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What Causes Persistent Coughing?
Question: I had been coughing for four months straight- just did an endoscopy yesterday- It showed some eosinophils on the esophagus which has been sent to pathology. But the GI Specialist said it looked to be EE. I have never had allergies or dysphagia in my life. Is the Dr who did the endoscopy able to conclude that this is the situation?- SHe seemed pretty certain. Or does the pathology report show something else. I XXXXXXX worried about this condition.Wouldn't the Dr who performed the endoscopy know that EE is the Dx- She said in her report that it appeared that way- I know the biopsy is not back yet- but I wouldn't think the biopsy is going to state otherwise.
Brief Answer:
Concentrate on original problem/ EE not important
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and a trying to understand what is going on.
What is your basic concern?
Coughing for 4 months or EE?
Why was Upper GI Endoscopy done for? You say you do not have allergies or dysphagia.
How is the coughing at present and what are the investigations and treatment and the results? What treatment is taken; were steroids prescribed for control of cough ( 4 months duration) ?
Did you have any symptoms related to esophagus, swallowing ?
Well EE is seen more often in children; it is more of a visual impression of the Gastroenterologist on endoscopy and the histology report is still awaited.
The ''tissue'' diagnosis is most important. So there are least chances of EE as you have no symptoms , so nothing to worry about it at all at the moment.
There are no suppositions, it diagnosis is based on actual/ facts.
Concentrate on original problem/ EE not important
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and a trying to understand what is going on.
What is your basic concern?
Coughing for 4 months or EE?
Why was Upper GI Endoscopy done for? You say you do not have allergies or dysphagia.
How is the coughing at present and what are the investigations and treatment and the results? What treatment is taken; were steroids prescribed for control of cough ( 4 months duration) ?
Did you have any symptoms related to esophagus, swallowing ?
Well EE is seen more often in children; it is more of a visual impression of the Gastroenterologist on endoscopy and the histology report is still awaited.
The ''tissue'' diagnosis is most important. So there are least chances of EE as you have no symptoms , so nothing to worry about it at all at the moment.
There are no suppositions, it diagnosis is based on actual/ facts.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
It actually started back in February- I had a mild but persistent sore throat for a month- I went to an ENT Dr who said most likely it is silent reflux- I started to take Prilesec- on and off- then the sore throat went away and instead I've been coughing persistently for FOUR MONTHS- since March. At this point I thought I should see a GI specialist- I then started to take Prilosec on a regular basis- probably about 6 weeks now- 20mg once daily. Then finally I had my endoscopy yesterday which revealed what Imentioned earlier.
Brief Answer:
ENT, Pulmonologist's opinion / Simple tests and Rx
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
Well, all this started with a sore-throat which is OK now, persistent coughing for 4 months now.
There has been an increasing tendency to over-diagnose the cases.
I think we should concentrate on coughing part. It is good that you already had an opinion of an ENT Specialist.
I would advise to have a second opinion of another ENT who would check for ENT cause as your problem started with sore-throat ( 1 month). Also you can take an opinion of a Pulmonologist - Remember a clinical examination and particularly auscultation by stethoscope by a good clinician / Pulmonologist can detect the disease better than any tests. So an opinion of a Pulmonologist should be sought. HE can also conduct pulmonary function tests.
You have to for basic investigations of X-ray chest, blood and urine work. If phlegm is present - to go for the gram staining, AFB staining, culture and sensitivity. CTscan of the Chest and PNS ( para nasal sinus) may be ordered if your Doctor feels so on clinical examination.
Take a course of an antibiotic, expectorant, Vitamin A and D in therapeutic dosage, anti-oxidants, plain water Steam inhalations. Breathing exercises.
I hope you are not exposed to the irritants in the nature of smoke, scents, fumes or over-pollution. Continue Prilosec and treatment as per advise of the Specialists.
Await for the biopsy report, since there are no symptoms related to swallowing or so ( dysphagia) why to worry now and put an additional burden of tensions which itself may increase coughing ( seen many times). You can have review Endoscopy after 3 to 6 months just to see the progress.
Take care, follow this advise and I hope you should be fine soon and cured too. I hope you agree with me.
ENT, Pulmonologist's opinion / Simple tests and Rx
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
Well, all this started with a sore-throat which is OK now, persistent coughing for 4 months now.
There has been an increasing tendency to over-diagnose the cases.
I think we should concentrate on coughing part. It is good that you already had an opinion of an ENT Specialist.
I would advise to have a second opinion of another ENT who would check for ENT cause as your problem started with sore-throat ( 1 month). Also you can take an opinion of a Pulmonologist - Remember a clinical examination and particularly auscultation by stethoscope by a good clinician / Pulmonologist can detect the disease better than any tests. So an opinion of a Pulmonologist should be sought. HE can also conduct pulmonary function tests.
You have to for basic investigations of X-ray chest, blood and urine work. If phlegm is present - to go for the gram staining, AFB staining, culture and sensitivity. CTscan of the Chest and PNS ( para nasal sinus) may be ordered if your Doctor feels so on clinical examination.
Take a course of an antibiotic, expectorant, Vitamin A and D in therapeutic dosage, anti-oxidants, plain water Steam inhalations. Breathing exercises.
I hope you are not exposed to the irritants in the nature of smoke, scents, fumes or over-pollution. Continue Prilosec and treatment as per advise of the Specialists.
Await for the biopsy report, since there are no symptoms related to swallowing or so ( dysphagia) why to worry now and put an additional burden of tensions which itself may increase coughing ( seen many times). You can have review Endoscopy after 3 to 6 months just to see the progress.
Take care, follow this advise and I hope you should be fine soon and cured too. I hope you agree with me.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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