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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Cough

In the past 3 weeks I have experienced trouble breathing and catching my breath to the point of feeling like my chest is expanding. I first noticed this when I was doing water exercises, which includes a lot of walking. I have also had a persistent cough like hacking and most times I cough of phelm. At times the coughing goes on most of the day and into the night. I am a smoker about 1/2 packs a day. Could I possibly be in the early stages of emphysema?
Fri, 1 Feb 2019
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Addiction Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hi,

Actually, there are a large number of possibilities including cancer. a persistent cough is a warning sign of cancer and generally a reason to have tests to look for cancer.

There are several overlapping forms of lung damage to smoking. there is loss of lung tissue (emphysema) and there is also irritation of airways (asthma) and there is also production of extra secretions. These are all classified as COPD.

In addition, there is also the usual colds/viruses, and irritation that can cause lung problems (temporarily).

In addition, other problems with other organs have effects on the lung. This includes heart, liver or kidney problems.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Matt Wachsman, Addiction Medicine Specialist
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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Cough

Hi, Actually, there are a large number of possibilities including cancer. a persistent cough is a warning sign of cancer and generally a reason to have tests to look for cancer. There are several overlapping forms of lung damage to smoking. there is loss of lung tissue (emphysema) and there is also irritation of airways (asthma) and there is also production of extra secretions. These are all classified as COPD. In addition, there is also the usual colds/viruses, and irritation that can cause lung problems (temporarily). In addition, other problems with other organs have effects on the lung. This includes heart, liver or kidney problems. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Matt Wachsman, Addiction Medicine Specialist