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Suggest Treatment For Severe Cough

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Posted on Wed, 1 Mar 2017
Question: I have an excessive amount of white foamy phlegm and have to cough often. At night it will fill up in my mouth. The doctors around here and at U of M in AnnArbor don't know what is causing this. I have tried everything mentioned and went to the ENT doctor as well as ER and other specialists and don't know where else to turn. I really need help with this.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
GERD to check out by gastroenterologist...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sorry for the health situation you are going through.

Now, let me understand your health problems:
- you have excessive amount of white foamy phlegm
- have to cough often, at night it will fill up in your mouth

You have visited ENT doctor and ER specialist and so far only using allergy meds and steam with no result.

Now, to my opinion, from what you are saying, there are 2 diagnosis to rule out:
- lung infection
- GERD (as your mouth will get filled with phlegm especially at night).

So, if no lung infection from physical examination, gastroenterologist and upper endoscopy recommended for further evaluation.
Meanwhile, I advise to:
- have your meals more often and small portions
- have your dinner at least 4 hours before going to bed
- sleep with 2 pillows (raised head and shoulders)
- have antacid at dinner
- avoid spicy/chocolate/alcohol/oily/fried foods

Hope your case will get resolved soon.
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 7300 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Cough

Brief Answer: GERD to check out by gastroenterologist... Detailed Answer: Hi, I am sorry for the health situation you are going through. Now, let me understand your health problems: - you have excessive amount of white foamy phlegm - have to cough often, at night it will fill up in your mouth You have visited ENT doctor and ER specialist and so far only using allergy meds and steam with no result. Now, to my opinion, from what you are saying, there are 2 diagnosis to rule out: - lung infection - GERD (as your mouth will get filled with phlegm especially at night). So, if no lung infection from physical examination, gastroenterologist and upper endoscopy recommended for further evaluation. Meanwhile, I advise to: - have your meals more often and small portions - have your dinner at least 4 hours before going to bed - sleep with 2 pillows (raised head and shoulders) - have antacid at dinner - avoid spicy/chocolate/alcohol/oily/fried foods Hope your case will get resolved soon. Dr.Albana