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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Chronic Cough?

3 weeks ago had a quite bad chest cold. lasted 6 days/ was at home, rested, slept last 2 days- was much improved. Went back to work as normal. Following the illness- a cough, with mucous/ spitting it out - once/twice per hour. After 2 more weeks of same; went to med clinic, got Zpack, have taken for 5 days to this point. Mucous is reduced to small amount, not gone. Cough is not much different, although drier. Appetite/ energy are better, almost normal. CONCERN: tomorrow is last day of Zpack medication. I am still coughing, still spitting up mucous and it doesn t seem that this should still be the case. Med history: No chronic respiratory conditions, not allergic to plants, no history of hospitalization for any condition, other than a hernia [same day procedure], and broken nose, broken hand, fingers, broken toe, arthritic right knee / all from HS and College varsity sports. Present age 63. Wt. 187, hght: 6ft. blood pressure 110/70. Thats
Fri, 7 Jul 2017
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Cough can sometimes persist up to 6 weeks after the initial infection, this is called post viral cough.
The exact cause is not known , this makes treatment unclear unfortunately.

Treatment can consist of : (1) the short term use of oral steroids for 3 to 5 days to reduce any inflammation of the chest

(2)temporary use of salbutamol or similar medication to help open the airways. Closure of the airways can cause coughing

(3)an anti histamine/decongestant combination may be helpful because the dripping of mucus can sometimes contribute to cough. The drip can sometimes be detected

I hope this helps
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What Causes Chronic Cough?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Cough can sometimes persist up to 6 weeks after the initial infection, this is called post viral cough. The exact cause is not known , this makes treatment unclear unfortunately. Treatment can consist of : (1) the short term use of oral steroids for 3 to 5 days to reduce any inflammation of the chest (2)temporary use of salbutamol or similar medication to help open the airways. Closure of the airways can cause coughing (3)an anti histamine/decongestant combination may be helpful because the dripping of mucus can sometimes contribute to cough. The drip can sometimes be detected I hope this helps