed Aslam (37 minutes later)
1) The cough has been off and on for more than six months. Her doctor dismissed it as allergies. For the past three weeks, however, it's become more severe.
2)The cough is a little productive. But the color is similar to a regular saliva.
3)No.
4) She coughs a lot regardless of the time of day.
5) She's lost some weight. Just a little. But I think it's due to the fact that she's been stressed out recently.
6)No.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (42 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
We need to do some tests to figure this out.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to HCM forum.

From the given description , she is suffering from a chronic cough of about 6 month duration that is not much productive with no diurnal variation or wheezing, not responding to anti allergic medications.

The possibilities we have to consider in this case include chronic infections like tuberculosis, connective tissue disorders like sarcoidosis , fungal infections like histoplasmosis , and less likely bronchial neoplastic lesions.

After a careful physical examination, this need a few investigations too for correct diagnosis.
We have to do a blood routine test, ESR, CXR, Sputum microscopy and culture, Mantoux test, and sometimes a CT scanning of the chest.
It will be fine if you can see a pulmonologist for further evaluation .

Meanwhile , keep away from dust, smoke and cold atmosphere.

Hope I have answered your query.
If you have further questions, I will be happy to help.
Wishing for a faster cure.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Muhammed Aslam

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 987 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Cough

Brief Answer: Will need a few more details. Could you answer these questions for me? Detailed Answer: Hello there, welcome to HCM forum. Thanks for writing to us. There are so many conditions that can cause persistent cough. To narrow down the diagnostic possibilities, kindly give me a few more details. 1)For how long she is suffering from cough? 2)whether the cough is productive or not? If productive, what is nature and color of sputum? 3)is she having hemoptysis/blood stained sputum? 4)when is the cough more severe? Day or night? 5)Any other symptoms associated-fever,anorexia, lassitude, recent weight loss,wheezing etc.? 6)any significant past history or family history like tuberculosis? Waiting for your reply. Thank you.