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Suggest Treatment For Dry Cough, Cold And Post Nasal Drip

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Posted on Wed, 2 Sep 2015
Question: Hello- I tend to get a dry cough each winter, comes after a cold typically and lasts for approx 3 months. This year it ended in March, but about a month ago I had another cold and a dry, tickly cough has stayed with me for the last 4 weeks. My ENT gave me a nasal steroid about a week ago, but that has not made any difference. I am a hypochondriac and worried about lung cancer. 34 Years old, male never smoked. I also have GERD and occasionally take Protonix.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
post nasal drip is the most common cause for chronic cough

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is understandable to be concerned but the most common cause for chronic cough is post nasal drip.
This can be confirmed by a search if you wish.
In some persons, the drip itself may not be noticeable.

The other common causes are: GERD and asthma.

Lung cancer can cause persistent coughing but it is not as common as the three mentioned above particularly if there is no history of smoking.

The reason for the nasal spray[ is to treat post nasal drip if present. It can take a few weeks for the spray to take effect so you should use it consistently for at least 3 weeks.
Post nasal drip is most commonly in response to an allergen.

I had a patient whose drip occurred with bananas, she was allergic to this fruit.

It can occur to other foods/drinks, dust, pollen, animal dander etc

If exposure to the allergen can be reduced , this can also help with the drip and the cough.

It is also possible that the reflux is contributing to the cough as well. Any lifestyle measures along with the protonix would be helpful.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask nay other questions
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16835 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Dry Cough, Cold And Post Nasal Drip

Brief Answer: post nasal drip is the most common cause for chronic cough Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic It is understandable to be concerned but the most common cause for chronic cough is post nasal drip. This can be confirmed by a search if you wish. In some persons, the drip itself may not be noticeable. The other common causes are: GERD and asthma. Lung cancer can cause persistent coughing but it is not as common as the three mentioned above particularly if there is no history of smoking. The reason for the nasal spray[ is to treat post nasal drip if present. It can take a few weeks for the spray to take effect so you should use it consistently for at least 3 weeks. Post nasal drip is most commonly in response to an allergen. I had a patient whose drip occurred with bananas, she was allergic to this fruit. It can occur to other foods/drinks, dust, pollen, animal dander etc If exposure to the allergen can be reduced , this can also help with the drip and the cough. It is also possible that the reflux is contributing to the cough as well. Any lifestyle measures along with the protonix would be helpful. I hope this helps, feel free to ask nay other questions