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What Causes Persistent Cough And Wheezing Despite Taking Medication?
I had a bad cough and wheezing more than 10 days ago. I was prescribed prednisone for five days and doxycycline for 10 days. Tomorrow is day number 10 on the medication and I am still coughing. I have had to use my inhaler everyday as well. Do I now go back to the doctor or buy an over the counter cough medicine.? or just wait it out?
posted on
Tue, 15 Nov 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 19 Jan 2019
Answered on
Tue, 22 Jan 2019
Last reviewed on
Hello,
Cough medications are not found to have a major effect on the cough. It is important to first rule out pneumonia, lung infection as the cause of the cough. In your case because you got doxycycline which is a very good antibiotic for pneumonia very likely you are safe. Cough from pneumonia can last for few more weeks after the end of the antibiotics because after the infection is healed the lungs need to heal and recover from the damage the infection caused.
I would recommend you to drink plenty of fluids, eat well and rest and if you notice no improvement in a week or earlier if you notice any worsening to go and see your doctor.
I hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
Cough medications are not found to have a major effect on the cough. It is important to first rule out pneumonia, lung infection as the cause of the cough. In your case because you got doxycycline which is a very good antibiotic for pneumonia very likely you are safe. Cough from pneumonia can last for few more weeks after the end of the antibiotics because after the infection is healed the lungs need to heal and recover from the damage the infection caused.
I would recommend you to drink plenty of fluids, eat well and rest and if you notice no improvement in a week or earlier if you notice any worsening to go and see your doctor.
I hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
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