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What Causes Persistent Cough, Lightheadedness, Weakness And Difficulty In Breathing?

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Posted on Thu, 28 Apr 2016
Question: I have had this cough for 13 days I feel great until I either eat or get up and walk. I then seem to feel lightheaded weak and times like I am floating also have a hard time breathing at times
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possibility of GERD related bronchitis is more.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Since your cough is ass with eating, you are also having bloating feeling, possibility of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is more.
GERD is due to laxity of gastroesophageal sphincter. Because of this the acid of the stomach tends to come up in the esophagus and cause the symptoms of bloating, chest pain.
Reflux also causes inflammation in lungs. So bronchitis can occur and show symptoms of cough, breathing difficulty etc.
So we need to treat your GERD first.
You are not taking any drug for GERD. So better to start proton pump inhibitors and prokinetic drugs.
Please let me know
1. Have you ever undergone PFT (Pulmonary Function Test)?
2. Do you have stressful life?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (11 minutes later)
I have had a PFT TEST, STRESS TEST several blood test all come back normal. I do have asthma only acts up when I get a bad cough or if dry heat.


I must of misinformed you. Between coughing and difficulty breathing has nothing yo with eating. Today is the first time eating is becoming a problem. I do get pneumonia shots . I use to be hospitalized yearly for bronchitis and pneumonia
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Do you have allergies?

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
So you are having asthma.
Possibility of worsening of asthma is more at present.
Most common cause for this is allergen exposure.
So please let me know
1. Do you have allergies?
2. Are you taking any anti allergic drugs regularly?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)
I am allergic to most pain meds. Strong perfumes cheap cologne. I only use my inhaler when needed. There are times I won't need an inhaler for years and out of the blue I will use it seems every day 5-8 times per day This month has been the worst Just need to find out what is going on. Constant coughing, shortage of breath.
Thank you for all your help in helping me figure this monster that has invaded my system
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You should take regular treatment.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
In my opinion, your sudden worsenings are mostly due to your irregular treatment.
Asthma is chronic disease and hence regular treatment is needed.
You should take combination of antihistamine and anti allergic drugs regularly.
Also take inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) regularly.
Please let me know name of your inhaler, so that I can advice you regarding the use.
Also let me know if you are taking any anti allergic oral drug.
With regular treatment, you will definitely improve and you will not get these exacerbations.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (19 hours later)
I use pro-air twice a day am pm Still have this horrible cough, just to cook or do dishes ect. I get worn out I have no appetite Use to drink 6-8 bottles of water daily now I have to force myself to drink 1-2
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Along with pro air, you should take oral anti allergic drugs.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
In my opinion, along with pro air, you should also start combination of antihistamine and anti allergic drugs.
Levocetrizine or fexofenadine (anti histamine) and montelukast (anti allergic) combination is more beneficial in your case. It is having once daily dosing, 1 tablet at night.
This will prevent allergic exacerbation and improve symptomatic control.
Hope I have solved your query. If you are not having further queries, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.
You can ask me directly on bit.ly/askdrkaushalbhavsar.
Wish you good health. 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. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Drkaushal85

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 14998 Questions

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What Causes Persistent Cough, Lightheadedness, Weakness And Difficulty In Breathing?

Brief Answer: Possibility of GERD related bronchitis is more. Detailed Answer: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Since your cough is ass with eating, you are also having bloating feeling, possibility of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is more. GERD is due to laxity of gastroesophageal sphincter. Because of this the acid of the stomach tends to come up in the esophagus and cause the symptoms of bloating, chest pain. Reflux also causes inflammation in lungs. So bronchitis can occur and show symptoms of cough, breathing difficulty etc. So we need to treat your GERD first. You are not taking any drug for GERD. So better to start proton pump inhibitors and prokinetic drugs. Please let me know 1. Have you ever undergone PFT (Pulmonary Function Test)? 2. Do you have stressful life? Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.