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What Does Constant Phlgem And Chronic Cough Suggest?
Question: My father is having constant phlgem. In the beginning of the day, he doesn't have much, but as the day progresses, it increases. He went to an ENT in XXXXXXX The ENT prescribed nose drops, (they may have been a mild antibiotic) which agitated his throat and made it sore. So he didn't use the drops. He later went back to the ENT weeks later and the ENT would not give him a antibiotic, but wanted to further prescribe another nose spray. My father would not take the prescription and now we are back to square one. He is having progressive phlegm, progressing as the day goes on and which is agitated by talking alot during the day. He is clearing his throat more as the day goes on. Any ideas or thoughts? I am wanting him to go for a second opinion, but getting him there...is another thing.
Brief Answer:
Some things you can start
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal
I have read your query.
First, start him on Tab Pantoprazole 40 mg once a day.
Often this type of chronic cough is due to undetected gastritis.
If he has no nasal congestion, it is unlikely that the nasal drops would help him.
Instead, start him on warm saline gargles and steam inhalation 4 times a day or more.
A prolonged cough should ideally be investigated with a x ray chest as well.
So I suggest the same.
If there is additional breathlessness and fever, better to get a echocardiography as well.
If you want to meet another doctor, I would suggest a physician instead of a ENT specialist.
I hope that helps.
Feel free to contact us for more information.
Best of luck.
Dr Mittal
Some things you can start
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal
I have read your query.
First, start him on Tab Pantoprazole 40 mg once a day.
Often this type of chronic cough is due to undetected gastritis.
If he has no nasal congestion, it is unlikely that the nasal drops would help him.
Instead, start him on warm saline gargles and steam inhalation 4 times a day or more.
A prolonged cough should ideally be investigated with a x ray chest as well.
So I suggest the same.
If there is additional breathlessness and fever, better to get a echocardiography as well.
If you want to meet another doctor, I would suggest a physician instead of a ENT specialist.
I hope that helps.
Feel free to contact us for more information.
Best of luck.
Dr Mittal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
My followup question is:
He doesn't really cough that much. He clears his throat repeatedly through the day, as it progresses through the day. He is trying to get the phlegm removed. So it is not really a cough per say. Just wanted to clarify that. And in the morning, he doesn't really have much phlegm. There is no fever, no feeling bad, no limited energy; things you would experience with a virus or something.
He doesn't really cough that much. He clears his throat repeatedly through the day, as it progresses through the day. He is trying to get the phlegm removed. So it is not really a cough per say. Just wanted to clarify that. And in the morning, he doesn't really have much phlegm. There is no fever, no feeling bad, no limited energy; things you would experience with a virus or something.
Brief Answer:
2 additons
Detailed Answer:
I have read your response.
Thanks for the same.
I can only suggest 2 additional thing to it-
1. use of a spirometer
2. testing a PFT
I will suggest you follow on the prior advice.
Best of luck.
Dr Mittal
2 additons
Detailed Answer:
I have read your response.
Thanks for the same.
I can only suggest 2 additional thing to it-
1. use of a spirometer
2. testing a PFT
I will suggest you follow on the prior advice.
Best of luck.
Dr Mittal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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