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What Causes Smoker's Cough In A Non-smoker?
I have been taking Nortriptyline for almost a year now, and in that time I have developed what I call "smokers cough". This cough lasts from 4 hours constantly and then will let up but leaves me weak. I have never ever smoked but was around a lot of second hand smoke. I do also have COPD. Now my regular doctor wants me to see a lung specialist as he is not for certain what is going on with the lungs, but this is the only medication that has been added to my list of meds. Could this be a cause?
Thu, 22 Mar 2018
Hello,
No, I don't think your cough is due to Nortriptyline. Second-hand smoke is also a leading cause for COPD. And it is the likely cause for your smoker's cough. So better to consult a pulmonologist, and get done a clinical examination of the respiratory system, and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). PFT will tell you about the severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only.
You will need inhaled bronchodilators (formoterol or salmeterol) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (budesonide or fluticasone). Once your COPD is controlled, your cough will also subside. 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.
Regards,
Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar
No, I don't think your cough is due to Nortriptyline. Second-hand smoke is also a leading cause for COPD. And it is the likely cause for your smoker's cough. So better to consult a pulmonologist, and get done a clinical examination of the respiratory system, and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). PFT will tell you about the severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only.
You will need inhaled bronchodilators (formoterol or salmeterol) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (budesonide or fluticasone). Once your COPD is controlled, your cough will also subside. 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.
Regards,
Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar
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