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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can chronic Cough Along With Congestion Be Treated?

I have a chronic cough, coughing up a foamy phlegm. My doctor says it's an allergy to grain dust and mold. I farm. I'm worried it could be a sign of cancer. I have never smoked or done drugs. I don't drink. I am overweight and 50. This has been coming and going for two years.
Fri, 24 Mar 2017
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Ayurveda Specialist,  's  Response
**
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health concern

1. It could be chronic cough due to occupational factor [Farmers Lung due to allergy to dust/mold] which nowadays is called hypersensitivity pneumonitis, but as the history is of 2 years I will definitely recommend you to go for chest X-ray to exclude causes like Asthma, Lung Ca, Bronchiectasis or any other parenchymal lung disease with test like lung function test, CT-chest, lung biopsy [if needed] and routine blood investigation(s)

2. Treating the underlying cause is the first management along with:
- avoidance of allergen
- avoiding exposure to irritants
- smoking cessation
- ideal weight management

PS. as you are overweight it could be due to an upper airway condition [obstructive sleep apnea]

3. If initial management is unsuccessful, referral to secondary care may be required [chest physician,ENT Specialist/Gastroenterologist]
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How Can chronic Cough Along With Congestion Be Treated?

** Thanks for contacting HCM with your health concern 1. It could be chronic cough due to occupational factor [Farmers Lung due to allergy to dust/mold] which nowadays is called hypersensitivity pneumonitis, but as the history is of 2 years I will definitely recommend you to go for chest X-ray to exclude causes like Asthma, Lung Ca, Bronchiectasis or any other parenchymal lung disease with test like lung function test, CT-chest, lung biopsy [if needed] and routine blood investigation(s) 2. Treating the underlying cause is the first management along with: - avoidance of allergen - avoiding exposure to irritants - smoking cessation - ideal weight management PS. as you are overweight it could be due to an upper airway condition [obstructive sleep apnea] 3. If initial management is unsuccessful, referral to secondary care may be required [chest physician,ENT Specialist/Gastroenterologist]