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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Wheezing And Dry Cough?

About 2 weeks ago, I became ill with an upper respiratory virus. I was running fever for a few days but had very little cough but did have wheezing. Last week, I developed a dry cough and still wheezing, especially with activities like walking, going up or down stairs, etc. This week, I still have the same cough and wheezing as well as some shortness of breath. If this was a virus, should I go to the doctor?
Thu, 17 Aug 2017
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
By your history and description, possibility of post infectious bronchitis is more likely.
Bronchitis is very common after viral upper respiratory tract infection (URTI).
Bronchitis causes bronchospasm and this in turn causes breathlessness, wheezing, cough etc.
So consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test).
PFT will not only diagnose bronchitis but it will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only.
You will mostly improve with inhaled bronchodilators (formoterol or salmeterol) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (budesonide or fluticasone).
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
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What Causes Wheezing And Dry Cough?

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. By your history and description, possibility of post infectious bronchitis is more likely. Bronchitis is very common after viral upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Bronchitis causes bronchospasm and this in turn causes breathlessness, wheezing, cough etc. So consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). PFT will not only diagnose bronchitis but it will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only. You will mostly improve with inhaled bronchodilators (formoterol or salmeterol) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (budesonide or fluticasone). Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.