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Dry cough not going
I was having cough and cold after coming back from shillong it's cold out there I live in Kolkata since then cough started I took antibiotics but all went well but dry cough is not going at all it's been 2 weeks cold cough and dry count is still there no fever .
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Just do gargles with betadine mouth wash.
Drink warm fluids. Take syp Tus q dx 5m.l. every 8hours..
Get cbp and blood sugar done and share results.
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You:
• Travelled to Shillong (cold climate)
• Returned to Kolkata
• Developed cold + cough
• Took antibiotics
• Fever gone
• But dry cough persists for 2 weeks
This is most consistent with post-viral cough.
After a viral upper respiratory infection:
• Airways remain inflamed
• Cough receptors become hypersensitive
• Dry cough can persist 2–4 weeks
Antibiotics do not help in this stage because this is usually not bacterial.
Other possible contributors:
• Post-nasal drip
• Allergic bronchitis
• Mild airway hyperreactivity
• Pollution trigger (Kolkata air quality can worsen recovery)
No fever + no breathlessness + 2 weeks duration → usually not serious.
Next Steps
✔ 1. Check for These Symptoms
Do you have:
• Night cough?
• Cough triggered by talking/laughing?
• Throat tickling?
• Acid reflux?
• Wheezing?
If yes → may need inhaled bronchodilator or anti-allergic treatment.
⸻
✔ 2. Treatment Approach
Instead of antibiotics, discuss with doctor about:
• Anti-allergic (levocetirizine / fexofenadine)
• Cough suppressant for short term (if disturbing sleep)
• Inhaled bronchodilator (if airway hyperreactivity suspected)
• Steam inhalation
• Saline nasal spray
⸻
✔ 3. When to Investigate
Get Chest X-ray if:
• Cough >3 weeks
• Blood in sputum
• Weight loss
• Persistent wheezing
• Shortness of breath
At 2 weeks, usually observation + symptomatic care is reasonable.
Health Tips
✔ Avoid cold drinks
✔ Avoid dust exposure
✔ Use mask outdoors
✔ Stay hydrated
✔ Honey + warm water can soothe throat
✔ Avoid unnecessary repeat antibiotics
Most post-viral dry cough settles within 3–4 weeks.
If your cough continues beyond 3 weeks or interferes with sleep/work,
I recommend booking an online consultation so we can assess whether this is post-viral airway hypersensitivity or early allergic bronchitis and start the right targeted therapy instead of repeated antibiotics.
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Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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Use cough syp DM.
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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. Kamal Kumar
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rewari
After cold exposure and infection, it is common to have post-viral dry cough, which can last 2–3 weeks even after recovery. Since you have no fever and antibiotics already taken, this is most likely airway irritation or allergy-related cough.
What you can do:
• Steam inhalation 2–3 times daily
• Warm fluids, avoid cold drinks
• Anti-allergic tablet like Levocetirizine or Fexofenadine (night)
• Cough suppressant syrup containing Dextromethorphan if cough disturbing sleep
• If throat irritation present — lozenges or honey
When to check further:
• Cough >3 weeks
• Breathlessness or wheezing
• Chest pain
• Blood in sputum
Sometimes acid reflux or allergy also prolong cough, so treatment may need adjustment if not improving.
For proper medicine guidance and evaluation, text me on Practo.
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