
Suggest Treatment For Chronic Cough With Aching Lungs

Get done chest x ray and PFT.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation and problem.
Chronic cough can be due to
1. Lung infection
2. Bronchitis
3. Asthma
4. Pulmonary fibrosis
5. GERD ( gastroesophageal reflux disease ).
So better to consult pulmonologist and get done
1. Clinical examination of respiratory system.
2. Chest x ray
3. PFT ( pulmonary function test )
4. CT thorax if required.
Chest x ray and CT thorax are needed to rule out lung infection and pulmonary fibrosis.
PFT is needed to rule out asthma and bronchitis.
If all these investigations are normal then GERD can be the cause.
It is due to laxity of gastroesophageal sphincter.
Because of this the acid of the stomach tends to come up in the esophagus and cause the symptoms.
Along with antacids, you need to follow these lifestyle modifications for better symptomatic relief.
1. Avoid hot and spicy food.
2. Avoid stress and tension.
3. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals.
4. Go for walk after meals.
5. Keep 2 - 3 pillows under head in bed to prevent reflux.
7. Avoid alcohol and smoking if you have these habits.
8. Loose weight if you are obese.
So better to consult pulmonologist and first rule out lung related pathology.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.


As I write this, my bronchi are aching and I have a brief non-productive cough.
If it were due to GERD wouldn't the Prilosec (omeprazole) I've been taking for 5 days have started to mitigate these symptoms?
You might be having bronchitis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thanks for your follow up question on HCM.
Since you had bout of coughing after PFT menueur, possibility of bronchitis is high.
So let me know
1. Are you smoker?
2. Have ypu checked your respiratory system by doctor theough stethoscope for any abnormal lung sound?
3. Do you have shortness of breath after exertion?
If your cough is due to GERD, then it will take atleast 15-20 days to show relief, after starting omeprazole. And along with antacid, you need to strictly follow lifestyle modifications, suggested in previous answer.
So please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.


It is good to know that the relief will take longer than 5 days. It is uncomfortable, but I will deal with it. I will continue with the lifestyle changes...I am also getting headaches from the coughing. Any further ideas please? if not, no worries.
Thank You,
A. XXXXXXX
This may be due to withdrawal symptom.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thanks for your follow up question on HCM.
For your headache, this might be due to withdrawal symptom.
I want to know
1. Did you drink daily?
2. How much quantity you drink regularly?
If you were taking regular daily alcohol then sudden stoppage of this can cause withdrawal symptoms and headache is commonest withdrawal symptom.
So please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.

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