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Suggest Treatment For Severe Cough And Breathlessness

Posted on Thu, 13 Apr 2017

Question: I have had a cough for 7 months. I had a chest xray that said my lungs were clear, but I can't catch my breath when I go upstairs. If I try to take a deep breath I start coughing again.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
By your history and description, possibility of bronchitis is more.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
By your history and description, possibility of bronchitis is more.
Since your chest x ray is normal, no need to worry for lung metastases or pneumonia.
Bronchitis can cause chronic cough and breathlessness on exertion.
So better to 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 may need inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (31 hours later)

One other thing that I forgot to mention is along with this cough, I have also had a lot of sinus drainage, especially when I lie down at night and get up in the morning. Is that also a symptom of bronchitis?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No this Sinus drainage is not a symptom of bronchitis.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
No, Sinus drainage is not a symptom of bronchitis.
Night time and early morning Sinus drainage can be seen in allergic rhinitis.
So please let me know if you are having any kind of allergy.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (12 hours later)

Since I moved to California 30 years ago I have not been aware of any allergies to plants or pollen, only allergies to certain medications. I know allergies can be developed as one ages. Could the coughing, breathlessness and wheezing also be an allergy rather than bronchitis?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, all these can be due to allergy.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Yes, you are right.
All these symptoms (coughing, breathlessness, wheezing) can be due to allergy.
Do you have smoking habit at present or in the past?
Whether it is bronchitis or allergy, PFT will be required for the diagnosis.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy