Suggest Treatment For Mild Bronchitis And Whooping Cough

Posted on Mon, 11 May 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 11 May 2015 Answered on

Mon, 1 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi,
About 6 weeks ago, I caught a cold. It progressed to a cough and then 4 weeks ago, I had a whooping cough episode. I immediately went to my doctor and was diagnosed with a mild bronchitis. I started taking the antibiotic Z-pac for 5 days right away. Well, it's been 4 weeks since I had the whooping cough episode and I still have a bit of mucus and I feel like my cough is especially bad at night. I feel like I would have more whooping cough episodes, except when I feel like they are coming on, I breathe through my nose for a minute and it goes away.

Could you tell me how long whooping cough typically lasts in adults? Considering I started taking antibiotics right away, would that lessen the time I would have it? Like I said, it's been 4 weeks and I still have it. I'm taking cough syrup and inhalers to try to reduce the inflammation.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Whooping cough

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Whooping cough is typically known to have a very slow recovery from cough. It usually takes 8 to 12 weeks for it to get better.
Here is what you should do for a faster recovery

1. Steam inhalations three times a day
2. I would add an antihistaminic like levocetrzine or fexofenadine at night for symptomatic relief
3. avoid cold food and beverages until you are better
4. keep yourself warm at all times

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar