What Causes Continuous Wet Cough?

Posted on Wed, 8 Oct 2014

Question: I am suffering from continuous cough since last three months. Now it is wet. Continuous generation of phlegm. I am in Kazakhstan and now a climate change going on. Temperature became very cold all of a sudden and it varies between 20 degrees to 7 degrees. I have this cough problem since January this year. Just for last 3-4 months it became worst. I am feeling scratchy sensation back of my throat. No fever at all. Medication is not that good in this part of world. I am trying vapor and salty gargle.
I did CBC few times and have eosinophil little higher side always 5.6. All others are normal.

Answered by Dr. Deepashree (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
allergic bronchitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for your query.

In my opinion, you might be having allergic disease in the lungs - allergic bronchitis. Cold climate, high pollen content, dust allergy, all these can trigger the allergy.

If I were your treating doctor, I would have advised you
- antihistamines + mucolytics combination drugs twice daily for 3 months.
- Leukotriene antagonist drugs help will help in immune modulation.
- Expectorant cough syrup 10 ml thrice daily for 15 days.
- Avoid cold and oily foods items.
- Ginger tea is a very good home remedy to reduce the phlegm.

Hope my answers have helped you. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Deepashree (1 hour later)

In the I also have slight nasal congestion since last three days. Is there any possibility of post nasal drip? I have nasal septum deviation as well.

Can my symptoms related with HIV? I had two incidents, after 14 weeks of first incident I had HIV test and result was negative. Second case was just deep kissing. No fever at all since last 4 years almost, just the throat problem is killing me.

Answered by Dr. Deepashree (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
HIV negative, not related to sinus infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for your follow up query.
You have deviated septum, which can cause frequent attacks of cold and sinus blockage.
Allergic conditions of nose also can cause nasal congestion and blockage.
Decongestant nasal drops + decongestant tablet twice daily can help reduce the congestion.
When there is nasal congestion, there will be post nasal drip. It's sequelae of the disease.
All this is not related to HIV.
HIV virus has windows period of 3 weeks. After this, if it's positive, then p 24 antigen is detected in the patients serum.
So your tests are negative after 14 weeks.
So not to worry. You can retest it after 6 months.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Deepashree (38 minutes later)

Thanks.
But my question is this was never happened before. It started from 2014 January during winter. I was smoking before. From February 2014 I quit smoking completely.
I am 37 years old. Can allergic condition appeared first time at this age?
Can Deep kissing causes HIV?

Answered by Dr. Deepashree (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Do not worry.

Detailed Answer:
Hi yes allergy can affect at any age.
Deep kissing does not cause HIV.
Hope my answers have helped you. Thanks.

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. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju