Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Persistent Dry Cough, Gurgling Noise While Exhaling And Fatigue?
Hi. I ve had a dry cough and gurgling noises when I exhale since April. About a month ago I had a very noticeable reduction in my stamina, becoming short of breath just walking up a flight of stairs. Soon after I lost my stamina, I had pneumonia, which was treated with antibiotics. I ve been free of pneumonia for a couple of weeks, but my old symptoms still exist, and this past week I ve coughed up white foamy phlegm a couple of times, the first time my cough has been productive since symptoms began in April. My doctor doesn t really know what my problem is, and I hesitate to go to a specialist because my insurance won t cover it.
posted on
Tue, 11 Oct 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 13 Apr 2019
Answered on
Wed, 17 Apr 2019
Last reviewed on
Hi,
As you have started having a productive cough, I suggest you get phlegm culture to know if any infectious pathology still exists. Also, a radiological examination (X-ray) of the chest is needed. Meanwhile, you start steam inhalation to get temporary relief. Proper diagnosis and treatment are possible only after the above-mentioned investigations. Direct physical examination (of the chest) is also crucial.
Kindly consult your healthcare provider with a report of the investigations and if the diagnosis yet remains unclear, I strongly recommend you to consult the specialist.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Maninder, General & Family Physician
As you have started having a productive cough, I suggest you get phlegm culture to know if any infectious pathology still exists. Also, a radiological examination (X-ray) of the chest is needed. Meanwhile, you start steam inhalation to get temporary relief. Proper diagnosis and treatment are possible only after the above-mentioned investigations. Direct physical examination (of the chest) is also crucial.
Kindly consult your healthcare provider with a report of the investigations and if the diagnosis yet remains unclear, I strongly recommend you to consult the specialist.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Maninder, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....