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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Cough And Breathing Difficulty?

I’ve Had a loose, non-productive cough (occasionally clear phlegm) for a few weeks. Sometimes the cough causes me to have difficulty breathing (feels like a balloon is blocking wind pipe) and wheezing (no fever, no sinus congestion). Is there something over-the-counter I can take? I previously took an expectorant cough medicine during day and NyQuil at night at the beginning of symptoms which helped, but haven’t taken anything for more than a week. Or if I have to go to a dr, is it best to go to specialist or gp? I hate to waste money to go to dr if he can only listen to chest and then only sends me to specialist; but then I think a specialist probably charges more off the bat. I don’t have good insurance and have to always pay due to high deductible, so trying to move minimize costs.
Mon, 21 May 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

I have read your question and I can understand your concern, what is important to say is that once the cough is this prolonged and is sometimes associated with breathing difficulty, than its not wise at all to try over the counter any more so you should understand to see a doctor now. I would like you to see a GP first as the issue does not look to be a very complex, it may be some infection or bronchitis or the much would be if it can be asthma. Whatever is this I understand your GP can well help you and this would also save a lot of your money.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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What Causes Cough And Breathing Difficulty?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. I have read your question and I can understand your concern, what is important to say is that once the cough is this prolonged and is sometimes associated with breathing difficulty, than its not wise at all to try over the counter any more so you should understand to see a doctor now. I would like you to see a GP first as the issue does not look to be a very complex, it may be some infection or bronchitis or the much would be if it can be asthma. Whatever is this I understand your GP can well help you and this would also save a lot of your money. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.