What Causes Cough, Tightness In Throat And Sore Throat?

Posted on Thu, 24 Apr 2014

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

Thu, 24 Apr 2014 Answered on

Tue, 13 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : For months now I have had a cough that goes on an off (usually worse at night). I gave no trouble breathing, but a tightness in my throat. I constantly feel like I gave to clear my throat and sometimes I have a sore throat just on the left side. I was told it was a post viral cough and that it would go away but it hasn't and was then given an inhaler which also hasn't helped. Super frustrated because nobody knows what it could be......

Answered by Dr. Deepashree (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: hi madam, alergic bronchitis. Detailed Answer: Hi, Cough for more than a month needs to be evaluated. And when it's productive cough more in night with no difficulty in breathing, it looks more like bronchitis to me. If a patient with this history comes to my clinic I would ask for blood test, chest x ray, spirometry to rule out lung function. Empirically I would start on antihistamine (loratadine )with mucolytic (ambroxol.) + expectorant syrup. In addition short course of oral steroids such as Deflazacort twice daily for a week is also advisable. You will need to user a proton pump inhibitor like pantaprazole along with it. I feel your condition can be managed. I urge you to visit an ENT surgeon and discuss about the described steps. Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad