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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Chronic Cough?

My wife aged 72 has been coughing for many years and spitting out phlegm many times day and night. Antibiotic, anti-allergy medication over a period of 2 years did her no good. Before that she had two bone replacement surgeries. Before and after she was taking actonel, first, then onita, and lately drate one tab once a week to improve her osteoporosis. I personally suspect it is not ILD, though she had had HRCT and different tests and xrays. Her lower lung in a small portion is thickened, and her allergy has been determined. Recently, she has had sputum test Afb and culture sensitivity. AFB shows pus. What does that mean. and what dio you suggest?
Mon, 6 Apr 2015
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Read and understood your query about your wife who is 72 years.
HRCT is showing thickening of a small portion, AFB is showing pus, the coughing is gong on for 2 years.

AFB means Acid Fast Bacilli- these are found in tuberculosis. Since this is mentioning pus only, hence this is probable that tuberculosis may not bethe reason.
I would suggest the following in such a case:
-Take an opinion of another Pulmonologist, repeat AFB on three different occasions.
-Chest physiotherapy is very much important in such a case.
- Change of the place of residence may help to decide whether the atmospheric factors are playing the effects.
- Bronchoscopy is a good investigation in some patients in finding out the reason or such a chronic cough.

I hope the change in the direction of finding the reason and different approach of treatment can help her a lot.
I hope this answer helps her.
I find this answer helpful
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What Causes Chronic Cough?

Hi. Thanks for your query. Read and understood your query about your wife who is 72 years. HRCT is showing thickening of a small portion, AFB is showing pus, the coughing is gong on for 2 years. AFB means Acid Fast Bacilli- these are found in tuberculosis. Since this is mentioning pus only, hence this is probable that tuberculosis may not bethe reason. I would suggest the following in such a case: -Take an opinion of another Pulmonologist, repeat AFB on three different occasions. -Chest physiotherapy is very much important in such a case. - Change of the place of residence may help to decide whether the atmospheric factors are playing the effects. - Bronchoscopy is a good investigation in some patients in finding out the reason or such a chronic cough. I hope the change in the direction of finding the reason and different approach of treatment can help her a lot. I hope this answer helps her.