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What Causes Constant Coughing And Spitting In Condition Like Bronchitis?

Posted on Tue, 24 Mar 2015

Question: I had bronchitis in Dec now I have horrible cough last 7 days hacking junk from my right lung. I went to UrgentCare and all they gave me was cough medicine. no fever. Still have appetite. Doesn't semm like its getting better. Can't stop coughing and spitting. Help. Should I go get antibiotics ? XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
expectorant cough syrup more necessary than antibiotic

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

From what I understand, you have a severe cough along with sputum (expectorant) production. Since you aren't running fever, it doesn't seem infection. I wouldn't outrightly start antibiotic now, unless the sputum is yellow and foul smelling.

In this instance, I think you will benefit with use of mucolytic and expectorant cough syrup such as guaifenesin + bromhexine formula. May I know what cough medicine are you on?
Besides the medication, you can try warm steam inhalation with menthol.

Use of antibiotic in this case is only to prevent secondary bacterial infection. I would prefer to start cefixime or amoxicillin/ampicillin brands in such case.

In a nutshell, my recommendations are:
1. You need to be on mucolytic - expectorant cough forumula
2. Regular steam inhalation will be beneficial.
3. Antibiotic may be started to prevent secondary bacterial infection.

Hope I am clear. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (23 hours later)

Today makes 7 straight days of coughing and spitting clear stuff. While I eat. No coughing. As soon as I'm done eating I hack up junk. I have constant tickle that's makesme cough. I definitely feel something in my upper right lung. Sometimes I feel fluid there which forces me to cough it up then I ok for 10 or 15 minutes maybe. No fever. No chills. Good appetite. Amazed I can sleep at night. Taking NyQuil. I was told I had Bronchitus in Dec. Never felt that it was totally gone. Coughed a lot then to. They took chest X-ray. They said it was ok. So strange. If I had pneumonia it would show on xray right? This isn't a cold. Not the flu. Not pneumonia. Could I have lung cancer??

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cancer least fits to this description...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I see the cough isn't getting better. However with such short history cancer isn't the first diagnosis. This cough may be recurrence of previous bronchitis or related to new condition such as acid reflux / post nasal drip or a fresh infection. I think it will be worthwhile if you can visit a doctor who can check for these condition.

Nyquil as I see only has antitussive effects. It has cough suppressing effects, but doesn't bring out congested secretions. Mucolytic expectorant has this property. Your doctor can prescribe it to you. Inaddition, I would start you on antacids before considering antibiotic as treatment.

In short, this doesn't sound like cancer to me. However without a physical exam I cannot rule out possible conditions. I strongly believe you require change of treatment. It would be worthwhile to see the doctor.

Hope this helped.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj