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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Dry Cough And Difficulty Breathing
Question: My wife is a 63 yr old non-smoker no real health issues 5ft 4 112lbs 3months ago developed a persistent dry cough w/o congestion of nose or head no difficulty breathing no fever or hives ,her voice is low and hoarse loss of appetite and weight and very fatigue .has seen our doctor 3 wks ago chest x ray was clear put her on two medications Benzonatate 100 mg 2 pills 3x a day the other isMonelukast Sod 10mgi pill daily , she has gotten worse
Brief Answer:
Videolaryngoscopy (VL'Scopy)
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Get a Videolaryngoscopy (VL'Scopy) done. Upload the images or video for an accurate assessment.
2. If the Videolaryngoscopy is normal, request your physician to change the cough suppressant (such as dextromethorphan, codiene or noscapine). Steam inhalation and medicated gargles should be started.
3. Investigations should include a complete blood count, ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate), absolute eosinophil count (AEC), cardiac workup, a review of any concurrent medication (such as anti-hypertensives, especially ACE inhibitors and diuretics), a throat swab and allergy tests.
4. Cough is a protective reflex. The low voice and hoarseness should be investigated first. Loss of appetite, weight and fatigue seem to indicate a systemic/ generalized cause.
5. If this is a laryngitis, she should be better with rest and medication.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards
Videolaryngoscopy (VL'Scopy)
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Get a Videolaryngoscopy (VL'Scopy) done. Upload the images or video for an accurate assessment.
2. If the Videolaryngoscopy is normal, request your physician to change the cough suppressant (such as dextromethorphan, codiene or noscapine). Steam inhalation and medicated gargles should be started.
3. Investigations should include a complete blood count, ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate), absolute eosinophil count (AEC), cardiac workup, a review of any concurrent medication (such as anti-hypertensives, especially ACE inhibitors and diuretics), a throat swab and allergy tests.
4. Cough is a protective reflex. The low voice and hoarseness should be investigated first. Loss of appetite, weight and fatigue seem to indicate a systemic/ generalized cause.
5. If this is a laryngitis, she should be better with rest and medication.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards
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. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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