What Causes Persistent Cough?

Posted on Sun, 25 Jan 2015

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

Sun, 25 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Team,

I have cough from last month and half it slows down and comes back again tried consultation and was prescribed cough syrup which slows the period of cough but doesn't eridicate it completly.

please advise how to get rid of it.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need some more details

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

I would like to know some more details on your condition to understand better and advice you specifically.

Is the cough productive with sputum ? Is yes, what is the color of the sputum ?
Do you have fever ?
Did you take any antibiotics for the cough ?
Please mention the name of the cough syrup you are taking ?

Waiting for your response,

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (7 hours later)

Hi Dr,

Thank you fpr your response,

Please find answers below
Yes cough is with sputum color is white during the day when its normal cough when I have excessive I can see some orange/red spots along with white ones thats just once or twice in a day.
I dont have fever initial stage when it started I had fever not anymore.

Yes, I have taken antibiotics as well, cough syrup I have used is Ascoril.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Expectorant is needed

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Sorry for the delay in my response.

Thanks for the information.

Ascoril does not show good response when cough is with sputum. You may have to take an expectorant like AMBROLITE S thrice daily 10ml after food.

Also, you may have to start a course of antibiotics like Cefpodoxime or Cefixime. Please do consult your treating doctor to get a prescription for the same.

If the cough do not come down even with the second antibiotics then there is need for sputum microscopic examination.

Hope, I answered your query.

Wish you good health.

Regards,

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (8 hours later)

Thank you doctor,
Another thing which is bugging me is blood spots when I get excessive cough any idea why that would come is that something I need to worry about or that can happen?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Needs testing after antibiotics

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

It could be a matter of concern if the cough does not subside after a course of antibiotics which I mentioned above.

Do take the antibiotics, if cough still persisting you may need to test the sputum
for infections like other resistant bacteria or tuberculosis.

regards,

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (4 minutes later)

Thank you Dr for such a prompt response,
Do we have any other symptoms for TB etc and is this communicable as I have a small kid so I can atleast take some measures until i am back to normal ?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (42 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No clear evidence of TB

Detailed Answer:
Apologies for the late reply yet again.

As such I don’t see symptoms of TB yet. However if cough persists for more than 3 months, TB is one thing that should be seriously considered and excluded. But do not be worried, most likely this should resolve soon.

Infective cough are easily communicable to others. So do maintain good personal hygenie. It makes sense to cover your mouth while coughing.

Hope I am clear.

Regards

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