What Causes Persistent Productive Cough, Cold And Blocked Nose?

Posted on Fri, 18 Mar 2016

Question: I have a question about a bronchial issue I have right now. I come down with cold like symptons, out of no
where with a awful cough and some fluid. I have had asthma for 10 years and use advair 500/50 everyday am and pm. And take zrytec over the counter. I went to my primary doctor yesterday,due to this crazy cough and feeling of fatigue. I felt like I had bronchitis or some kind of attach. I was then put on Predisone 40 mg daily for 5 days. I am still coughing and blowing my nose 24-7.... Should I have been neubulized?? and how do we get to the bottom of this??And what brings it on?? How to avoid it and is predisone a bandaid. What I am spitting up now is pretty clear fluid but continuous. I called the dr. today and said I have not slept and I feel really bad. response was call us on Monday.give it time??? Very confused patient.... Thankyou in advance for any suggestions or help....

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get done PFT and Chest x ray.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.

I can understand your concern. You seem to have a post infectious bronchitis which is common after viral upper respiratory tract infection (cold). Further since you also have an asthma, there is an another possibility of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI - pneumonia). It is advisable to be investigated. This will guide us further to get to the bottom of this problem. If I had been your treating doctor, I would advise for chest x ray and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) along with other tests your doctor may order. PFT will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity. Nebulisation will be more helpful in severe cases of bronchitis.

Please let me know
1. Have you ever undergone PFT?
2. What do you mean by 'is prednisone a bandaid'?
3. Have you ever undergone chest x ray?

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. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (11 hours later)

I had a chest X-ray in October because I had this exact issue then.I also had pulmanry appt on November and etverthing checked out fine. Do you think I could have chronic pneumonia. I have had upper resporty allergies for years. I cough so hard know that I am seeing dark green secretions... And iti sloosening up from blowing my nose and coughing up stuff. Would Allegra d or so.ething like that help the respiratory??? I believe in what you said in your email is right on...who do I talk to the nurse ,does not really make me comfortable .

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry for chronic pneumonia.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
No possibility of chronic pneumonia is less because you had pulmonologist consultation in November and it was fine.
Since you are having chronic allergies, asthma and upper respiratory tract complaints, possibility of allergic rhinitis along with asthma is more.
Both these conditions are commonly seen togather because root cause for these is same and it is allergy.
So in my opinion, you are having worsening of allergic bronchitis and asthma.
So get done PFT to know the severity of asthma.
You will be improved with long acting inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS).
Intranasal spray containing steroid is also useful in allergic rhinitis.
Allegra is having montelukast. It is anti allergic drug and it will be helpful in your case.
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.

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