HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Persistent Productive Cough?

default
Posted on Wed, 24 Feb 2016
Question: A bad cough for about 10 days. Cough up flem is about it
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Needs test

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your message.
I think I can help you.
The symptoms of the query are quite suggestive of 2 possible causes.
1. a lower respiratory tract infection.
2. an upper respiratory tract infection.
Since you have said specifically cough and phlegm but no throat complaints , I assume it's not there. Therefore, I think it's unlikely that you have the second .
I suggest testing a chest x ray and sputum culture. I will need the reports of the tests as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, start with following -
1. warm saline gargles 4 times a day,
2. steam inhalation 4 times a day,
3. multivitamins course once a day
4. paracetamol sos.
5. plenty of fluids.
6. will need antibiotics as per sputum culture report.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information contained in this message will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem. Best of luck. Dr Mittal
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Saumya Mittal

Diabetologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2897 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Persistent Productive Cough?

Brief Answer: Needs test Detailed Answer: Hi, I am Dr Mittal. I have read your message. I think I can help you. The symptoms of the query are quite suggestive of 2 possible causes. 1. a lower respiratory tract infection. 2. an upper respiratory tract infection. Since you have said specifically cough and phlegm but no throat complaints , I assume it's not there. Therefore, I think it's unlikely that you have the second . I suggest testing a chest x ray and sputum culture. I will need the reports of the tests as soon as possible. Meanwhile, start with following - 1. warm saline gargles 4 times a day, 2. steam inhalation 4 times a day, 3. multivitamins course once a day 4. paracetamol sos. 5. plenty of fluids. 6. will need antibiotics as per sputum culture report. I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information contained in this message will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem. Best of luck. Dr Mittal