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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Could Raised Levels Of ESR Be The Cause Of Severe Cough?

hi, for a month or so now iv had severe cough and have been getting ear and throat infections over and over. Iv had a blood test which showed raised ESR levels which they want to repeat in two weeks. Over the last two weeks now iv felt like iv got a lump at the back of my mouth/top of my throat which is getting more and more painful eachday and i am finding that i can barley swollow, iv tried having soup and hot drinks but im lucky if i can swollow it. Im also getting sick alot. Im very concerned as im only 17 but have been smoking for six years, (have not smoked in three months though) and used to go through 40 a day.                                                                  
posted on Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Twitter Sun, 29 Apr 2018 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 4 May 2018 Last reviewed on
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Hello,

Since you were a heavy smoker and recently left smoking, we should definitely rule out lung diseases for your persistent cough. High ESR with a persistent cough is commonly seen in lung infection like pneumonia, tuberculosis or bronchitis.

So better to consult pulmonologist and get done a clinical examination of the respiratory system, chest x-ray and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). Chest x-ray is must for the diagnosis of lung infection. PFT is needed for the diagnosis of bronchitis. You may need antibiotics and inhaled treatment based on the diagnosis.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar
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Pulmonologist,  Dr. Drkaushal85's  Response
Hello,

You are having a chronic cough (a cough for more than 2 weeks). Since you are a heavy smoker and left recently, we should definitely rule out lung diseases (lung infection and bronchitis) for your symptoms. Raised ESR is seen in both of these conditions.

So better to consult pulmonologist and get done a clinical examination of the respiratory system, chest x-ray and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). A chest x-ray is needed to rule out lung infection. PFT is must for the diagnosis of bronchitis. You may need antibiotics, inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) based on the reports.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar
I find this answer helpful
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Could Raised Levels Of ESR Be The Cause Of Severe Cough?

Hello, Since you were a heavy smoker and recently left smoking, we should definitely rule out lung diseases for your persistent cough. High ESR with a persistent cough is commonly seen in lung infection like pneumonia, tuberculosis or bronchitis. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done a clinical examination of the respiratory system, chest x-ray and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). Chest x-ray is must for the diagnosis of lung infection. PFT is needed for the diagnosis of bronchitis. You may need antibiotics and inhaled treatment based on the diagnosis. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar