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What Causes Chronic Cough?

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Posted on Sat, 27 Sep 2014
Question: Have been suffering from cough over two weeks. Reasons for the cough is unknown I have tried using cough syrups based on past experience but still dont find any relief
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
cough more than 2 weeks need investigation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX myself Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar. I am practicing as a pulmonologist , XXXXXXX
In my opinion you need some investigation as you are symptomatic since 2 weeks, not relieved by cough syrups and you had pneumothorax 4 years back. 1st thing I am suggesting is chest x ray. This will tell you a lot information like infection is present or not, recurrence of pneumothorax or not. Infection can cause chronic cough. Pneumothorax also cause cough. If your x ray is normal than you should get done Pulmonary Function Test (PFT). PFT will helpful in diagnosing bronchitis. For all these you need to consult pulmonologist. So consult pulmonologist and discuss these things.Hope I have answer your query, if you have any further questions, I will be happy to a help you. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (27 minutes later)
Hi XXXXXXX Thanks for the suggestion. With respect to PFT i have the following doubts.
1. Good hospitals for PFT in and around XXXXXXX
2. What all tests should i go through as part of PFT. Does PFT has standard tests
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
For your symptoms spirometry is suggested.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

thanks for your reply.

There are many good hospitals in XXXXXXX Apollo hospitals, Colombia Asia, Fortis Hospitals etc. You can consult any of the above. All are good in standards and all have reputed pulmonologists.

About your second query I will suggest spirometry among PFT. PFT comprise of following tests.
1. Spirometry. It gives values like FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume In 1 second), FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) and FEV1/FVC Ratio.
2. Lung Volumes and Capacities by body box.
3. Diffusion capacity by DLCO (Diffision Capacity of Lung by Carbon Monoxide).
These three are indicated in various respiratory disease. For your symptoms I will suggest only Spirometry. This is sufficient to diagnose bronchitis.

And about your third query regarding standard of PFT Tests, all reputed hospitals daily calibrate their PFT machines. Only after calibration, they perform PFT. So no need to worry about standard of test.

Hope I have solved your query. If you have other questions, I will be happy to answer.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
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Answered by
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Dr. Drkaushal85

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 15003 Questions

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What Causes Chronic Cough?

Brief Answer: cough more than 2 weeks need investigation. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX myself Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar. I am practicing as a pulmonologist , XXXXXXX In my opinion you need some investigation as you are symptomatic since 2 weeks, not relieved by cough syrups and you had pneumothorax 4 years back. 1st thing I am suggesting is chest x ray. This will tell you a lot information like infection is present or not, recurrence of pneumothorax or not. Infection can cause chronic cough. Pneumothorax also cause cough. If your x ray is normal than you should get done Pulmonary Function Test (PFT). PFT will helpful in diagnosing bronchitis. For all these you need to consult pulmonologist. So consult pulmonologist and discuss these things.Hope I have answer your query, if you have any further questions, I will be happy to a help you. Wish you good health. Thanks.