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Suggest Treatment For Bronchitis And Severe Cough
Question: I got bronchitis shortly after Thankgiving and am feeling better after taking a 10 day course of antibiotics. However I can't get rid of this nagging cough. How long can I expect it to last?
Brief Answer:
Persistant cough
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
You were diagnosed with bronchitis nearly 2 months ago and still having a cough. It sounds like this cough is a dry non productive cough. This is very common after bronchitis and may still take time to resolve. But it could also mean that you may have asthma or COPD. If you were a prior smoker or a current smoker then the cough could be related to asthma or COPD. If you do not smoke then it might be just a touch of asthma. I would recommend that you be seen again to determine if the cough is related to asthma.
Chronic cough could also be from pertussis. Many years ago we gave pertussis vaccine but the vaccine did not give lifetime immunity. The during the winter months pertussis can mimic bronchitis and cause prolonged cough. Your doctor may not be able to diagnose pertussis this late in your course. The treatment will need continued cough suppressant.
Another cause for prolonged cough is gastroesophageal reflux or GERD. To treat the cough from GERD I recommend taking either ranitidine or omeprazole.
In summary
1. persistent cough rule out asthma or COPD
2. Stop smoking if smoker
3. See doctor to rule out Pertussis
4. GERD trial of ranitidine or omeprazole
I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns or questions
Persistant cough
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
You were diagnosed with bronchitis nearly 2 months ago and still having a cough. It sounds like this cough is a dry non productive cough. This is very common after bronchitis and may still take time to resolve. But it could also mean that you may have asthma or COPD. If you were a prior smoker or a current smoker then the cough could be related to asthma or COPD. If you do not smoke then it might be just a touch of asthma. I would recommend that you be seen again to determine if the cough is related to asthma.
Chronic cough could also be from pertussis. Many years ago we gave pertussis vaccine but the vaccine did not give lifetime immunity. The during the winter months pertussis can mimic bronchitis and cause prolonged cough. Your doctor may not be able to diagnose pertussis this late in your course. The treatment will need continued cough suppressant.
Another cause for prolonged cough is gastroesophageal reflux or GERD. To treat the cough from GERD I recommend taking either ranitidine or omeprazole.
In summary
1. persistent cough rule out asthma or COPD
2. Stop smoking if smoker
3. See doctor to rule out Pertussis
4. GERD trial of ranitidine or omeprazole
I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns or questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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