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

question-icon

My Husband, For Years Now Has This Embarrassing, Hacking, Sputum

default
Posted on Tue, 26 Feb 2019
Question: my husband, for years now has this embarrassing, hacking, sputum producing cough. People are discusted when they hear him. He has post nasal drip but I believe he has something else going on---allergies (to everything) as this is a daily thing
default
Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (4 minutes later)
please understand I am not applying for a monthly service. This is a one time purchase.
thank you.
Suzanne nardella
401-578-6234
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (44 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
allergies - the most common reason for persistent post nasal drip and cough

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is definitely possible that allergies are contributing to his symptoms since allergies are the most common reason for post nasal drip.

It can be an allergy to food, drink, medication, environmental (pollen, animal dander, odours), chemicals.
If possible, an allergy test (either blood or skin), would be best to find the exact allergen.

Infection is not likely since the cough has been ongoing for years.

Treatment of post nasal drip includes: (1) reducing exposure to the cause if possible- I had one patient whose allergy tests showed that she was allergic to bananas, this was the cause of her drip

(2)use of an anti histamine/decongestant combination even if there is no nasal congestion
This combination of medication helps to reduce the post nasal secretions
Eg zyrtec, d, claritine d, allegra d, benadryl d

(3)a topical steroid nasal spray is sometimes also prescribed eg nasonex, nasocort, rhinocort, flonase

(4)medications such as singulair or ketotifen which work along a different pathway than anti histamines, are sometimes also prescribed along with the antihistamines/decongestant

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 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
My Husband, For Years Now Has This Embarrassing, Hacking, Sputum

please understand I am not applying for a monthly service. This is a one time purchase. thank you. Suzanne nardella 401-578-6234