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
Persistent Cough, Swallowing Sound After Coughing, Sounding Like Choking. Smoker, On BP Tablets. History Of Cancer In Family. Suggest
My work mate has a persistent cough for more than six months, the cough is loose and sound she is swallowing something after coughing, this goes on all day with no let up, she cannot go half hour without coughing. Its persistent short coughing and some time it sounds like she is choking and she will then have a sweet to ease it.
She has smoked all her life drinks, she said its her blood pressure tablets, its seems more that that to me.
She said that she has been to doctor, but she lies because she is afraid, both her parents died of cancer.
She is 55 years old.
She has smoked all her life drinks, she said its her blood pressure tablets, its seems more that that to me.
She said that she has been to doctor, but she lies because she is afraid, both her parents died of cancer.
She is 55 years old.
posted on
Sat, 7 Sep 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 7 Sep 2013
Answered on
Tue, 24 Sep 2013
Last reviewed on
Hi!
welcome to HCM!
A persistent cough doesn’t necessarily mean you need to be worried about lung cancer. There are many possible causes of this symptom, only one of which is lung cancer.
But since the less common causes are often missed for some time, it is important to make an appointment to see a doctor .You can tell your work mate that she should not worry about cancer because there are more chances of infection and allergy rather than cancer even in smokers.
Allergy,asthma,tuberculosis.COPD are some of the possibilities but she must visit a chest specialist and get herself examined and tested.
i hope this will help!
welcome to HCM!
A persistent cough doesn’t necessarily mean you need to be worried about lung cancer. There are many possible causes of this symptom, only one of which is lung cancer.
But since the less common causes are often missed for some time, it is important to make an appointment to see a doctor .You can tell your work mate that she should not worry about cancer because there are more chances of infection and allergy rather than cancer even in smokers.
Allergy,asthma,tuberculosis.COPD are some of the possibilities but she must visit a chest specialist and get herself examined and tested.
i hope this will help!
I find this answer helpful
Hi!
COPD is more likely, does she have other symptoms like shortness of breath (feeling like not getting enough air) or chest pain? It's hard to know because she has a smoking history.
So you need to convince her to make a full investigation on what it can be. What is she afraid about? Is it treatment, a diagnosis? Talk with her about these.
There isn't a guarantee however that it is COPD or other lung related issues caused by smoking, you need to tell her lung cancer is possible and that she can receive proper treatment if found in early stages.
COPD is more likely, does she have other symptoms like shortness of breath (feeling like not getting enough air) or chest pain? It's hard to know because she has a smoking history.
So you need to convince her to make a full investigation on what it can be. What is she afraid about? Is it treatment, a diagnosis? Talk with her about these.
There isn't a guarantee however that it is COPD or other lung related issues caused by smoking, you need to tell her lung cancer is possible and that she can receive proper treatment if found in early stages.
I find this answer helpful
I would suggest CT chest for your workmate as it is persistent cough for more than 6 months.
As she has history of smoking and family history of cancer lung cancer can be a possibility.
If her cough is associated with bleeding then it is very suspectful of lung cancer.
My suggestions is
Syr Corex 2 tsf TDSx7 days
CT chest with contrast
Regards and take care
As she has history of smoking and family history of cancer lung cancer can be a possibility.
If her cough is associated with bleeding then it is very suspectful of lung cancer.
My suggestions is
Syr Corex 2 tsf TDSx7 days
CT chest with contrast
Regards and take care
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 Chest pain
Loading Online Doctors....