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What Causes Constant Cough In A Smoker?
Question: I have a high tlc count on my blood test reports. Also i have been having cough past few days. This is peculiar to a cough which I had few months back. Also the cough comes out more often in the morning. During both the incidents it was preceded by a week or less of smoking following which I stopped due to the cough. Also I had bit of chest pain. So got an chest x-ray done along with sputum check. The sputum showed no growth. However, chest x-ray report says 'bilateral lung fields show prominent bronchovascular markings.' I was a regular smoker but had left around 2 years back. Now when I smoke even a bit, these symptoms emerge. Kindly help me as i am scared that it might be something serious.
Brief Answer:
Do not worry it doesnt seem to be cancerous.
Detailed Answer:
Hello there,
I can understand your concern. Its good to know that you tried to quit smoking 2 years back but this occasional smoking habit means that you have not succeeded completely.
One of the prime reasons for your cough seems to be the occasional smoking, causing irritation and bronchitis.
The other reasons I can think of are Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which may present as acidity and heart burn. These days with lack of activity and prolonged sitting and stress GERD is increasing and leading to cough because of the acid coming up into the throat and leading to cough.
However with the increase TLC and X ray findings it seems like chronic bronchitis.
I would have liked to know if you ever suffered from asthma? As far as sputum showed nothing then chances of TB is negligible. Chances of cancer cannot be completely ignored but given your age and presentation that seems less likely.
In my opinion give up even the occasional smoking, try some steam inhalations, and Deriphyllin Retard 150 twice a day for a couple of days.
So rest assured and do not worry. If you do suffer from frequent acidity then diagnosis of GERD needs to be kept in mind and you may need to take some anti acid medications for some days. Avoid stress as much as you can, try to exercise and do not eat heavy meals in the night before sleeping.
Hope I have answered your question. You can ask if you have any other queries or rate the answer and close the query.
Take care.
Do not worry it doesnt seem to be cancerous.
Detailed Answer:
Hello there,
I can understand your concern. Its good to know that you tried to quit smoking 2 years back but this occasional smoking habit means that you have not succeeded completely.
One of the prime reasons for your cough seems to be the occasional smoking, causing irritation and bronchitis.
The other reasons I can think of are Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which may present as acidity and heart burn. These days with lack of activity and prolonged sitting and stress GERD is increasing and leading to cough because of the acid coming up into the throat and leading to cough.
However with the increase TLC and X ray findings it seems like chronic bronchitis.
I would have liked to know if you ever suffered from asthma? As far as sputum showed nothing then chances of TB is negligible. Chances of cancer cannot be completely ignored but given your age and presentation that seems less likely.
In my opinion give up even the occasional smoking, try some steam inhalations, and Deriphyllin Retard 150 twice a day for a couple of days.
So rest assured and do not worry. If you do suffer from frequent acidity then diagnosis of GERD needs to be kept in mind and you may need to take some anti acid medications for some days. Avoid stress as much as you can, try to exercise and do not eat heavy meals in the night before sleeping.
Hope I have answered your question. You can ask if you have any other queries or rate the answer and close the query.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
i am currently on medication as follows:
deriphyllin plain 100mg
dilosyn expectorant
1 B-complex multivitamin tablet
1 cod liver oil tablet
To tackle this problem, I have been doing many other diet changes as well:
I have added green tea (around 5 cups) daily along with 4 almonds a day.
I take 2 glasses of milk (one with turmeric and other with horlicks or bournvita health drinks)
I have also started taking 4-5 amlas (Indian Gooseberry)
Also couple of apples along with a pomegranate or red grapes with seeds and around 5-6 carrots.
I made the above changes to increase the antioxidant content in my diet.
I am overweight (around 95kgs for height of around 183cms) and also do have acidity problems. And have been affected by this problem before. However, again these problems reappear only when i smoke. I have also have somehow increased my diet. Now trying to reduce it by replacing it with fruits and veggies.
deriphyllin plain 100mg
dilosyn expectorant
1 B-complex multivitamin tablet
1 cod liver oil tablet
To tackle this problem, I have been doing many other diet changes as well:
I have added green tea (around 5 cups) daily along with 4 almonds a day.
I take 2 glasses of milk (one with turmeric and other with horlicks or bournvita health drinks)
I have also started taking 4-5 amlas (Indian Gooseberry)
Also couple of apples along with a pomegranate or red grapes with seeds and around 5-6 carrots.
I made the above changes to increase the antioxidant content in my diet.
I am overweight (around 95kgs for height of around 183cms) and also do have acidity problems. And have been affected by this problem before. However, again these problems reappear only when i smoke. I have also have somehow increased my diet. Now trying to reduce it by replacing it with fruits and veggies.
Brief Answer:
Try to lose weight about 2-3 kgs in 2 months
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
The medicines you are on are ok to control your cough. I am of the opinion that you need to target weight loss and quit smoking. Being overweight and having acidity issues point towards GERD again. Sometimes chronic bronchitis can be overlapping GERD.
Your diet although rich in anti-oxidants needs some change. To target weight loss you need to count calories. Stop taking horlicks or bournvita as you are overweight and it adds to the carbohydrate load of milk. Stick to 2-3 cups of green tea and not more. Fruits are ok but only about 150 gm per day. Reduce carobohydrate and fat content of each meal by reducing rice and chapati quantity to 75% of your current and less oil, butter, ghee or cheese.
Exercise everyday for about 30 minutes for at least 5-6 days per week.
Keep your meals light and never go to bed with a full stomach.
The medication you are on currently will help if it is only chronic bronchitis. Try to take Antacids like Gelusil or Digene syrup every day morning and evening half hour after meal for 1 week.
Take Pan 40 one in the morning before breakfast for 1 week. This should tackle GERD symptoms.
Reduce stress and stop smoking (again reiterating).
Hope I have answered your query. Please rate the answer and close the query. I would be happy to answer any more questions if you have.
Take care.
Try to lose weight about 2-3 kgs in 2 months
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
The medicines you are on are ok to control your cough. I am of the opinion that you need to target weight loss and quit smoking. Being overweight and having acidity issues point towards GERD again. Sometimes chronic bronchitis can be overlapping GERD.
Your diet although rich in anti-oxidants needs some change. To target weight loss you need to count calories. Stop taking horlicks or bournvita as you are overweight and it adds to the carbohydrate load of milk. Stick to 2-3 cups of green tea and not more. Fruits are ok but only about 150 gm per day. Reduce carobohydrate and fat content of each meal by reducing rice and chapati quantity to 75% of your current and less oil, butter, ghee or cheese.
Exercise everyday for about 30 minutes for at least 5-6 days per week.
Keep your meals light and never go to bed with a full stomach.
The medication you are on currently will help if it is only chronic bronchitis. Try to take Antacids like Gelusil or Digene syrup every day morning and evening half hour after meal for 1 week.
Take Pan 40 one in the morning before breakfast for 1 week. This should tackle GERD symptoms.
Reduce stress and stop smoking (again reiterating).
Hope I have answered your query. Please rate the answer and close the query. I would be happy to answer any more questions if you have.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
I have completely quit smoking now. (don't want to jeopardize my future.) Also will try to reduce weight at the earliest. I wanted to ask about ways to prevent such problems like bronchitis and improve body health and immunity on the whole. Also is the bit of pull and pain in the lungs because of bronchitis? I am sure I can prevent GERD if it happens. Will definitely reduce the weight but can't do it now as now under stress from studies and work. Just let me know about the ways to improve the immunity of the body and overall health of body.
p.s. i also have a fatty liver due to high triglycerides.
p.s. i also have a fatty liver due to high triglycerides.
Brief Answer:
Exercise everyday
Detailed Answer:
As I have already suggested the changes in diet and exercise if done regularly are the best possible ways to improve body immunity and prevent recurrent bronchitis.
You fatty liver due to high triglycerides is the beginning of a problem called metabolic syndrome. The reason why I am emphasizing on weight loss is that majority of your problems like fatty liver, GERD and cough can be reduced and prevented by this.
Continue your anti oxidants from natural sources like Amla and fruits like berries and green tea. Green leafy vegetables and sprouts also help you to improve immunity.
Yes the little discomfort in your chest is because of bronchitis.
Hope I have answered your question.
Take care.
Exercise everyday
Detailed Answer:
As I have already suggested the changes in diet and exercise if done regularly are the best possible ways to improve body immunity and prevent recurrent bronchitis.
You fatty liver due to high triglycerides is the beginning of a problem called metabolic syndrome. The reason why I am emphasizing on weight loss is that majority of your problems like fatty liver, GERD and cough can be reduced and prevented by this.
Continue your anti oxidants from natural sources like Amla and fruits like berries and green tea. Green leafy vegetables and sprouts also help you to improve immunity.
Yes the little discomfort in your chest is because of bronchitis.
Hope I have answered your question.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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