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Cough and cold
Have cough more than three weeks. Not subsiding even after taking tablets. Any suggestion for cure?
Answers (25)
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Dr. Archita Somani
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Ayurvedic Endocrinologist & Internal Medicine Specialist
1 yrs exp
Bhilwara
Chest cXray to be done to evaluate the cause
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Get tested
Consult online for proper evaluation and treatment options
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Any symptoms of fever or weight loss??
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Need a thorough investigation
Next Steps
Please consult
Health Tips
3 week of cough and cold cannot be ignored and has to be diagnosed by a doctor
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Cough for more than two weeks( in your case 3 weeks ) warrants a detailed examination and understanding.
Is your cough wet or dry ?
Did you had fever in last week ?
Do you have GERD ?
And a lot more questions need to be answered before a curated management can be made
Next Steps
Depends upon your type of cough ??
Health Tips
Avoid allergens( Pollens, dust,Cold air etc ) as of now as I don't know your full history.
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Do x -ray 1st , 90% chances are lower respiratory tract infection possibility,
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Is it associated with fever or weight loss?
Can be allergic or infections , can be due to GERD/Gastritis or sinusitis
Avoid dust/pollution. Wear mark while going out.
If having symptoms of gastritis (regurgitation, bloating ) - take PAND Once daily before breakfast for 15 days.
Do warm saline gargle and steam inhalation 2-3 times a day.
For symptomatic management take BILASTIN M Once daily empty stomach at evening for 10 days.
If still not reducing , need to do an CXR-PA view, CRP,ESR, sputum culture and gram stain, XRay PNS to rule out any chronic pathology.
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Need some more details kindly consult
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Long duration cough needs thorough assessment. Dont take it lightly.
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Hrct chest advisable
Steam inhalation with Vicks or eucalyptus oil.
2 times before meals.
Tab cefexim o200 two times after food for five days. Zerodol sp three times a day after food for five days.
Montek lc one at night for five days.
Ambrodil s syr5 ml twice n 10ml at night.
Duoline n budecort respule two times for nebulization.
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Hello. I have reviewed your concern regarding your persistent cough.
A cough that lasts for more than three weeks and does not respond to standard over-the-counter medications is something that needs formal evaluation. It is important to identify the underlying cause rather than simply trying different syrups or tablets.
To help me diagnose this accurately, please consider the following next steps:
1. Essential Investigations
I recommend the following baseline tests to rule out chronic infections or respiratory issues:
Chest X-Ray (PA View): To look for any signs of infection, congestion, or other lung involvement.
Sputum Examination: To check for specific bacteria, particularly if you are coughing up phlegm.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for elevated white blood cell counts, which can indicate an ongoing infection.
2. Clinical Clarifications
Please monitor and share if you experience any of the following:
Fever or Night Sweats: Have you noticed any increase in body temperature, especially in the evening?
Weight Loss: Any unintentional loss of weight recently?
Sputum Characteristics: Is the cough dry, or do you produce phlegm? If so, what is the color (clear, yellow, or blood-stained)?
Triggers: Does the cough get worse at night or after physical activity?
3. Immediate Advice
Hydration: Drink plenty of warm fluids to help soothe the throat.
Avoid Self-Medication: Avoid taking further antibiotics without a doctor's prescription, as improper use can make future treatments less effective.
Next Steps:
Please get a Chest X-ray and a basic blood report (CBC) done. Once you upload the reports, we can determine if this is a case of post-nasal drip, chronic bronchitis, or if more specific treatment for conditions like Tuberculosis (TB) is required.
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A cough lasting more than three weeks that doesn't respond to routine antibiotics or cough syrups is a clinical red flag. In India, any persistent cough of this duration must be evaluated to rule out Tuberculosis (TB), chronic bronchitis, or post-nasal drip. Since initial tablets haven't worked, we need to move beyond symptomatic treatment and look for the underlying cause through proper diagnostic investigations."
Next Steps
"I recommend the following baseline investigations immediately:
Sputum for AFB/CBNAAT: To rule out any infectious cause.
Chest X-Ray (PA View): To check for any lung involvement or patches.
CBC with ESR: To check for systemic infection or inflammation levels."
Health Tips
Until the reports are back, continue warm saline gargles and steam inhalation twice a day. Avoid cold drinks, oily food, and exposure to dust or smoke. If you experience night sweats, weight loss, or evening rise of temperature, please consult a specialist immediately. You can share your X-ray and blood reports here for a detailed review and a specific prescription."
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Do nebulization
Next Steps
Do routine investigations
Health Tips
You can consult me directly
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C,xray and steam inhalation. Cough is dry or weight??
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Cough lasting more than 3 weeks needs proper evaluation and should not be ignored.
I would suggest getting some basic tests like chest X-ray, CBC, and sputum examination to find the cause.
Once we know the reason, treatment can be targeted and more effective.
You can get the tests done and then book a consultation with me I’ll review the reports and guide you further.
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Need few more details for proper understanding of your issue.
You can consult with me online on Practo or whatsapp on eight three one eight four six nine eight eight six for proper diagnosis, conclusion and management
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Get cbp with esr, x ray chest, sputum, T.b. gold test ,done.Please share results, along with detailed history, your treatment history, then I can help you.
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A cough persisting for more than 3 weeks needs proper evaluation, as common causes include **post-viral cough, allergy/post-nasal drip, acid reflux, asthma/bronchitis, or less commonly infections such as tuberculosis**, especially if associated with fever, weight loss, or phlegm.
Please consult a physician/pulmonologist for **clinical examination and a chest X-ray**. If there is wheezing, breathing difficulty, or night-time cough, tests such as **spirometry** may also be required.
Meanwhile:
* take warm fluids and steam inhalation
* avoid smoking / dust exposure
* use an anti-allergic tablet if associated with sneezing or throat irritation
* avoid cold drinks
If you have **fever, blood in sputum, weight loss, chest pain, or breathlessness**, please consult .
Next Steps
Consult me anytime if the above mentioned problems aren't working out.
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Get CBC blood test done and IGE antibodies. Share the reports then only will be able to advise
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Dr. Chaithra H
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Urti
Steam inhalation
Salt water gargling
Rest for 3 days
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Dr. Gaurav Jaiswal
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhansi
Kindly do connect and consult
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Dr. Ravi Kumar Nadella
General Physician
18 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Bland diet helps
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Sasikumar M
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Tirunelveli
You need to be evaluated for the cause of the cough and go through some necessary test and xray and if needed ct scan for necessary treatment
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.