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What Causes Persistent Dry Cough?

Posted on Mon, 12 May 2014

Question: I have a persistent dry cough after a mild bout of pumenia. Initially my doctor gave me erithormcin for 5 days without any improvement. I wonder how long is it going to last. It has already been about 8 weeks. There are no other symptoms such as fever or other side effects. At the moment my doctor has prescribed Biaxin XL 500 mg. 2 tablets once daily. Should this medication not show any improvement by now which I have been taking for the last 5 days.

Answered by Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Seems to be infective. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for posting the query on HCM. After going through your query, I would like to comment the following: 1. You seem to be having history of cough since 8 weeks. In such a scenario, chest Xray and Sputum examination needs to be done. 2. The dose of Biaxin XL (Clarithromycin) is 2 tab to be taken once daily for 10 to 14 days. 3. After 5 to 7 days of antibiotic, symptomatic improvement should be there. 4. In absence of symptomatic improvement, further investigations as outlined in point 1 are required. You need to get yourself clinically evaluated with a Pulmonologist. I hope I have answered your query. I will be glad to answer follow up queries if any. Please accept my answer if you have no follow up queries. Regards Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra MBBS MD DNB Consultant Pulmonologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra (13 hours later)

What kind of speciality is Pulmonolgist. I am supposed to see a lung specialist in a few days time. Would that help. The cough seems to be much drier than before. Would this be an indication of improvement. Today would be my sixth day of the medication and it has been prescribed for 10 days.

Answered by Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Lung specialist and Pulmonologist are the same. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for the follow up. After going through your followup query, I would like to comment the following: 1. Pulmonologist is the same as lung specialist in the same way as cardiologist is the same as heart specialist. 2. Decreasing expectoration of the cough is a sign of improvement. Do complete the full course of antibiotic. I hope I have answered your query. I will be glad to answer follow up queries if any. Please accept my answer if you have no follow up queries. Regards Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra MBBS MD DNB Consultant Pulmonologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra (5 hours later)

My coughing otherwise seems to have sudided except when I talk. The sputum also has a different taste to it. It is less salty then before. Is this an indication of improvement. To-day is my sixth day of taking the medication.

Answered by Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra (6 hours later)

Brief Answer: Your symptoms are improving. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for the follow up. After going through your follow up query, I would like to comment the following: 1. Decrease in cough frequency and viscosity of the expectoration are signs of improvement. 2. You need to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your physician. I hope I have answered your query. I will be glad to answer follow up queries if any. Please accept my answer if you have no follow up queries. Regards Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra MBBS MD DNB Consultant Pulmonologist

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar