Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Have Coughing Spasms. Diagnosed With Bronchitis And Was Prescribed Z-pack And Inhaler. What To Do?
My husband has bronchitis and was prescribed a z-pack and an inhaler on Thursday. He is seeing some improvement but is still having coughing spasms. Should I take him back to urgent care or wait it out? He was also given a script for prednisone should we fill it and have him take it for some relief? He is a teacher and must got back to work Monday.
Wed, 8 May 2013
Hi
Thanks for visiting HCM,
Acute bronchitis is mostly viral in origin leading to exposed nerve endings which causes heightened airway re-activity ultimately leading to cough and wheeze. This may persist even after the actual infection ceases.
Z pack and inhaler helps in symptomatic improvement and prednisolone actually decreases the ongoing inflammation. It can be taken as short course of 10-14 days without tapering.
Both the medication you have been prescribed are rational and so is the short course of prednisolone. ask your doctor regarding the same. You may need inhaler for longer period...say 2-3 months...but don't be scared it contain doses in micrograms, that is too low to cause severe side effects...
Best wishes
Thanks for visiting HCM,
Acute bronchitis is mostly viral in origin leading to exposed nerve endings which causes heightened airway re-activity ultimately leading to cough and wheeze. This may persist even after the actual infection ceases.
Z pack and inhaler helps in symptomatic improvement and prednisolone actually decreases the ongoing inflammation. It can be taken as short course of 10-14 days without tapering.
Both the medication you have been prescribed are rational and so is the short course of prednisolone. ask your doctor regarding the same. You may need inhaler for longer period...say 2-3 months...but don't be scared it contain doses in micrograms, that is too low to cause severe side effects...
Best wishes
I find this answer helpful
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
The presence of the persistent cough may indicate that the airway is still inflammed. The use of the short course of prednisolone would be helpful because it would reduce the inflammation, he should take these in the morning on a full stomach.
IN addition to the prednisolone he may need a short course of a bronchodilator (medication that reopens the airway). Often some of the coughing is due to airway closure.This can be in an oral form or as an inhalor.
He should consider speaking to his doctor to find out whether he or she believes one would help him.
I hope this helps
The presence of the persistent cough may indicate that the airway is still inflammed. The use of the short course of prednisolone would be helpful because it would reduce the inflammation, he should take these in the morning on a full stomach.
IN addition to the prednisolone he may need a short course of a bronchodilator (medication that reopens the airway). Often some of the coughing is due to airway closure.This can be in an oral form or as an inhalor.
He should consider speaking to his doctor to find out whether he or she believes one would help him.
I hope this helps
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Persistant cough
Loading Online Doctors....