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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Cough
Question: i have recently developed a terrible cough. I saw my Doctor on Thursday and she said it was allergies although that has not been a problem in the past. She gave me a prescription for Advair and told me to take Hydrocodone that I had leftover from a recent surgery to control the cough and get sleep. It just isn't working. I might get 3-4 hours sleep per night and the coughing is driving me crazy. What to do?!?!
Brief Answer:
use of nasal sprays, decongestants and short oral steroids may be needed
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
If you do not have a history of recurrent cough normally then it is likely due to the most common reason for a new onset cough- flu or cold.
Since the cough is persistent, it is possible that you may have bronchitis which is inflammation/infection of the bronchi.
It can be due to viral or bacterial infection . If there is no fever present, then viral infection is more likely.
If there is any drip of mucus to the back of the throat this would also contribute to the cough.
Treatment: (1) a nasal spray (may need prescription) and decongestant (this is normally over the counter)
These would help with any drip that may be contributing to the cough
Eg include flonase, rhinocort, nasonex, nasocort
(2)the use of a humidifier may also help
(3)continue cough meds that you are currently using (robotuss dm, advair, hydrocodone), unfortunately it can sometimes take up to 6 weeks for a cough to resolve completely
(4)may need a short course of oral steroids if it continues with no improvement
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
use of nasal sprays, decongestants and short oral steroids may be needed
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
If you do not have a history of recurrent cough normally then it is likely due to the most common reason for a new onset cough- flu or cold.
Since the cough is persistent, it is possible that you may have bronchitis which is inflammation/infection of the bronchi.
It can be due to viral or bacterial infection . If there is no fever present, then viral infection is more likely.
If there is any drip of mucus to the back of the throat this would also contribute to the cough.
Treatment: (1) a nasal spray (may need prescription) and decongestant (this is normally over the counter)
These would help with any drip that may be contributing to the cough
Eg include flonase, rhinocort, nasonex, nasocort
(2)the use of a humidifier may also help
(3)continue cough meds that you are currently using (robotuss dm, advair, hydrocodone), unfortunately it can sometimes take up to 6 weeks for a cough to resolve completely
(4)may need a short course of oral steroids if it continues with no improvement
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any 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
Answered by
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