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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Persistent Productive Cough?

I am a 53 year old female. I have had a cough....sometimes dry, but mostly productive....for going on 9 weeks. Wheezing often accompanies the cough and seems to be worse upon inhaling. I have been to the doctor 3 times during this period. I have had 3 rounds of antibiotics (Ceftin, Amoxicillin, and Levoquin), a cortisone shot and 5 days of oral prednisone. I was given an x-ray, as pneumonia was suspected, but it came back negative. I was also give an inhaler. I will occasionally have a day when the cough/wheezing seem to be much better, but then it just comes back the next day. I am going to make an appointment with a pulmonary specialist, per the recommendation of my doctor. However, I m just at a point where I m confused as to what s going on and what the possible problem could be. I m actually getting very worried.....and obviously, tired of coughing!! Any insight at all?
posted on Tue, 17 Feb 2015
Twitter Sun, 19 Jul 2015 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 20 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello
As you mentioned that you are having cough ( dry as well productive ) took antibiotics as well inhalers . Cough is accompanied with wheeze .
In my opinion such type of cough may be due to these possibilities , these include :
1 Asthmatic allergic bronchitis , when such patient visit my clinic I only prescribe them to take montelukast+ bambuterol , one tablet once in the night , but some times twice in a day .Along also take codeine+ chlorampheniramine maleate syrup ( codeine is habit forming ,so be aware).
Since this is a prescription drugs so please consult your doctor .
2 Tuberculosis , diagnosis can be confirmed by X -Ray chest as well sputum examination for a AFB and blood examination for ESR , CBC and Mountox's test.
3 Bronchiectasis , diagnosis can be confirmed by sputum for pathogens and X ray chest.
However there are so many other reasons of such cough like lung abscess etc.
So deal as mentioned above .
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What Causes Persistent Productive Cough?

Hello As you mentioned that you are having cough ( dry as well productive ) took antibiotics as well inhalers . Cough is accompanied with wheeze . In my opinion such type of cough may be due to these possibilities , these include : 1 Asthmatic allergic bronchitis , when such patient visit my clinic I only prescribe them to take montelukast+ bambuterol , one tablet once in the night , but some times twice in a day .Along also take codeine+ chlorampheniramine maleate syrup ( codeine is habit forming ,so be aware). Since this is a prescription drugs so please consult your doctor . 2 Tuberculosis , diagnosis can be confirmed by X -Ray chest as well sputum examination for a AFB and blood examination for ESR , CBC and Mountox s test. 3 Bronchiectasis , diagnosis can be confirmed by sputum for pathogens and X ray chest. However there are so many other reasons of such cough like lung abscess etc. So deal as mentioned above .