What Causes Persistent Cough?

Posted on Fri, 23 Jun 2017

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

Fri, 23 Jun 2017 Answered on

Fri, 14 Jul 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Constant feeling like i need to cough something up from my chest. Nothing comes, what could this be caused by?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need more info

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Kindly answer the following to comment further and advise accordingly

Do you have any chest pain or shortness of breath associated with this
For how long has this feeling persisted
What medications are you currently taking, if any.
Do you have any respiratory tract disease history such as asthma or COPD

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (4 minutes later)

I have no trouble breathing or swallowing, no medical history of anything. I do suffer with anxiety and take xanax as needed. Im not feeling any pain either

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

Based on your description and history given, its most likely thickened phlegm that needs to be expectorated out. It can get clogged and present with a feeling of incomplete expectoration.

Mucolytics that thin out the mucus such as n acetylcystein and guafecine in combination with piriton expectorant will help in clearing out the airways and eliminating this feeling.

If the problem persists despite using the above then a chest x ray and pulmonary function tests can be advised after clinical examination.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

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