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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should A CT Scan Be Done For Persistent Dry Cough?

I am a 32 y/o non-smoker who has a persistent dry cough - from the chest- for 4 months after having the flu. I tried antibiotics, steroids and Asmanex HFA inhaler. My chest and sinus X-ray images are clear. Will CT scan to detect a possible cancer be a good idea now? If not, what are the possible diagnosis?
Mon, 23 Jul 2018
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Yes, CT thorax should be done for chronic persistent cough. Possibility of cancer is very less at your age of 32 years. But CT can identify mediastinal Lymphadenopathy, small infective foci as a cause for your cough. If CT is normal then get done PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) to rule out bronchitis. Bronchitis is common after viral upper respiratory tract infection like flu. PFT will not only diagnose bronchitis but it will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only. You will mostly improve with long acting inhaled bronchodilators (formoterol or salmeterol) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (budesonide or fluticasone). Don't worry, you will be alright with all these.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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Should A CT Scan Be Done For Persistent Dry Cough?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Yes, CT thorax should be done for chronic persistent cough. Possibility of cancer is very less at your age of 32 years. But CT can identify mediastinal Lymphadenopathy, small infective foci as a cause for your cough. If CT is normal then get done PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) to rule out bronchitis. Bronchitis is common after viral upper respiratory tract infection like flu. PFT will not only diagnose bronchitis but it will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only. You will mostly improve with long acting inhaled bronchodilators (formoterol or salmeterol) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (budesonide or fluticasone). Don t worry, you will be alright with all these. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.