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What Causes Dry Cough After Smoking?
Question: Hi. A slightly strange question but just over a week ago I was on holiday for a few days and smoked quite a number of cigarettes alongside the alcohol consumed. Since then I have experienced a sporadic dry cough accompanied by a slight tightening of the chest. Originally I was coughing fairly regularly but a week on and it has almost totally subsided. The one strange fact however is that when I drink alcohol I tend to get phlegm on the chest or in the throat at times making me almost cough up phlegm/mucus? I would appreciate your advice on what these symptoms may be. Thank You
Brief Answer:
Smoking is the likely cause
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Sir
Excessive smoking affects the ciliary action of respiratory tract ( main function of cilia is to expel out the thickened secretion ) . This leads to pent up secretion in the respiratory tract , excessive consumption of alcohol leads to dehydration due to diuretic action of alcohol which further worsens the condition.
I would suggest you the following
1. Ensure Good intake of water and fluids
2. If possible completely avoid smoking and drinking
3. Warm Saline Gargling: To a glass of lukewarm water add 2 spoons of salt and gargle the throat thrice a day. it will help in reducing the congestion of throat and liquify the secretion
4. Sipping honey : sipping 1-2 spoons of honey will be helpful
5. Expectorant/Mucolytic Cough syrup will be helpful
DO get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you
Take Care
Best regards
Dr Shobha Deepak
Smoking is the likely cause
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Sir
Excessive smoking affects the ciliary action of respiratory tract ( main function of cilia is to expel out the thickened secretion ) . This leads to pent up secretion in the respiratory tract , excessive consumption of alcohol leads to dehydration due to diuretic action of alcohol which further worsens the condition.
I would suggest you the following
1. Ensure Good intake of water and fluids
2. If possible completely avoid smoking and drinking
3. Warm Saline Gargling: To a glass of lukewarm water add 2 spoons of salt and gargle the throat thrice a day. it will help in reducing the congestion of throat and liquify the secretion
4. Sipping honey : sipping 1-2 spoons of honey will be helpful
5. Expectorant/Mucolytic Cough syrup will be helpful
DO get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you
Take Care
Best regards
Dr Shobha Deepak
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