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Continuous cough
I have been suffering from a continuous cough for the past 15 to 20 days. It doesn't stop and starts suddenly at any time. Which doctor should I consult: a Pulmonologist, a General Physician, or an ENT specialist?"
Answers (43)
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- A persistent cough for 15–20 days requires evaluation. Causes include post-infectious cough, asthma, allergies, respiratory infections and other pulmonary conditions.
Next Steps
-Consult a pulmonologist because of persistent cough.ENT evaluation may be needed if upper-airway symptoms are present.
-Avoid self-medication with antibiotics or cough suppressants.
Health Tips
-Avoid smoke, dust and other triggers; maintain adequate hydration.
-Seek urgent care for breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, low oxygen or high persistent fever.
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Kindly consult a pulmonologist
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Since you have had a continuous cough for 15–20 days, I recommend consulting a pulmonologist or a general physician for an initial evaluation. Depending on your symptoms and examination, investigations such as a chest X-ray, CBC, and sputum testing may be required to identify the cause. If you have fever, night sweats, weight loss, or blood in your sputum, please inform your doctor, as tuberculosis and other respiratory infections may need to be ruled out.
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe breathlessness, chest pain, bluish lips, confusion, or significant coughing of blood. Please do not self-medicate with antibiotics or cough suppressants without medical advice.
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Hello,
A persistent cough lasting 15â20 days should be medically evaluated, particularly if it occurs in sudden, uncontrollable episodes.
Possible causes include post-viral cough, allergies, asthma, postnasal drip, acid reflux (GERD), or respiratory infections.
Since your cough has persisted for nearly three weeks, infections such as tuberculosis should also be considered, especially if accompanied by fever, night sweats, or weight loss.
I recommend consulting a general physician first. A pulmonologist would be appropriate if the cough persists or a respiratory condition is suspected.
Next Steps
Visit a general physician within the next 1â2 days for a detailed respiratory examination. A chest X-ray and sputum testing for tuberculosis may be recommended based on your symptoms and examination. Pulmonary function testing (spirometry) may help identify asthma if suspected. Avoid dust, smoke, strong perfumes, and other triggers. Maintain adequate hydration.
Health Tips
Warm fluids and honey may provide temporary relief from coughing. Avoid taking antibiotics, steroids, or multiple cough medications without medical advice. Seek medical attention if you develop breathing difficulty, chest pain, coughing up blood, or persistent high fever. Most causes of prolonged cough are treatable once correctly identified. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
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I would first assess the chest followed by an x ray of the chest which might give some clue regarding your prolonged cough and it's a possibility of an allergic induce coughing
Next Steps
I would do a physical examination after that do a chest xray
Health Tips
try having some warm water with some honey which be able to help with the cough...but If you develop fever and shortness of breath do not delay on visiting a nearby hospital or an emergency department
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A cough lasting 15 to 20 days without fever is usually what's called a subacute cough, and the common causes are a lingering post viral cough, allergies, or reflux irritating your throat. It is not an emergency, but it has gone on long enough to need a proper look.
Next Steps
Start with a general physician rather than picking a specialist yourself. They can check for the common causes and order a chest X-ray if needed, then refer you to a pulmonologist or ENT only if something specific needs that expert's input.
Health Tips
See a doctor sooner if you develop fever, breathlessness, tightness in your chest, or notice blood when you cough.
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